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Tuesday, 16 December, 2025 | 24 Jamadiul Sani, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 161 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
Tariq Jahangiri PM PUSHES POWER SECTOR PRIVATISATION, LAYS OUT Justice voices no confidence VISION FOR TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN DAANISH UNIVERSITY in IHC CJ–led bench
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PM TERMS POWER SECTOR PRIVATISATION g CALLS FOR BATTERY STORAGE, TRANSMISSION A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION UPGRADES AND THAR COAL SHIFT
SAYS DAANISH UNIVERSITY WOULD FOCUS g FACULTY TO BE OF QUALITY, INCLUSION AND ON TECHNOLOGY, MODERN SCIENCES NATIONAL OUTREACH, SAYS PM SHEHBAZ
PM orders fast-track execution of Diamer Basha, other strategic water projects PROFIT
monitoring report
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday underscored his government’s focus on structural reforms in the power sector and the promotion of modern, technology-driven education, directing swift action on the privatisation of electricity utilities while outlining an ambitious roadmap for Daanish University. Chairing a high-level meeting on the power sector, the prime minister directed the relevant authorities to expedite the privatisation process of power distribution companies (DISCOs) and generation companies (GENCOs), stressing that a competitive electricity market was the only sustainable solution to Pakistan’s chronic energy problems. The prime minister was briefed that concrete steps had been initiated to privatise three power distribution companies — Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) and
Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) — and that Expressions of Interest (EoIs) would be published shortly. He also instructed that ongoing and planned development projects aimed at improving the power distribution system be completed on a priority basis to enhance service delivery and reduce losses. To modernise the electricity system, Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the initiation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) through public-private partnerships, with strong private-sector participation. He was informed that concept clearance for the project had already been approved and that a feasibility study was currently under way. The meeting was told that the PC-I for the 500kV Ghazi Barotha–Faisalabad transmission line was at the approval stage, a key project expected to strengthen the national grid. Officials further briefed the prime minister that technical feasibility to shift imported fuel-based power plants to Thar coal had been completed, while work on a railway line to transport Thar coal to power plants was progressing.
FO condemns drone attack killing six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers in Sudan ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
The Foreign Office (FO) on Monday strongly condemned what it termed a “heinous” attack on United Nations peacekeepers in Sudan’s Kadugli area, which resulted in the deaths of six Bangladeshi personnel, and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. At least six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed and eight others injured when a drone struck a UN base on Saturday in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan, according to Bangladesh’s armed forces. In an official statement, the FO said Pakistan “condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the heinous attack against UN peacekeepers in Kadugli, Sudan,” noting that the victims were serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (Unisfa). The FO expressed Pakistan’s deepest condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh over the loss of lives and said the country stood in solidarity with the bereaved families. “UN peacekeepers remain at the forefront of international efforts to prevent conflict, protect civilians and support peace under the UN flag,” the statement said, paying tribute to the “ultimate sacrifice” made by the fallen Blue Helmets in the cause of peace and regional stability. Calling the assault a “cowardly attack”, the FO urged a swift and transparent investigation to identify the perpetrators and ensure accountability. It also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with members of the UN Security Council and the wider international community to enhance the safety and security of UN peacekeepers worldwide. Bangladesh is among the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, with its troops long deployed in volatile regions, including Abyei. Earlier, Bangladesh’s armed forces said separatist armed groups carried out the drone attack on the Kadugli Logistics Base between 3:40pm and 3:50pm local time on Saturday.
Chairing a high-level meeting on hydropower projects, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed relevant ministries, entities, and district administrations to put in place a mechanism to fast-track strategic hydropower projects, with immediate focus on the Diamer Basha Dam Project, and to extend full facilitation for expediting Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) projects, Business Recorder reported. The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Economic Affairs Division (EAD), Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Water Resources were directed to ensure uninterrupted financing through PSDP grants, rupee cover, and other funding avenues for timely completion of Diamer Basha, Mohmand Dam, and Dasu Hydropower Project. According to the report, development partners remain reluctant to commit the required $10 billion for Diamer Basha, $8 billion for the project and $2 billion for transmission infrastructure, despite its role in water storage and power generation. The project is expected to add 6.4 million acre-feet of storage and generate 18.1 billion units of electricity annually.
