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PM REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DEEPENING HISTORIC AND FRATERNAL TIES WITH TURKMENISTAN Friday, 12 December, 2025 | 20 Jamadiul Sani, 1447
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PREMIER ARRIVES IN ASHGABAT ON TWO-DAY VISIT, CONVEYS READINESS TO ELEVATE BILATERAL PARTNERSHIP
MEETS TURKMEN PRESIDENT SERDAR BERDIMUHAMEDOV, CONGRATULATES HIM ON 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF TURKMENISTAN’S PERMANENT NEUTRALITY
SAYS PAKISTAN VALUES ITS LONGSTANDING TIES WITH TURKMENISTAN, WISHING TO FURTHER CONSOLIDATE COOPERATION, ESPECIALLY IN TRADE AND ECONOMIC SECTORS
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UNDERSCORES PAKISTAN’S INTEREST IN ENHANCING REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY WITH TURKMENISTAN THROUGH BOTH LAND AND SEA ROUTES
PRESIDENT BERDIMUHAMEDOV ASSURES TURKMENISTAN EQUALLY KEEN TO BROADEN COOPERATION WITH PAKISTAN ACROSS MULTIPLE AREAS OF MUTUAL INTEREST
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 157 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
ASHGABAT/ISLAMABAD saleeM jadoon
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its historic and fraternal ties with Turkmenistan, emphasising expanded trade, connectivity and economic cooperation as the central pillars of future engagement, state media reported. The prime minister, who arrived in Ashgabat on a two-day official visit, conveyed Islamabad’s readiness to elevate bilateral partnership at a time when both countries are seeking to accelerate regional integration and energy collaboration. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz Sharif made the remarks during a warm and cordial meeting with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, congratulating him on
the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality and the UN designation of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. He reiterated that
SC halts trial of Imaan Mazari and Hadi over social media posts pending IHC decision ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
The Supreme Court on Thursday suspended trial proceedings against rights activist Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha in a case linked to controversial social media posts, ordering that the matter remain on hold until the Islamabad High Court (IHC) decides their pending appeals. A threejudge bench — headed by Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar and comprising Justice Salahuddin Panwhar and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim — issued the directive while hearing Imaan’s appeal seeking to overturn the IHC’s December 1 refusal to grant interim relief. Imaan and her husband, who face charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, had approached the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing after the IHC declined to stay their trial. They have also filed a criminal revision before the IHC, arguing that the proceedings violate due process, including the recording of evidence in their absence. During Thursday’s hearing, Justice Kakar remarked that the IHC was expected to decide the petition after providing both sides a full opportunity to be heard. The Supreme Court’s order effectively pauses the trial, which was set to resume on December 15 before Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka. Senior lawyer Faisal Siddiqi represented the petitioners, while Additional Attorney General Rana Asadur Rehman opposed the appeal’s maintainability. Justice Kakar also noted that while litigants often choose their own strategies, the Supreme Court would not undermine the authority of the trial court. Separately, the presence of Norwegian Ambassador Per Albert Ilsas in the courtroom drew attention online. Responding to criticism that it violated diplomatic norms, Imaan said diplomats routinely observe court proceedings and that such presence does not amount to taking a stance on any case. The case originates from an August 12, 2025 complaint filed by the assistant director of the National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), alleging that Imaan propagated narratives aligned with hostile and proscribed groups.
Pakistan valued its longstanding ties with Turkmenistan and wished to further consolidate cooperation, especially in trade and economic sectors.
The prime minister expressed deep gratitude to the Turkmen leadership for facilitating the safe evacuation of Pakistani nationals from Iran during the Iran-Israel war earlier this year. He underscored Pakistan’s interest in enhancing regional connectivity with Turkmenistan through both land and sea routes, noting that Karachi and Gwadar ports were ideally positioned to serve as commercial gateways for Turkmenistan’s outreach to South Asia and international markets. Premier Shehbaz also thanked President Berdimuhamedov for the hospitality extended to his delegation and conveyed warm wishes for Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen People. He reiterated Pakistan’s invitation to both the national leader and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to undertake official visits to Islamabad next year at mutually convenient dates.
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Pakistan calls Afghan scholars’ resolution ‘positive development’ but seeks ‘formal guarantee’ ISLAMABAD
Pakistan issues demarche to Norwegian envoy over ‘unwarranted’ attendance at court hearing
staff report
Pakistan on Thursday welcomed a resolution adopted by Afghan scholars “against the use of Afghanistan’s soil” for cross-border attacks and called on the Afghan Taliban leadership to provide “written assurance” committing to an end to such activities, having clear indications of Indian involvement. The Foreign Office described the move as a “positive development” while reiterating that past commitments had often gone unfulfilled, underlining Pakistan’s insistence on official, written guarantees from Kabul.
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday issued a demarche to the Norwegian Ambassador “over his attendance at a court case, declaring the move a “deliberate interference in internal matters of Pakistan” and a “flagrant violation of the Vienna
Convention 1961.” According to a Foreign Office (FO) statement, the ministry summoned the Norwegian ambassador to Pakistan and urged him to “adhere to the established norms of diplomatic engagement” after his “unwarranted” attendance at a Supreme Court hearing today.
