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MILITARY TOP BRASS VOWS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR MALICIOUS DESIGNS — ‘POLITICAL OR OTHERWISE’ Thursday, 25 December, 2025 | 4 Rajabul Murajjab, 1447
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 170 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
273RD CCC, CHAIRED BY COAS AND CDF, g COMMANDERS REVIEW INTERNAL AND REJECTS NEXUS BETWEEN TERRORISM, CRIME EXTERNAL SECURITY ENVIRONMENT, WARN AND VESTED INTERESTS UNDERMINING AGAINST CREATING DIVIDE BETWEEN NATIONAL UNITY, SECURITY OR STABILITY ARMED FORCES AND PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN
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RAWALPINDI
staff report
HE military’s top leadership on Wednesday categorically rejected any nexus between terrorism, crime, and vested political interests, asserting that no malicious designs—political or otherwise—aimed at undermining national unity, security, or stability would be tolerated. The top brass also vowed that attempts to create divisions between the Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan would not be allowed. The affirmation came during the 273rd Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at General Headquarters (GHQ), chaired by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. The CCC conducted a comprehensive review of the internal and external security environment, with particular
focus on evolving threats and operational preparedness. Participants reaffirmed that all terrorists under the tutelage of Indian sponsors, along with their facilitators and abettors, would be confronted decisively and without exception, the ISPR said. The Forum also appreciated the Balochistan Special Development Initiatives, aimed at local empowerment and social engagement to address terrorism linked to governance. Participants emphasized the need for similar public-cen-
tric initiatives across the country, in line with the National Action Plan, to ensure enduring peace and stability. The Forum reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for selfdetermination and reaffirmed the country’s principled stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza, and a credible pathway to Palestinian statehood, the statement said.
Paying tribute to security personnel martyred in counter-terrorism operations and civilians who “laid down their lives in recent terrorist incidents”, the forum noted that Pakistan’s gradual progress towards stability, greater opportunities and respect was the product of a joint effort by the government, the military and law enforcement agencies (LEAs). The COAS paid rich tribute to the unwavering courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces, highlighting their resolute conduct in sustained, intelligence-driven counter-terrorism operations across the country in recent months. He noted that combined efforts of the government, military, and steadfast public support are steadily propelling the country towards stability, greater opportunities, and respect. In his concluding remarks, the CDF and COAS directed commanders to maintain the highest standards of operational readiness, discipline, training, physical fitness, technological innovation, and battlefield adaptability.
Pakistani LA Consulate warns against PM hails PIA privatization as fake visa notices amid rising online fraud landmark ‘national achievement’ WASHINGTON
staff report
The Pakistani Consulate in Los Angeles on Wednesday issued a stern warning against a circulating online message falsely claiming to be an “important notice” regarding Pakistan visas, cautioning the public against phishing scams de-
signed to steal sensitive personal and financial information. Officials confirmed that the fraudulent message, circulating on social media and messaging platforms, is not authorised by the government and is part of a wider pattern of scams targeting unsuspecting visa applicants.
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday lauded the government team for successfully completing the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), describing it as a landmark achievement in the national interest and a major milestone for
Pakistan’s economic reform agenda. Addressing the team involved in the privatization process, the prime minister said that all loss-making State Owned Entities (SOEs) should be divested immediately in a transparent manner to prevent annual losses, with the proceeds directed toward the country’s development and prosperity.
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UAE President arrives in Islamabad on official visit tomorrow ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on December 26 for an official visit, the Foreign Office (FO) announced on Wednesday. This will be Sheikh Mohamed’s second visit to Pakistan this year. He previously met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan in January. However, according to the FO, the upcoming visit will mark his first official trip to Pakistan since assuming the presidency. During the visit, President Sheikh Mohamed and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will review the full scope of bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. “The visit will provide an important opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates,” the FO said. The FO added that the visit reflects the depth of ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in key areas, including trade, investment, energy, development, and regional stability. Pakistan and the UAE enjoy close diplomatic, economic and cultural relations, underpinned by historical links and a large Pakistani expatriate community residing in the Emirates. The UAE is among Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a major source of remittances, with thousands of Pakistanis employed across various sectors. Both countries also collaborate in defence, energy, and investment projects, while the UAE has frequently extended financial and humanitarian assistance to Pakistan.