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Sunday, 28 December, 2025 | 7 Rajabul Murajjab, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 173 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
NATION REMEMBERS SHAHEED BENAZIR AS TRAILBLAZER OF DEMOCRACY AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT 18th anniversary of her assassination
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LEADERS ACROSS POLITICAL SPECTRUM, INCLUDING PM SHEHBAZ, PRESIDENT ZARDARI, REMEMBER HER AS A SYMBOL OF COURAGE, RESILIENCE AND COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE
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PREMIER DESCRIBES HER CONTRIBUTIONS AS MONUMENTAL, RECALLING HOW LATE LEADER ADVOCATED WOMEN’S RIGHTS, MINORITY PROTECTIONS
FIRST FEMALE PM OF A MUSLIM-MAJORITY NATION, ELECTED AT AGE 35, LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON NATIONAL POLITICAL HISTORY
Bilawal underscores greater provincial role to resolve centre’s financial challenges GARHI KHUDA BAKHSH staff report
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GARHI KHUDA BAKHSH staff report
HE nation on Saturday paid homage to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the country’s first female prime minister and a trailblazer for democracy in the Muslim world, on the 18th anniversary of her assassination in a gun-andbomb attack following a public rally in Rawalpindi. Leaders across the political spectrum, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, remembered her as a symbol of courage, resilience, and commitment to
inclusive governance. Born on June 21, 1953, Bhutto first became prime minister in 1988 at the age of 35, making history as the youngest and first woman to hold the office in a Muslim-majority nation. She served a second term from 1993 to 1996, surviving politically motivated allegations of corruption and mismanagement that she consistently denied. Bhutto’s political career was shaped by personal tragedy and national turmoil, entering politics after her father, former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was executed in 1979 during General Zia-ul-Haq’s military regime. Despite long-standing political differ-
Four Indian proxy terrorists killed in Balochistan’s Panjgur operation: ISPR RAWALPINDI
staff report
Security forces killed four Indian proxy terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Panjgur district, near the border with Iran, according to the military’s media wing on Saturday. “On 26 December 2025, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Panjgur District of Balochistan, on reported presence of Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al-Khwarij,” the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement. “During the conduct of operation, own forces effectively engaged the Khwarij location, and after an intense fire exchange, four Indian-sponsored Khwarij were sent to hell,” it added. The outlawed group, also known as the Tehreek-eTaliban Pakistan (TTP) and is designated as Fitna al-Khwarij, has largely operated in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan. Islamabad has frequently accused Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government of sheltering Fitna al-Khawarij leaders and fighters, allegations Afghan officials deny. Islamabad has also accused India of supporting militant activity in Pakistan’s western provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, though New Delhi has rejected the charge in the past. The ISPR statement said that weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the militants, whom it said had been involved in multiple attacks in the area. It added that follow-up search operations were under way to clear the area of any remaining fighters. The operation comes amid heightened tensions along Pakistan’s northwestern frontier following fierce border clashes with Afghan forces in October, as a spike in violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa prompted Pakistani officials to suspect cross-border militant activity originating from Afghanistan.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday urged giving provinces a greater role in areas such as tax collection and public utilities to help resolve the federal government’s financial challenges. He made the remarks while addressing the death anniversary programme of his mother, former prime minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. Benazir Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007, in a gun-and-bomb attack near Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, after a public gathering. The Sindh government declared a public holiday today to commemorate her martyrdom. Over 8,500 police personnel, alongside Rangers and other security agencies, were deployed to ensure foolproof seences with the Sharif family, she signed the 2006 Charter of Democracy with three-time former PM Nawaz Sharif, pledging to uphold democratic institu-
curity for VVIPs, VIPs, and the general public at and around her mausoleum. Bilawal said the PPP is a federal party committed to both national and provincial politics, treating the Centre’s challenges as its own. “If there is an issue of fiscal space for the federal government, then as a patriot, I would want to help solve it. As the chain binding the four provinces, we have a responsibility to address the Centre’s issues while protecting provincial rights,” he said.