Bilawal warns PTI govt ‘inviting’ to governor’s rule in KP CHINIOT
staff report
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday warned that although the PML-N-led federal government had held no formal discussion with his party about imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the PTI-led provincial government itself was steering the situation toward conditions that could justify such a move under the Constitution. His remarks came as the federal government openly acknowledged that it was seriously considering invoking governor’s rule in KP, citing what it described as mounting “security and governance issues.” Earlier, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar had said that governor’s rule “is not the face of any martial law” and could be implemented if circumstances demanded, fully within constitutional bounds. Speaking to the media during a condolence visit to the Rajoa House residence of Syed Hassan Murtaza — the PPP’s central Punjab general secretary — in Chiniot, Bilawal said the PTI’s confrontational politics was creating the very environment in which such an option could be triggered. “The PTI is forcing the federal government to take strict action against it… and governor’s rule is certainly an option in the province,” he remarked. He stressed that constitutional pathways existed for such a step. The PPP chairman also took aim at PTI founder Imran Khan, saying he was now facing accountability for his deeds. “Intoxicated by power, he had threatened to send everyone to jail. Now he is facing the consequences of his own conduct,” he said. A day earlier, Bilawal had urged his coalition partner, the PML-N, to allow political space to the PTI, reminding the government that “it is responsible for giving the opposition space” and that all political forces must act responsibly for the country’s stability. 27th Amendment lauded Responding to a question about the 27th Constitutional Amendment, Bilawal praised its passage, saying it enabled the formation of a constitutional court, a long-standing aspiration of his mother, former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. “The constitutional court gives equal representation to all provinces, and its chief justice belongs to South Punjab,” he said, calling it a victory for the PPP’s political manifesto and ideology. He added that the amendment also safeguarded the NFC Award granted under the 18th Amendment, ensuring that provincial shares remain protected. On the proposed 28th Amendment, Bilawal clarified that the federal government had held no discussions with the PPP on the matter. He said the 27th Amendment fulfilled a key Charter of Democracy pledge and reflected the PPP’s political vision — particularly the protection of provincial rights enshrined under the 18th Amendment. Bilawal attributed the government’s financial challenges to bureaucratic inefficiency and the Federal Board of Revenue’s failure to collect adequate taxes.
EU hails Pakistan’s ‘exemplary’ crackdown as Naqvi, Brunner reaffirm joint front against illegal migration ISLAMABAD
staff report
Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi held a key meeting with European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner in Brussels, where both sides discussed coordinated measures to curb illegal migration, combat human trafficking, and deepen bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, Commissioner Brunner highly appreciated Pakistan’s efforts, noting a 47%
reduction in attempts to reach Europe through illegal routes over the past year. He termed Pakistan’s actions “exemplary” and praised the government for its strong crackdown on human smugglers. Commissioner Brunner announced that he would visit Pakistan soon to acknowledge the country’s efforts against illegal migration and to hold direct consultations on future strategies. Minister Mohsin Naqvi informed the EU side that 1,770 human smugglers and their agents have been arrested in Pakistan this year, reflecting the govern-
ment’s “zero-tolerance policy” against illegal migration. Both sides agreed to further strengthen a joint and coordinated strategy against illegal migration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. They also decided to increase cooperation, including intensified information sharing. Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan is playing a “leading role globally” against human trafficking and narcotics control. He added that the nexus between smugglers, drug mafias, and terrorists poses a serious challenge for every country, stressing that close interna-
tional cooperation is essential to counter these threats. Both Pakistan and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together in the future against illegal migration and human trafficking. Pakistan, Jordan agree to expand security cooperation Pakistan and Jordan have agreed to intensify cooperation in counter-narcotics operations and police training during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Jordanian counterpart in Brussels.
Former spymaster Faiz Hameed sentenced to 14 years on four charges including violation of Official Secret Act RAWALPINDI Mian abrar
Former chief of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Faiz Hameed has been sentenced to 14 years’ rigorous imprisonment by a military court, InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday. In a statement, the military’s media affairs wing said that the process of Field General Court Martial (FGCM) was initiated against Hameed on August 12, 2024 under provisions of the Pakistan Army Act, spanning over 15 months. “The accused was tried on four charges related to engaging in political activities, violation of the Official Secret Act detrimental to safety and
interest of the state, misuse of authority and government resources and causing wrongful loss to persons,” the statement said. “After lengthy and laborious legal proceedings, the accused has been found guilty on all charges and sentenced to 14 years rigorous imprisonment,” ISPR said. It added that the sentence was “promulgated on December 11, 2025”. During the proceedings against the ex-spymaster, the FGCM complied with all legal provisions, and Hameed was “afforded with all legal rights, including [the] rights of [a] defence team of his choice”, it added. The convict has the right of appeal at a relevant forum, ISPR said. It further stated that the “involve-
ment of [the] convict in fomenting vested political agitation and instability in cohorts with political elements and in certain other matters is
separately being dealt with”. The military’s media wing had made a similar statement in its announcement of Hameed’s indict-
ment last year, stating that “events related to creating agitation and unrest, leading to multiple incidents including, but not limited to May 9, 2023, for fomenting instability at the behest of and in collusion with vested political interests” were also being investigated. On May 9, 2023, violent protests were witnessed across the country following the arrest of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, during which military installations were also vandalised. Hameed, a former lieutenant general, was taken into custody in August 2024, and the military announced the initiation of FGCM proceedings against him on August 12 last year.
The move was prompted by allegations of misconduct levelled by the owner of a private housing society and had shattered the long-standing perception that spy chiefs were untouchable in the country where generals have long wielded unparalleled influence. Bilawal terms military court ruling concerning Faiz Hameed historic decision Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has termed the military court ruling concerning former senior officer Faiz Hameed a historic decision, stating that it delivers a clear message that the former spymaster was involved in unlawful actions.
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