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ECONOMY OUT OF WOODS AS KEY INDICATORS SHOWING REMARKABLE IMPROVEMENT: PM
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Sunday, 14 December, 2025 | 22 Jamadiul Sani, 1447
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PM SHEHBAZ SHARIF HAILS ECONOMIC TURNAROUND, LAUNCHES NATIONAL REGULATORY REFORMS
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 159 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
CALLS REGULATORY REFORMS ‘A QUANTUM JUMP’ TO STREAMLINE BUSINESS AND CURB CORRUPTION
SAYS APPROVAL OF $1.2 BILLION TRANCHE g UK MINISTER BARONESS CHAPMAN BY IMF BOOSTS INVESTOR CONFIDENCE, HIGHLIGHTS PAKISTAN’S TRADE POTENTIAL TO ATTRACT FDIS IN AGRICULTURE, IT, AND GLOBAL ROLE, SAYING DIASPORA MINES AND MINERALS ENGAGEMENT TO UNLOCK PRIVATE CAPITAL
Pakistan, UK reaffirm deepening partnership as Baroness Chapman meets PM ISLAMABAD
staff report
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ISLAMABAD
saleem Jadoon
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said Pakistan’s economy has emerged from a severe crisis, crediting the untiring efforts of the incumbent government and its economic team for stabilizing key macroeconomic indicators and restoring investor confidence. Addressing the launching ceremony of the National Regulatory Reforms, broadcast live on national television, the prime minister highlighted that through careful planning, teamwork, and unwavering determination, the country has moved from the brink of financial default to a position where sustainable growth
and investment are now possible. The prime minister said that when the government took office, Pakistan’s economy was in a very difficult situation. “We were at the verge of financial default. Our inflation was galloping and policy rate was crippling. So one could not imagine any kind of investment in Pakistan, let alone FDIs. And the business in the country was in turmoil. But we did not lose hope,” he remarked. He acknowledged the challenges as “very scary” but emphasized that the government’s hard work, planning, and teamwork had successfully steered the economy out of its woes. Highlighting the need for dedication to achieve national goals, he said, “This was the commitment, unwavering determination to walk in that
Dar discusses regional challenges, bilateral ties with UK, Egyptian counterparts ISLAMABAD
staff report
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday he held discussions on regional challenges and reviewed bilateral ties with senior officials from Britain and Egypt at the Sir Bani Yas Forum in Abu Dhabi. Dar arrived in Abu Dhabi on Friday for the summit, a two-day high-level annual gathering that brings together senior statesmen, policymakers and global experts to discuss key regional and international issues, including peace, security and economic cooperation. Dar, who is also Pakistan’s foreign minister, met British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy on the sidelines of the forum. “It was a good opportunity to catch up on Pak-UK relations, our diverse areas of cooperation & strong people-to-people ties,” Dar wrote about his meeting with Lammy on social media platform X. “Also discussed current regional & international developments.” He also met Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty on the sidelines of the Forum. “Exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, current regional challenges & how to further strengthen our bilateral ties,” the Pakistani deputy PM wrote. Pakistan’s foreign office said earlier that Dar would engage with international leaders and experts on matters related to regional stability, sustainable development and the expansion of economic partnerships during the summit.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its multifaceted partnership with the United Kingdom, highlighting the depth of bilateral ties grounded in shared history, robust institutional cooperation and mutual respect, as well as the pivotal role played by the British Pakistani diaspora in advancing people-to-people links. The emphasis came as the UK’s Minister of State for International Development and Africa, the Right Honourable Baroness Jenny Chapman, called on the prime minister during her official visit to Pakistan, underscoring continued engagement on development cooperation, climate resilience, economic collaboration and key regional issues. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Saturday, underscored that Pakistan and the United Kingdom en-
very difficult path in the last one and a half year. And here we are. And today, Alhamdulillah, we are now discussing how to move forward and grow our economy.” Referring to the news of IMF approval of Pakistan’s $1.2 billion tranche, the prime minister said that cumbersome
joyed a longstanding relationship rooted in shared history, strong institutional linkages and mutual respect. He also highlighted the dynamic role of the British Pakistani diaspora, which continues to serve as a vital bridge between the two countries. The prime minister and Baroness Chapman exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including development cooperation, climate resilience, economic engagement and broader regional issues. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further deepening cooperation in these key areas. The prime minister welcomed the visit as an important opportunity to advance bilateral dialogue and expressed confidence that it would contribute to strengthening the partnership between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. Education Minister hailed £10m second phase of Pak-UK Education Gateway partnership
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rules and outdated procedures had previously stifled industrialists, businessmen, and investors. He stressed that the government was now attracting foreign investment in high-potential sectors such as agriculture, IT, and mining.