Continued on page 03 tions and prevent military interventions— a commitment that underscored her vision for Pakistan’s political stability.
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pakistan grows stronger diplomatically, politically and economically worldwide: dar ISLAMABAD
staff report
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday asserted that Pakistan, once portrayed as “diplomatically isolated,” had reemerged as a confident, influential, and respected state on the global stage, attributing this transformation to the incumbent government’s dynamic, proactive, and principled foreign policy. Addressing a press conference to present the annual achievements and performance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the DPM/FM said Pakistan’s firm, balanced and proactive stance on major global and regional issues had earned widespread recognition and appreciation at international forums. Dar said Pakistan’s international standing among the comity of nations had significantly improved due to its principled and proactive diplomacy, and he also thanked the national media for effectively projecting the country’s image abroad. He recalled that when the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government assumed office, “Pakistan was known as a diplomatically isolated country,” adding that today Pakistan’s role was acknowledged and respected internationally. The DPM/FM said that during the four-day armed conflict with India, New Delhi’s so-called hege-
mony and its self-proclaimed role as a net security provider in the region were tested and decisively shattered. He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had remained proactive following the Pulwama incident, in which India falsely accused Pakistan, adding that the country’s defence posture was now solid and firm. Dar reiterated that during Indian aggression, Pakistan responded with responsibility, underscoring that Islamabad had always stood for peace. He said Pakistan’s nuclear capability and missile strength had rendered the country’s defence strong and invincible. The DPM/FM stressed that the government was now focused on transforming Pakistan into an economic power, adding that once such a status was achieved, Pakistan would be in a position to lead the Muslim Ummah. He said Pakistan was blessed with immense natural resources, including minerals, precious stones and gas, citing foreign investment inflows into projects such as Reko Diq. Referring to the recent visit of the UAE president, Dar said the UAE would acquire shares in the Fauji Group and expressed hope that a $1 billion liability would be settled through this investment, while an additional $2 billion loan could also be rolled over. He expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and China for their continued support in en-
suring Pakistan’s financial stability through loan facilities. Reiterating Pakistan’s principled position on Jammu and Kashmir, Dar said that lasting peace in the region was impossible without resolution of the dispute. He said Pakistan had strongly opposed India’s illegal actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), adding that the issue had once again been highlighted globally. He said the UN Security Council session had discussed human rights violations in IIOJK, stressing that a plebiscite in accordance with UNSC resolutions remained the only viable solution. On the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Dar said Pakistan was actively pursuing the matter at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Permanent Court of Arbitration and the United Nations, noting that developments had so far favoured Pakistan’s stance. Terming the improvement in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations a “major thaw” achieved this year, he referred to his extensive and productive visit to Dhaka, where he held meetings with the chief executive, foreign minister and other advisers, besides meeting Khaleda Zia, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and student representatives. “An environment of goodwill was created and after the February elections, we will further engage them,” he added.
