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PM REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHEN PAK-TAJIK MULTIFACETED COOPERATION
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Saturday, 20 December, 2025 | 28 Jamadiul Sani, 1447
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PM SHEHBAZ MEETS TAJIKISTAN’S MINISTER OF CULTURE, VOICES SATISFACTION OVER POSITIVE TRAJECTORY OF BILATERAL TIES
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BOTH LEADERS DISCUSS WAYS TO DEEPEN COLLABORATION, PARTICULARLY IN CULTURAL DOMAIN
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 165 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
HIGHLIGHTS SIGNIFICANCE OF ONGOING PAKISTAN-TAJIKISTAN CULTURAL WEEK BEING HELD IN ISLAMABAD TO CELEBRATE RICH TRADITIONS, ARTS AND HERITAGE OF BOTH COUNTRIES g
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PM welcomes Australia’s interest in mining and minerals sector, condemns Bondi Beach attack ISLAMABAD
staff report
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to multifaceted cooperation with Tajikistan— spanning trade, regional connectivity, energy and culture—underscoring Islamabad’s resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The prime minister expressed these views during a meeting with Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture Sattoriyon Matlubakhon Amonzoda here, voicing satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and discussing ways to deepen collaboration, particularly in the cultural domain. The prime minister extended a warm welcome to the visiting minister and her delegation, highlighting the deep-rooted historical, cultural and civilizational bonds
ATC sentences Yasmin Rashid and other PTI leaders to prison terms in May 9 violence case ISLAMABAD
staff report
An anti-terrorism court in Lahore on Friday handed down 10-year prison sentences to senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omer Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, and Ejaz Chaudhry, in a case linked to the May 9 riots. The verdict was announced by ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul inside Kot Lakhpat Jail. In the same case, the court acquitted former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and 13 other accused. During the proceedings, the court recorded final statements from 21 accused individuals, while the prosecution presented testimony from 56 witnesses. Four suspects were declared proclaimed offenders during the course of the trial. The case was registered by the Race Course Police Station over the attack on the GOR-1 gate at Club Chowk during the May 9 unrest. According to the FIR, the accused were charged with damaging security cameras, destroying police wireless equipment, smashing glass panels at the gate, damaging government property, and assaulting police personnel. Prosecutors alleged that the attack was carried out by a mob led by PTI leader Hammad Azhar and that party leaders incited workers to violence and rebellion. The court ensured the presence of both detained and bailgranted accused throughout the trial. The ruling adds to the growing legal challenges faced by the Imran Khan-founded PTI, as multiple party leaders have received prison sentences in connection with the May 9 riots, while several others, including the former prime minister, remain incarcerated in various cases. This marked the fifth conviction in May 9-related cases for Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omer Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, and Ejaz Chaudhry. Shah Mehmood Qureshi, however, was cleared of the charges in this particular case.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed deep condolences over the tragic shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney and strongly condemned the attack, underscoring Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with Australia in its hour of grief. The premier conveyed his remarks during a meeting with newly appointed Australian High Commissioner Tim Kane at the PM’s House in Islamabad. The tragic incident last Sunday left 15 people dead and dozens wounded after two gunmen opened fire on people celebrating Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. According to a statement issued by the PML-N, PM Shehbaz affirmed
between Pakistan and Tajikistan. He emphasized that the shared heritage of the two brotherly nations provided a strong
that terrorism has no religion and must be condemned in all forms, emphasizing the need for collective action to eradicate this menace. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and the foreign secretary were also present during the meeting. The prime minister felicitated the high commissioner on his appointment and expressed confidence that his tenure would further strengthen the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Australia. He welcomed the positive trajectory of bilateral ties and highlighted opportunities to expand trade and investment, citing the agriculture and livestock sector as a promising area for enhanced cooperation.
foundation for enhancing people-to-people contacts and cultural cooperation.
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Pakistan agrees to be considered for Gaza stabilisation force: Rubio WASHINGTON agencies
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday said Pakistan had agreed to be considered for participation in the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza, though no firm commitment on troop deployment had yet been made. Speaking to reporters, Rubio said Washington was “very grateful to Pakistan” for offering to be part of the initiative or at least to explore participation, adding that further clarity was needed before any country could be formally asked to commit troops. “I feel very confident that we have a number of nation-states acceptable to all sides who are willing to step forward and be part of that stabilisation force, and certainly Pakistan is key, if they agree to do so,” he said. Earlier this week, Pakistan at-
tended a conference in Qatar hosted by US Central Command, where representatives from nearly 45 countries discussed the ISF’s proposed command structure and other outstanding operational issues. Rubio noted that questions related to the force’s mandate, leadership and funding were still under deliberation. He said the next step would be the announcement of a governing
framework, including a Palestinian technocratic body to oversee day-today administration in Gaza. “Once that’s in place, we can firm up the stabilisation force — how it will be funded, its rules of engagement, and its role in demilitarisation,” he added. The US State Department has reportedly approached more than 70 countries seeking troops or financial support for the force. So far, around 19 countries have indicated willingness to contribute through personnel, logistics or equipment, with deployment potentially beginning as early as next month. Diplomatic sources told Dawn that Pakistan was weighing the possibility of deploying up to 3,500 troops as part of the ISF. However, Pakistan’s Foreign Office struck a cautious note a day earlier, with spokesman Tahir Andrabi saying Islamabad had not yet taken a final decision and that discussions remained at an exploratory stage.