The prime minister was also updated on the operationalisation of a competitive electricity market and informed that, due to continuous efforts, line losses had declined compared to the previous year. The meeting was attended by Federal
To meet funding needs over the next five years, the prime minister directed the Ministry of Planning to ensure adequate PSDP allocations and timely releases. For commercial financing, arrangements of $500 million per year over seven years were approved to bridge the financing gap, with immediate implementation ordered. The meeting decided to fast-track processing of the revised PC-I for Diamer Basha, covering the dam and land acquisition and resettlement, by December 31, 2025. District administrations were instructed to demolish illegal constructions within the reservoir area by December 31, 2025. The National Grid Company (NGC) and Power Division were directed to finalise the power evacuation plan, while the Power Division will coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and EAD to arrange financing. For commercial funding, preference will be given to concessional long-term financing from multilateral and bilateral sources, international capital markets, and sovereign wealth funds, with the Ministry of Finance and EAD leading the process. The prime minister also directed that financial closure of future projects must be completed before commencement.
Ministers Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema and Sardar Awais Ahmed Leghari, Adviser Muhammad Ali, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, and senior officials from relevant departments.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Talal Chaudhry accuses PTI of running paid social media propaganda campaign ISLAMABAD
staff report
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Monday accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of running a sustained and targeted propaganda campaign on social media, while stressing that freedom of expression must be exercised within the limits prescribed by the Constitution and the law. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Chaudhry alleged that online messaging, tweets and trending campaigns were being run through paid arrangements. “Each message, each tweet and every trend is being paid for,” he said, adding that the majority of such accounts were created using fake identities and were not operated
from within Pakistan. He said fake social media accounts, many of them run from abroad, were being used to disseminate content against Pakistan, with payments made to generate tweets and coordinated online trends. The minister said he would present documents and evidence during the briefing, clarifying that the material was not compiled by the government but provided by the relevant social media platforms themselves. “Most of these accounts are operated from outside the country. They are fake accounts created under false names, and this evidence has been obtained directly from social media platforms,” he said. Chaudhry claimed the authorities had traced the accounts in-
volved and that institutions were actively reporting fake profiles to the platforms concerned, whose parent companies are also based overseas. He further alleged that the content circulated through these accounts was being used to support militant organisations, including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). “We have been fighting terrorism for a long time and are on the front line against it, yet these fake accounts are being used to support the BLA and TTP,” he said. The minister added that the interior ministry would continue its efforts to counter online disinformation and what he described as organised digital campaigns aimed at undermining national security.
ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Tariq Jahangiri on Monday expressed a lack of confidence in the bench headed by Chief Justice Sardar Sarfraz Dogar hearing the case concerning his academic degree and requested that the matter be referred to another bench. The proceedings were conducted by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Dogar and Justice Azam Khan. Justice Jahangiri, along with counsel for the Islamabad Bar Association, appeared before the court. At the outset, Chief Justice Dogar asked the lawyers to take their seats, noting the presence of Justice Jahangiri in the courtroom. Justice Jahangiri informed the court that he had received the notice on Thursday but had not been provided a copy of the petition. Terming the matter an old case, he sought time to obtain and review the petition before responding. He formally objected to Chief Justice Dogar presiding over the bench. In response, the chief justice remarked that both were judges and that a petition had been filed against Justice Jahangiri. Justice Jahangiri argued that the situation constituted a conflict of interest, maintaining that the chief justice could not hear a case against him. He clarified that his objection was not to the proceedings themselves but to the composition of the bench. He further contended that a writ of quo warranto is ordinarily heard by a single bench, not a division bench, and objected to being restrained from judicial work, calling such a step unprecedented in judicial history. The chief justice responded that Justice Jahangiri would be accorded the same justice as any other individual. Justice Jahangiri also pointed out that even in murder cases, charges are framed after seven days, whereas he had been given only three days’ notice. He cautioned that establishing such a precedent in quo warranto proceedings could have serious and far-reaching consequences. Placing his statement on oath, Justice Jahangiri asserted that his degree was genuine, adding that the concerned university had neither declared it fake nor denied issuing it. Addressing the chief justice directly, Justice Jahangiri reiterated that he did not repose confidence in the current bench and again requested that the case be transferred to another bench, along with sufficient time to prepare his defence.
