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PM Shehbaz, son ISRAEL WILL HAND OVER GAZA TO US AFTER acquitted in Ramzan FIGHTING, WITH PALESTINIANS RESETTLED: TRUMP Sugar Mills Case Friday, 7 February, 2025 I 8 Shaban ul Moazzam, 1446
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SAUDI ARABIA REJECTS PROPOSAL OUTRIGHT g ISRAELI DEFENCE MINISTER SAYS HE AND JORDAN’S KING, WHO WILL MEET TRUMP HAD ORDERED ARMY TO PREPARE PLAN NEXT WEEK, ALSO REJECTS ANY ATTEMPTS TO TO ALLOW RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO ANNEX LAND AND DISPLACE PALESTINIANS LEAVE OR EXIT GAZA VOLUNTARILY
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Pakistan condemns Trump’s plans to ‘takeover Gaza,’ reaffirms stance on Palestine
WASHINGTON AGENCIES
S President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Israel would hand over Gaza to the United States after fighting was over and the enclave’s population was already resettled elsewhere, which he said meant no US troops would be needed on the ground. A day after worldwide condemnation of Trump’s announcement that he aimed to take over and develop the Gaza Strip into the “Riviera of the Middle East”, Israel ordered its army to prepare to allow the “voluntary departure” of Gaza’s residents. Trump, who had previously declined to rule out deploying US troops to Gaza, clarified his plans in comments on his Truth Social web platform. “The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting,” he said. Palestinians “would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region.” “No soldiers by the US would be needed!” he said. Earlier, amid a tide of support in Israel for what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Trump’s “remarkable” proposal, Defence Minister Israel Katz said he had ordered the army to prepare a plan to allow residents who wished to leave to exit Gaza voluntarily. “I welcome President Trump’s bold plan, Gaza residents should be allowed the freedom to leave and emigrate, as is the norm around the world,” Katz said on X. Katz said his plan would include exit options via land crossings, as well as spe-
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
cial arrangements for departure by sea and air. Trump’s unexpected announcement on Wednesday, which sparked anger around the Middle East, came as Israel and Hamas were expected to begin talks in Doha on the second stage of a ceasefire deal for Gaza, intended to open the way for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and an end to the war. Regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia rejected the proposal outright and Jordan’s King Abdullah, who will meet Trump at the White House next week, said on Wednesday he rejected any attempts to annex land and displace Palestinians. “We will not sell our land for you, real estate developer. We are hungry, homeless, and desperate but we are not collaborators,” said Abdel Ghani, a father of four living with his family in the ruins of their Gaza City home. “If (Trump) wants to help, let him come and rebuild for us here.”
The Foreign Office of Pakistan has issued a strong response to US President Donald Trump’s remarks regarding Gaza, calling them unjust and unacceptable. During the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm stance on Palestine, stating that its policy has remained unchanged since 1947. “Any statement suggesting the forced removal of Palestinians from their land is unjust. Pakistan stands firmly with the Palestinian people and condemns Israel’s violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement,” Khan stated. He called upon the international community to take action against Israel’s repeated violations and reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent stance on Palestine since 1947. No knowledge of Bilawal Bhutto’s US visit Addressing reports regarding Bi-
Displacement of Palestinians has been a long-standing and sensitive issue in the region, and many view Trump’s proposal as an attempt to continue policies of forced relocation, which has been banned under the 1949 Geneva Conventions. Some Israeli politicians, including former general Giora Eiland, supported the idea of relocation, viewing it as “logical,” but this view has been heavily crit-
lawal Bhutto-Zardari’s visit to the United States, the spokesperson denied any official knowledge of the trip. “There is no information about Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s visit or any scheduled meeting with the US President. If such meetings occurred, the party would be in a better position to confirm,” he added. Afghan refugees and counterterrorism efforts Responding to queries about Afghan refugees, Khan stated that the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals is legal and that Pakistan is in continuous communication with relevant countries regarding their safe relocation. He also stated the importance of Afghanistan taking action against terrorist groups operating within its borders. “SIGAR’s report validates our concerns. We urge the Afghan government to eliminate terrorist sanctuaries in its territory. Pakistan expects Afghanistan to take responsibility for addressing the presence of terror outfits,” he said.
icized by others. Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and forced many Palestinians to seek safety within the enclave. However, there is widespread fear of permanent displacement, recalling the “Nakba” of 1948 when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced during the creation of the state of Israel.