PTI distances itself from UK protester’s remarks, condemns KP CM’s mistreatment LAHORE
staff report
The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday distanced itself from “provocative” remarks made by a protester during a demonstration in Bradford, United Kingdom, amid mounting criticism from the government and other quarters. The party reaffirmed its commitment to democratic, constitutional, and peaceful political struggle, condemning all forms of hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric. A video, initially posted on PTI’s UK page and since deleted, showed a woman wishing harm on a person without naming anyone, saying they should be “blown up in a car,” while surrounded by people holding PTI flags. Pakistan issued a demarche to the acting British high commissioner, demanding action against those involved. A Foreign Office spokesperson called for the UK to hold accountable all responsible elements in accordance with the law. In a strongly-worded statement, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram stated that the demonstrator had “no connection” with the party. He clarified that the woman holds no position within PTI and has no affiliation with the party. The party “completely disowned her rhetoric” and emphasised that it has never endorsed such irresponsible statements from any office-bearer. “PTI, as a matter of principle, strongly opposes violence, hate speech, incitement, and the use of unethical or indecent language in political discourse. The party firmly believes in democratic and peaceful political struggle and does not support any individual or group engaging in conduct contrary to these values,” Akram said. PTI condemns Punjab government over treatment of KP CM and delegation Separately, PTI strongly condemned the Punjab government for its handling of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, his cabinet, parliamentarians, and accompanying delegation during their visit to Punjab. Afridi arrived in Lahore on Friday to launch a mass street movement on the instructions of PTI founder Imran Khan, urging public engagement against perceived oppression. According to Akram, the visit, which began on December 26 in Lahore and other districts, was a peaceful political engagement to meet party workers and discuss public issues. However, the Punjab government allegedly turned it into an exercise of political vendetta. CM KP and his delegation were reportedly stopped at multiple locations, their routes blocked, and they faced physical pushback and humiliating treatment inside the Punjab Assembly.
UK seeks evidence from Pakistan after demarche over threats in Bradford protest ISLAMABAD
staff report
The United Kingdom has requested evidence from the Pakistani government regarding threatening statements made against Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir during a protest outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford, following a formal demarche issued by Pakistan on Friday. The demarche, delivered to British Deputy Head of Mission Matt Kennell as High Commissioner Jane Marriott was out of the country, lodged Pakistan’s strong objection over the incident and urged the British authorities to take immediate legal action against those involved in threats and inflammatory slogans. According to a spokesperson for the British High Commission, reported by BBC, police and prosecution in the UK operate independently of the government. If a foreign government suspects that a crime has occurred on British soil, it may provide relevant evidence to the police, who will review the material according to UK law. Criminal investigations may be initiated if violations are confirmed.
uae to acquire fauji foundation shares as $1bn rollover liability set to end: dar g
TRANSACTION EXPECTED BY MARCH 31, TALKS CONTINUE ON FURTHER UAE INVESTMENTS PROFIT
staff report
Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates are moving towards a transaction under which UAE entities will acquire shares in companies owned by the Fauji Foundation, a move that would eliminate a $1 billion external liability, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday. Briefing the media during a UAE official visit to Pakistan, Dar said the $1 billion amount, which had earlier been rolled over by the UAE, would no longer remain a liability once the share acquisition is completed. He said extensive meetings had been held under his leadership, with
the Fauji Foundation group taking the lead on the transaction. He said the government expects the process to be completed by March 31, adding that shares of different Fauji Foundation group companies would be disinvested as part of the deal. Dar said Pakistan had previously been compelled to secure around $12 billion in external support to stabilise its foreign exchange position, explaining that $12 billion included, significant contributions and rollovers from Saudi Arabia, $4 billion from China on a state-to-state basis, and $3 billion from the UAE. He said the borrowing became unavoidable to balance the country’s external accounts, as an IMF condition.
Referring to discussions with the UAE, Dar said engagement with Abu Dhabi, about the remaining $2 billion was also on-
going and is expected to move beyond rollovers towards direct investment, that would permanently retire liabilities rather than extend them. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also raised the issue of the $2 billion amount, due in January, during talks with UAE leadership. According to Dar, the UAE side immediately responded positively to the rollover request but both sides agreed that converting liabilities into investments would be a better long-term outcome. Dar said discussions also touched on potential investment-related matters involving Etisalat, noting that Etisalat is a stateowned listed company with a pending transaction in Pakistan. He said both sides
hold their respective positions on the issue and that further talks were expected after Etisalat contacted him ahead of the visit to seek discussions. The foreign minister said Pakistan’s recent diplomatic engagements had helped improve its standing internationally, adding that proactive and result-oriented diplomacy had played a role in restoring confidence among partner countries. He said Pakistan had faced diplomatic isolation in previous years but had since reengaged with the international community through sustained outreach and negotiations, expressing hope that continued engagement would further stabilise the country’s external position.