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Sunday, 21 December, 2025 | 29 Jamadiul Sani, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 166 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
President erdoğan reaffirms ‘timeless brotherhood’ as türkiye delivers Pns khaibar to Pakistan
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relations Between pakistan and türkiye are not Merely state-to-state ties But a Bond Between two nations and two Brothers: erdoğan
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turkiye president says two More corvettes to Be constructed in karachi shipyard under technoloGy transfer fraMework
2nd BaBur-class corvette Built under türkiye’s MilGeM project handed over to pn ISTANBUL
staff report
üRKIyE’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Saturday reaffirmed the “timeless brotherhood” between Pakistan and Türkiye, describing their relationship as a bond “rooted deep in history, culture, religion, and shared destiny” that, Allah willing, will endure and grow stronger. His remarks came at the handingover ceremony of PNS Khaibar, the second Babur-class corvette built under Türkiye’s MILGEM project for the Pakistan Navy, marking a significant milestone in bilateral defense cooperation. The ceremony, held at İstanbul Naval Shipyard Command, was attended by Türkiye’s Minister of National Defence H.E. yaşar Güler, Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf NI(M), Commander of Turkish Naval Forces Admiral Ercüment Tatlıoğlu, Chairperson SSB Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Türkiye Dr. yousaf Junaid.
President Erdoğan recalled the September 2018 contract for four MILGEM corvettes with Pakistan, noting that after the delivery of PNS Babur in May 2024, PNS Khaibar has now been formally handed over following successful completion of all testing and acceptance activities. He confirmed that the remaining two ships are being constructed at
Karachi Shipyard under a technology transfer framework, with deliveries expected by mid-2026 and early 2027. “Relations between Pakistan and Türkiye are not merely state-to-state relations but a bond between two nations and two brothers,” Erdoğan emphasized. Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, highlighted the ex-
ceptional nature of Pakistan-Türkiye relations, stressing that the strategic partnership is a source of regional stability and holds special value for Pakistan. The ceremony also showcased Türkiye’s naval advancements, with three platforms entering service in the Turkish Navy: TCG Hızırreis submarine, Ç-159 landing ship, and the ULAQ unmanned surface vehicle. The event further highlighted ongoing construction of offshore patrol vessels for domestic and export purposes, reflecting the maturity of Türkiye’s shipbuilding, design authorities, and supply chains. President Erdoğan detailed the advanced capabilities of the newly commissioned submarine, equipped with air-independent propulsion and sophisticated sonar systems, enhancing undersea deterrence and operational stealth. He also announced that offshore patrol vessel TCG Koçhisar is scheduled to join the Turkish Navy in May 2026, and the first steel cutting for TCG Seferihisar, the seventh vessel in the Offshore Patrol Vessel project, has begun.
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Pm orders tech-driven overhaul of immigration and border management system LAHORE
staff report
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday underscored the urgent need for the full utilization of modern technology to strengthen Pakistan’s immigration and border management system, as he chaired a high-level review meeting on efforts to eradicate human trafficking and curb illegal travel abroad. Emphasizing transparency, efficiency and zero tolerance for corruption, the prime minister directed all relevant institutions to ensure that lawful travelers are facilitated while those involved in illegal migration are dealt with strictly. The prime minister appreciated the efforts of relevant institutions in curbing human trafficking. Referring to recent reports and complaints regarding the off-loading of passengers traveling abroad, he commended Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for personally visiting airports to review the situation. He directed that while taking action against individuals traveling abroad illegally or holding dubious travel documents, special care must be ensured so that passengers with valid travel documents are not inconvenienced. The prime minister also instructed that the performance of the Protectorate of Emigrants be further improved and coordination with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other relevant institutions be strengthened to facilitate those traveling abroad legally for employment. The prime minister further directed strict action against corrupt elements, emphasizing that transparency and efficiency in the immigration system are critical.
‘TORN TO SHREDS’
Opposition warns Constitution under threat, calls for nationwide action ISLAMABAD
staff report
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and head of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), on Saturday warned that Pakistan’s Constitu-
tion and laws “have been torn to shreds,” calling on every conscious citizen to raise their voice in defence of parliamentary sovereignty and the rule of law. Achakzai made these remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the two-day national conference titled “Protection of the Consensus Constitution:
The Need of the Hour and a Way Forward through Collective Wisdom,” organized by TTAP—an alliance of opposition parties. The veteran politician said that hopes of establishing constitutional supremacy in the country were fading and stressed that all political forces must rise above temporary party interests, power-sharing
calculations, and political affiliations to formulate a consensus course of action. The conference was convened following remarks by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who criticised PTI chairman Imran Khan for allegedly creating and spreading “anti-army” rhetoric, describing it as a
“national security threat.” Achakzai questioned the role of the military in Pakistan, asking, “Is this country meant for the military, or is the military meant for the country? If the military is subordinate to the country, then what is the justification for constitutional exemptions?”
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