Four security personnel martyred, four terrorists killed as attack on North Waziristan Boya army camp foiled RAWALPINDI
staff report
Four security forces personnel were martyred when an attempt by terrorists to attack a security forces camp was foiled in the area of Boya in the North Waziristan district while all four Indian proxy terrorists were killed in swift action, said the military’s media wing on Friday. In a statement the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “On 19 December 2025, in a heinous and cowardly terrorist act, Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al-Khwarij attacked a security forces camp in the general area Boya, North Waziristan District.” “Fitna al-Khawarij” is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The military’s media wing added that the terrorists “attempted to breach the perimeter security; however, their nefarious designs were swiftly foiled by the vigilant and resolute response by own troops.” The terrorists then rammed an explosives-laden vehicle “on the outer perimeter wall, resulting in its collapse and considerable damage to adjacent civilian infrastructure, including a mosque.” The ISPR stated that the car bomb attack inflicted damage to nearby homes and other structures and inflicted “severe injuries to fifteen local civilians, including innocent children and women”. The forces responded swiftly and killed all the four Indian proxy terrorists, while the Khorasan Diary reported on X that 11 security personnel have been injured and two have been evacuated in critical condition. In an earlier report, police and hospital sources reported that 11 civilians were injured as a result of the blast, and they were rushed to the district headquarters hospital in Miranshah for treatment. “However, during the intense fire exchanges, four brave sons of soil Havildar Muhammad Waqas (age: 42 years, resident of District Kotli), Naik Khanwaiz (age: 38 years, resident of District Mansehra), Sepoy Sufyan Haider (age: 25 years, resident of District Vehari) and Sepoy Riffat (age: 32 years, resident of District Leyyah) having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat,” stated ISPR, giving details of the martyred personnel. The gunfight lasted for three hours, and the camp and surrounding areas are being checked for improvised explosive devices. The Aswad-ul-Harab, Huzaifa suicide squad, affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadar group under the Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan conglomerate, claimed responsibility for the attack. The explosion from the suicide vehicle was strong enough to be heard from Miranshah city, roughly 25 kilometres away, and heavy smoke was seen rising from the site soon after impact. The blast damaged shops, houses and mosques, injuring residents. The number of civilian casualties is not yet verified. The military further said that the “hideous” act of terrorism was planned and orchestrated by Afghanistan-based khwarij and “is in contrast to assertions made by Afghan Taliban Regime, claiming non presence of these terrorist groups operating from their soil”. “Pakistan expects from Afghan Taliban Regime to fulfil its obligations and deny use of its soil by Khwarij against Pakistan as the safety and security of people of Pakistan comes first and foremost.”
President Zardari embarks on visit to Iraq to strengthen bilateral ties today ISLAMABAD
staff report
President Asif Ali Zardari will undertake an official visit to Iraq from December 20-24, during which he is set to hold high-level meetings with Iraqi leadership to review bilateral ties and explore avenues for enhancing cooperation across key sectors, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Friday.
The visit comes at the invitation of Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid and underscores the longstanding, brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iraq, rooted in shared bonds of faith, culture, and mutual respect. According to the FO statement, President Zardari’s meetings with the Iraqi leadership will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, energy, reconstruction, manpower,
technology, education, and people-topeople exchanges. The discussions are also expected to cover regional and international developments, as well as joint initiatives at multilateral forums. “The visit is expected to reinforce traditionally warm and cordial ties, identify new avenues of partnership, and enhance people-to-people linkages, particularly in the context of religious
tourism and economic collaboration,” the FO said. Highlighting the strategic significance of the trip, the statement noted that the official visit reflects Pakistan’s continued engagement with Iraq and its commitment to fostering a result-oriented, forward-looking partnership aimed at contributing to Iraq’s stability and development, as well as regional peace and prosperity.
UN report highlights India’s ‘unlawful use of force’ in Pakistan as violation of rights to life, security ISLAMABAD
staff report
United Nations (UN) experts have raised serious concerns over India’s “unlawful use of force” on Pakistani territory following the April 22 Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir, warning that New Delhi’s actions appear to have violated fundamental human rights, including the right to life, personal security, and livelihoods of millions of Pakistanis. The observations, contained in a report dated October 16 and made public on December 15, came from five UN special rapporteurs who meticulously examined India’s military response to the Pahalgam attack and its subsequent unilateral decision to place the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in “abeyance.” The report emphasizes that such
actions by India may not only breach international law but also have severe human rights implications for Pakistan, particularly in terms of access to water, food security, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development. The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Kashmir, claimed the lives of 26 civilians, leaving dozens more injured. India, in its immediate response, blamed Pakistan without providing any evidence linking Islamabad to the incident. Pakistan strongly rejected these allegations, with its Foreign Ministry questioning the credibility of New Delhi’s account, calling it “replete with fabrications.” A day after the attack, India unilaterally decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in “abeyance,” prompting Pakistan to term any attempt to suspend
its water share under the treaty as an “act of war,” underscoring that the treaty contains no provision for unilateral suspension. UN Experts Highlight Unlawful Use of Force The UN report, compiled by Special Rapporteurs Ben Saul (Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism), Astrid Puentes Riano (Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment), Morris Tidball-Binz (Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions), Pedro Arrojo-Agudo (Human Rights to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation), and George Katrougalos (Independent Expert on Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order), examined the sequence of events and their implications in detail.
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India weaponizing water to threaten Pakistan’s food security, says Dar ISLAMABAD
staff report
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Friday warned that India’s attempts to weaponize water resources pose a serious threat to peace and stability in South Asia and directly endanger Pakistan’s food security. Speaking at a news conference in Islamabad, Dar said India had repeatedly sought to undermine the Indus Waters Treaty through what he described as a sys-
tematic and deliberate approach. He stressed that water was a vital lifeline for Pakistan’s agriculture-based economy and that any disruption carried far-reaching consequences beyond bilateral relations. Referring to recent developments, the foreign minister said Pakistan had witnessed India’s unilateral decision in April this year to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. He added that the situation had since escalated into what he termed material breaches of the treaty.
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