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PAKISTAN, KSA REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO REGIONAL SECURITY COLLABORATION
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Friday, 21 March, 2025 I 20 Ramazan, 1446
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PM SHEHBAZ MEETS SAUDI CROWN PRINCE, g MBS ACKNOWLEDGES SIGNIFICANT DISCUSSES ENHANCING COOPERATION IN CONTRIBUTIONS OF PAKISTANIS TO KSA ECONOMIC, TRADE, INVESTMENT, ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, AGREES TO ENHANCE AND DEFENSE SECTORS MEASURES TO FACILITATE THEIR WELFARE PREMIER DESCRIBES MEETING WITH SAUDI CROWN PRINCE AS PRODUCTIVE, SAYING DISCUSSIONS WERE HELD ON FURTHER STRENGTHENING PAK-KSA TIES
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 255 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
JADDAH
STAFF REPORT
AKISTAN and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation, recognizing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing regional security challenges. The consensus resolve was affirmed during a meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman in Jeddah, according to the state-run PTV News on Thursday. The prime minister, who is on a four-day visit to the Kingdom, was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, said a statement from the PM Office. The meeting reaffirmed the strong and historic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in economic, trade, investment, energy and defense sectors. The Prime Minister appreciated the Kingdom’s commitment to increasing investments in key sectors, which will contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth and stability. The two leaders held in-depth discussions on the evolving regional situation as well as geopolitical landscape. They agreed to work closely at all levels for promoting their shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Saudi Crown Prince acknowledged the significant contributions of the
Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia and agreed to enhance measures to facilitate their welfare. Both the leaders emphasized the need to further strengthen people-to-people ties, cultural exchanges, and educational collaboration. The Prime Minister and the Crown Prince reaffirmed their commitment to elevating Pakistan-Saudi Arabia partnership to new heights, guided by mutual respect, shared interests, and a common vision for progress and prosperity. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman in Jeddah as productive saying discussions were held on further strengthening Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties in trade, investment, energy and security. In a post on his X handle, he thanked the Saudi Crown Prince for the Kingdom’s
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Thursday arrived in Madina Munawara from Jeddah where he held a crucial meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman. On arrival in Madina Munawara, Governor Madina Prince Salman bin Sultan al-Saud received the prime minister at the airport. He will pay his respects at Roza-e-
LHC gives PTA chief ‘last chance’ for X ban lifting LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
ISLAMABAD
NEWS DESK
consistent support to Pakistan. He said our enduring friendship and shared vision for prosperity is taking our bilateral relations to new heights and transforming it into a mu-
PM arrives in Madina to pay respects at Roza-e-Rasool MADINA/ISLAMABAD
The Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice on Thursday gave the PTA chairman the last chance for social media app X ban lifting, expressing disappointment with his replies submitted in the court. LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum made the remarks while heading a three-member bench hearing the petitions filed by Hafiz Shakir Mahmood and others against the ban on X, commonly known as twitter. PTA Chairman Maj-Gen (r) Hafeezur Rehman, Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Asad Ali Bajwa, PTA Legal Advisor Afzal Khan and others appeared before the bench. Seeking solution of issue during the hearing, Justice Aalia Neelum asked the PTA counsel to tell the court who will resolve this issue. “If federal cabinet is responsible for lifting the ban then the court will summon its head”, the court observed. During the hearing, the PTA chief informed the LHC that shut down of the social media and websites were continued since 2016 in the country. Maj-Gen (r) Hafeezur Rehman further said that SC had blocked YouTube for 4 years, Wikipedia, Facebook, TikTok were also blocked in Pakistan, social media was banned under PTA rules 5 and 7. At this, Justice Ali Zia Bajwa asked the PTA chairman to show the court where in these rules it is written about ban? Justice Bajwa suggested that why not court should take contempt of court action on it. Justice Ali Zia Bajwa directed PTA chief, “to point out the word banning of social media platforms in these rules. If you read all the rules, you will not find any mention of banning social media anywhere.” Deputy Attorney General Asad Bajwa told the court that Interior Ministry said it has no such system to tell that how government departments were using social media app X. Justice Ali Zia Bajwa, while addressing the Deputy Attorney General, said that an email has been sent to X, are you in any agreement with X?