PM discusses prevailing political situation in country with Fazl ISLAMABAD
Lance Naik martyred, 12 Khwarij killed in NWA IBO RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Security forces killed twelve Khwarij during an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) in Hassan Khel, North Waziristan. During the operation, Lance Naik Muhammad Ibrahim also embraced martyrdom. “On 5-6 February 2025, security Forces conducted an intelligence based operation in general area Hassan Khel, North Waziristan District on reported presence of Khwarij. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the Khwarij location, as a result of which, twelve Khwarij were sent to hell,” said a statement issued by the ISPR. However, during intense fire exchange, Lance Naik Muhammad Ibrahim (age: 34 years, resident of District Hangu), having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat, the statement added. “Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed Khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as target killing of innocent civilians,” the statement added. Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Khwarji found in the area, as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.
tame the Maulana who is known for being a very smart politician and expert in striking backdoor deals. It merits mention that it was Maulana Fazkl who had backed the passage of 26th Constitutional Amendment which helped the Shehbaz-led government tame the judiciary.
JCP okays 9 additional judges for LHC LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) on Thursday approved nine names for the position of additional judges at the Lahore High Court. The meeting, chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, reviewed the nominations for the high court appointments.
An anti-corruption court on Thursday acquitted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz in the Ramzan Sugar Mills case after hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution. The case, initially filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in 2018, alleged that Shehbaz misused his authority as Punjab chief minister to benefit his family’s business.The NAB had accused Shehbaz of directing the construction of a drain in Chiniot district for Ramzan Sugar Mills, causing a Rs213 million loss to the national exchequer. However, after amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance in 2024, the case was transferred to the anti-corruption court as NAB could no longer prosecute cases involving less than Rs500 million. On Thursday, the court accepted the acquittal pleas of both Shehbaz and Hamza. Defence lawyer Amjad Pervaiz argued that the case was politically motivated, asserting that the drain was part of a broader development scheme approved by the Punjab cabinet rather than a directive issued by the then-chief minister.
LHC orders Lahore DC to decide on PTI’s rally permission today LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday directed the Lahore deputy commissioner (DC) to make a decision by 5:00pm Friday(today) regarding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) request for a rally at Minar-ePakistan on Saturday (Feb 8). LHC’s Justice Farooq Haider issued the directive while hearing a petition filed by the PTI, seeking permission for a holding a rally at MInar-e-Pakistan. The court criticised the authorities for postponing a decision, noting that PTI had submitted its request on 29 January. The court expressed concern over the feasibility of rally preparations if permission was granted at the last minute. During the proceedings, Punjab’s chief secretary appeared before the court and assured compliance with its orders. The Lahore DC presented a report explaining the delay, citing logistical challenges, including a tri-nation series match. He stated that discussions were still underway regarding the rally’s approval. The court pressed officials on why a decision had not been reached earlier. “If a meeting is scheduled for tomorrow and the request is denied, what options will PTI have? If approval is granted, how can preparations be completed in just one day?” Justice Haider remarked. PTI leaders argue that delaying or denying public gatherings restricts their right to political expression.
3 cops martyred as attack on Karak checkpost thwarted
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the residence of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and discussed with him the prevailing political situation in the country. Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar and senior PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal accompanied PM Shehbaz during the meeting. Prominent JUI-F leaders Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Senator Maulana Attaur Rehman, Maulana Asad Mehmood and Muhammad Aslam Ghauri, were also present. Both sides discussed the current political situation prevailing in the country. The meeting comes in backdrop of a recent meeting of grand opposition alliance whereby Fazl demanded fresh polls, terming PM Shehbaz-led government as ‘illegitimate’. The meeting between PM Shehbaz and Maulana Fazl is being seen as an effort to
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The approved candidates are Hasan Nawaz Makhdoom, Malik Waqar Haider Awan, Sardar Akbar Ali Dogar, Malik Javed Iqbal Wains, Syed Ahsan Raza Kazmi, Muhammad Jawad Zafar, Khalid Ishaq, and Sultan Mahmood. Additionally, 16 more vacancies will be filled in phases. The Lahore High Court has a total of 60 judge positions, but until now, only 34 judges were serving,
leaving 26 positions vacant. The last time judges were appointed was on May 7, 2021, when 13 lawyers were inducted. Since then, no new judges had been appointed, leading to a backlog of pending cases and delays in justice. Several previous chief justices attempted to fill the vacancies, but objections from senior Supreme Court judges hindered the appointments.