Global order is splintering as multilateral ideals fade, Malik tells UN forum ISLAMABAD
staff report
Federal Minister for Climate Change Musadik Malik warned that the world is drifting toward fragmentation and unilateralism, urging global leaders to recommit to justice, dialogue, and collective responsibility as he addressed the 11th United Nations Alliance of Civilisations Global Forum in Riyadh. Speaking at the gathering marking two decades of the UNAOC, Malik said the idea of a shared global village has weakened amid rising conflicts, trade disputes, and declining support for environmental and development priorities. He noted that multilateral institutions are losing influence as states increasingly pursue unilateral actions, a trend he said threatens global peace and fairness. The minister stressed that justice and rights must be applied without selectivity. He reaffirmed his commitment to women’s rights, minority protections, children’s welfare, and environmental justice, describing them as fundamental and non-negotiable principles. Highlighting ongoing humanitarian crises, Malik drew attention to the situation in Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
PM took notice of passenger offloading, ordered committee to review issue: Salik Hussain ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the repeated offloading of passengers travelling abroad and ordered the formation of a committee to examine the issue, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain said on Monday. In recent months, several incidents have been reported in which passengers were offloaded at different airports despite holding valid travel documents. These ac-
tions followed a nationwide crackdown on migrant smuggling launched after the 2024 Greece boat tragedy that claimed the lives of several Pakistanis. In a statement, the minister said the prime minister had constituted a “special committee” to review the offloading of passengers at airports and to ensure safe migration. “Recently, some passengers have been offloaded despite having complete documentation,” Chaudhry Salik Hussain said, adding that travellers with valid visas were also prevented from boarding. He said the committee would formulate recommendations to promote safe migration and address the con-
cerns surrounding passenger offloading. A meeting of the committee is expected to be held later this week. “By the end of January, we will prepare proposals to resolve these issues,” the minister said, stressing that safe migration is a fundamental right. The minister also praised the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for its efforts in promoting safe migration. Last month, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, during a visit to Islamabad Airport, had directed that no passenger possessing “genuine and complete documents” should be stopped from travelling abroad.
Pakistan shifting from aid to trade, investment: Aurangzeb PROFIT
news desk
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan is shifting its economic focus from reliance on aid to trade and investment to achieve sustainable growth and build mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly with Gulf countries. In an interview with CNN Business Arabia, Aurangzeb said the strategic shift, articulated by the prime minister, reflects renewed economic confidence and reform momentum in the country. He acknowledged the longstanding support of Gulf Cooperation Council countries,
including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, noting their role in providing financing, funding and backing at international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund. The finance minister said Pakistan’s relationship with Gulf partners is now entering a new phase centred on expanding trade and increasing investment flows. He noted that remittances remain a key support for the current account, reaching about $38 billion last year and projected at $41–42 billion this year, with more than half originating from GCC countries. Aurangzeb said Pakistan is engaging
with Gulf partners to attract investment in priority sectors including energy, oil and gas, minerals and mining, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, pharmaceuticals and agriculture. He added that discussions on a free trade agreement with the GCC are at an advanced stage. Reiterating the government’s direction, the finance minister said Pakistan’s economic future lies in strengthening trade and investment partnerships rather than dependence on aid, adding that foreign direct investment in productive sectors would support growth, employment and shared economic gains.