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Kh Asif holds ex-ISI chief Faiz Hameed responsible for Nawaz’s ouster SIALKOT
staff report
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday held ex-spymaster Faiz Hameed responsible for the ouster of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 2017, adding that more charges against him were to come soon. Addressing a press conference in Sialkot, the defence minister said, “A former head of ISI has been convicted in a trial that ran for 15 months; there are still other charges on which legal proceedings will be initiated soon.” The defence minister assailed the former spymaster, claiming that the former prime minister was ousted through a “conspiracy”. “The removal of Nawaz, the cases lodged against him, the allegations, and Imran’s coming into power, this whole project was enacted under the supervision of Faiz Hameed,” the defence minister said. He said that Hameed, along with his “partner” Imran, was responsible for causing “significant damage” to the country. Asif also
PML-N govt following Nawaz Sharif’s vision for national progress: Attaullah Tarar LAHORE
staff Correspondent
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said that the PML-N government is steadfastly following the vision of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and working for the progress and development of the country. Addressing the book launching ceremony of ‘Nawaz Sharif, Mard-e-Ahan’, authored by renowned journalist Nawaz Raza at the Lahore Press Club on Saturday, Tarar said that Nawaz Sharif’s politics and personality have two distinct phases — before and after entering politics. He said that a deliberate and organised campaign was launched to spread misconceptions about Nawaz Sharif, particularly among the younger generation. Rejecting the narrative portraying Nawaz Sharif as a privileged elite, Tarar said that his family had a strong industrial background long before he entered politics. He recalled that Mian Muhammad Sharif had established Asia’s largest steel factory in the 1960s and 1970s, while the family maintained international business links. He added that historical evidence, including photographs of former president Ayub Khan and Chinese leadership visiting the Sharif family’s factories, clearly disproves such propaganda. The information minister said that despite undergoing a painful process of nationalization, the Sharif family rebuilt industries through hard work and credibility, once again creating employment opportunities in the country. He said that Nawaz Sharif’s entry into politics in 1985 marked the beginning of serviceoriented and development-focused politics in Pakistan. Tarar said that development projects initiated during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure could be seen across the country, from Peshawar to Karachi and Gilgit to Gwadar. He highlighted the Punjab Institute of Cardiology as a landmark project, saying that without it, heart patients would have faced immense difficulties. He added that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif further advanced this vision, citing the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology as an extension of Nawaz Sharif’s mission, now serving patients from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
Norway defends envoy’s court visit amid Pakistan’s protest ISLAMABAD
staff report
said that Hameed was “in charge of project Imran”, highlighting the 2018 general elections. “Faiz was the most important part of that government,” the minister stated. He recalled that during PTI’s tenure, the ex-spymaster facilitated the “imprisonment of opponents”. “He used to threaten and imprison political opponents,” he said, stressing that Imran’s “vision” was materialised through Hameed. The minister alleged that Hameed’s
main beneficiary was Imran. The minister termed the period a “shameful” chapter in the country’s history. The minister alleged that “bringing Imran into power, lodging cases against Nawaz Sharif, exiling him, imprisoning his family and his party leaders and workers, all of this was orchestrated by one mind, which was of General Faiz and its main beneficiary and the person whose interests were being protected was Imran Khan.”
Norway on Saturday defended the presence of its ambassador at a Supreme Court hearing involving lawyer couple Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, maintaining that observing court proceedings is consistent with international law, despite Pakistan formally objecting to what it termed an unwarranted diplomatic act. Norwegian media outlet Dagbladet reported a day earlier that Cecilie Roang, senior communications adviser at Norway’s foreign ministry, said: “Such lawful presence and observation of a court hearing in the recipient state is within the functions of embassies and is in line with international law.” She added that Norway, like other countries, followed this practice in many parts of the world, particularly in matters considered to be of public interest at the place of duty. “Reporting back home about events in the country of service is a core task of diplomacy. Legally attending public court hearings is not an unusual way to gather knowledge,” she said.
Army fully prepared to counter internal and external challenges: CDF Field Marshal Munir ISLAMABAD
staff report
Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir on Saturday underscored that the evolving nature of modern warfare demands agility, precision and heightened situational awareness, as he reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army remains fully prepared to counter both internal and external challenges, including hostile hybrid campaigns, extremist ideologies and divisive elements threatening national stability, the military’s media wing said. Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed these views while interacting with officers and soldiers during his visit to Gujranwala and Sialkot Garrisons, where he was briefed on the formation’s operational readiness and key initiatives aimed at strengthening combat preparedness, according to a statement issued by the Inter-
Services Public Relations (ISPR). “The Field Marshal witnessed a field training exercise and an advanced simulator training facility, lauding the formation’s high professional standards and overall state of readiness,” the ISPR statement said. “Emphasizing the significance of technological adaptability, he noted that modern warfare demands agility, precision, situational awareness and swift decision-making,” it added. The two cities are located close to the border with India, giving them strategic importance, particularly in the wake of a brief but intense military clash between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in May. The conflict erupted after India launched missile strikes on Pakistani cities, claiming it was targeting “terror infrastructure” following a gun attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan denied any involvement in the incident and called for an
impartial international investigation. Both sides exchanged missiles and artillery fire and deployed fighter aircraft and drones during four days of hostilities before a US-brokered ceasefire brought the escalation to a halt. A video released by ISPR showed Field Marshal Asim Munir observing a military demonstration involving tanks and drones. During his interaction with the troops, the field marshal praised their high morale, professionalism and unwavering commitment to national defence. He reiterated that the Pakistan Army remains fully focused on addressing internal and external challenges, including “hostile hybrid campaigns, extremist ideologies, and divisive elements seeking to undermine national stability.” Earlier on his arrival at Gujranwala, the field marshal was received by Corps Commander Gujranwala.