PESHAWAR/KARAK STAFF REPORT
Three policemen were martyred and another six sustained injuries while thwarting a terrorist attack on a police checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district in the wee hours of Thursday, officials said. According to a statement from the KP Central Police Office, “Unidentified terrorists attacked a checkpost in Karak’s Bahadur Khel area, targeting police personnel using light and heavy weapons in an attempt to capture the checkpost.” The policemen posted at the checkpost encountered the attack and a shootout ensued, which lasted two hours, forcing the terrorists fled, the statement said. Police personnel injured in the firing were shifted to Karak District Headquarter Hospital, while three of the injured were sent to Peshawar for further treatment, according to District Police Officer Shehbaz Elahi. The funeral prayers of the three martyred cops — identified as Taimur Hayat, Naqeeb and Adnan — were offered at the Karak Police Lines this morning. KP Inspector General of Police (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed, Kohat Regional Police Officer Abbas Majeed, Kohat Commissioner Mautasim Balallah, Karak Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Jan, and other civil officers were among the attendees.
President Zardari, Chinese Premier Li Qiang discuss CPEC 2.0 BEIJING
STAFF REPORT
President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday held a meeting with China’s Premier Li Qiang in Beijing to discuss the enduring and deeprooted “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” between the two countries. The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People, reinforced the commitment of both leaders to strengthen bilateral ties, Express News reported. In a joint statement, both leaders acknowledged the historical friendship between Pakistan and China, which has been consistently fortified through successive generations. President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to further enhance the relationship, with a focus on regional connectivity and economic growth. “The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has played a pivotal role in fostering regional ties and promoting economic development,” said President Zardari, underlining the strategic importance of the initiative for both nations.
The leaders also discussed the expansion of cooperation under CPEC 2.0, particularly in areas like renewable energy, science and technology, infrastructure, and agriculture. “China’s continued support for Pakistan’s developmental agenda is crucial, and we are committed to deepening our collaboration in these key sectors,” President Zardari stated. Both sides also addressed the potential for
increased trade and economic cooperation through business-to-business and private sector engagements. They agreed to foster greater people-to-people and cultural exchanges to further solidify the bilateral relationship. As part of the ongoing collaboration, several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed between Pakistan and China during the visit. The MoUs include agreements between
Pakistan’s Thatta Cement Company and China’s Ching Gang Construction Group, aimed at increasing cement production in Pakistan by an additional 5,000 tonnes per day. An MoU was also signed between the Sindh Energy Department and China’s Meng
Yang Renewable Energy Company to explore joint renewable energy projects in Pakistan. Furthermore, a coal gasification and urea production plant project between the Government of Sindh and a Chinese company was also formalised.
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signed an MoU to advance renewable energy projects in the province. Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, signed on behalf of the Ministry of Energy, while Ming Yang Renewable Energy Chairman Li Jianzhang represented the Chinese side. The partnership will focus on wind and solar hybrid power generation projects, including a 75 MW facility in the Kotri/Nooriabad Industrial Area and a 350 MW plant in Jhimpir, Thatta. In the cement sector, Thatta Cement Company Limited and Zhonggang Construction Group signed an MoU outlining plans for a new 5,000 t/d cement production line.
$300m deals in energy, coal, and cement inked between China, Pakistan INP
President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday witnessed the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth more than $300 million in the energy, coal, and cement sectors in Beijing. The agreements, signed between Pakistani stakeholders and Chinese investors, aim to enhance the country’s industrial growth and energy sustainability. The Energy Department of the Government of Sindh and Ming Yang Renewable Energy (International) Company Ltd.
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