KP police thwart terrorist attack on Bannu checkpoint, lauded for courage
Rasool of Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) and offer prayers and Nawafil in Masjid-e-Nabwi. He will offer special prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan along with the members of his delegation. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman in Jeddah, wherein both the leaders reaffirmed the strong and historic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Discussions between the two leaders fo-
tually beneficial economic partnership. The Prime Minister also applauded the pivotal role played by the Saudi Crown Prince to bring peace in the Middle East and Ukraine.
cused on enhancing cooperation in economic, trade, investment, energy and defense sectors. The Prime Minister appreciated the Kingdom’s commitment to increasing investments in key sectors, which will contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth and stability. The two leaders held in-depth discussions on the evolving regional situation as well as geopolitical landscape. They agreed to work closely at all levels for promoting their shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. The Saudi Crown Prince acknowledged the significant contributions of the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia and agreed to enhance measures to facilitate their welfare.
Victimhood narrative can’t hide Indian involvement in terror in Pakistan, IIOJ&K: FO ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan on Thursday said that it was alarmed over the increased frequency of Indian leadership’s unwarranted assertions about the status of Jammu and Kashmir, saying this fictitious narrative of victimhood could not hide its involvement in fomenting terrorism on Pakistan’s soil and the statesanctioned oppression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K). “India had “no right” to blame the UN Security Council for its resolutions on the Kashmir dispute when it was the one to originally approach the UN about the issue in 1948”, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated. At his weekly media briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, the FO Spokesperson said the repetition of baseless claims can’t alter the fact that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally-recognized disputed territory and its final status is to be determined by its people through an UN-supervised plebiscite, as defined by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He said it was India that took Jammu and Kashmir issue to the
United Nations in 1948 so no right to blame the Security Council and its erstwhile members for the resolutions that were subsequently adopted. He emphasized that a peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, is essential for a lasting peace in South Asia. The FO Spokesperson said Pakistan has always advocated constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir. “However, peace and stability
in South Asia has remained hostage to India’s rigid approach and hegemonic ambitions”, he regretted. Indian-sponsored terrorism and Jaffar Express hijacking Replying to a question, Shafqat Ali Khan said Indian involvement in fanning terrorism in Pakistan and destabilizing Balochistan is also clear. He pointed out that India has not condemned the recent attack on Jaffar Express in Balochistan. The Spokesperson said not only in Pakistan, India has been sponsoring such unlawful activities in the entire region. He said instead of blaming others, India should reflect on its own record of orchestrating targeted assassinations, subversion and terrorism in foreign territories. The Spokesperson added that anti-Pakistan narrative, emanating from India, vitiates the bilateral environment and impedes the prospects for peace and cooperation and it must stop. “Regarding the issue of flagging it, this is an ongoing process. Our embassies are active on this. We continue to highlight it. And you may also have noticed that India never condemned this attack on Jafar Express also. That is also a point worth noting.”
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the bravery of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police after they successfully foiled a terrorist assault on the Kinger Pul checkpoint in Bannu. According to Naqvi, the police confronted the militants—referred to as Khawarij terrorists—with remarkable resolve, pushing back the attackers and preventing a potential tragedy. He commended their swift and fearless response, stating, “The role of the KP police in fighting these terrorists is admirable. We are proud of their courage.” Naqvi highlighted the force’s dedication to protecting the region from escalating threats, stressing the need for continued vigilance against terrorism. The foiled attack comes amid a surge in militant activities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Earlier this week, security forces repelled multiple assaults in Lakki Marwat, Peshawar, and Khyber. In Lakki Marwat, 10 to 15 heavily armed militants attempted to storm the Gambila police station. The police fought back, forcing the attackers to retreat. DPO Mohammad Jawad Ishaq confirmed that the swift action averted what could have been a major attack. In Peshawar, militants hurled grenades at a police checkpoint, while another group opened fire on a checkpoint in Khyber, injuring two officers. Both were quickly evacuated to hospital, while the attackers fled after being wounded by retaliatory fire. A separate incident occurred at the Jamrud FC checkpoint, where security personnel exchanged heavy gunfire with militants. The attackers eventually escaped under the cover of darkness. Meanwhile, in Bannu, two terrorists were killed in a joint operation by the Counter Terrorism Department and local police. This followed the assassination of a lower head constable, Arman Khan, who was gunned down by motorcyclists on Miranshah Road. Acting on intelligence, police teams moved in on the suspects near Baran Bridge. As they approached, militants opened fire, triggering a 30-minute gun battle. Security forces returned fire, killing two attackers. Weapons were recovered from the scene, and the bodies were sent for identification. Officials reiterated that law enforcement agencies remain on high alert as KP grapples with a wave of militant violence.
MQM-P signals potential exit from ruling coalition KARACHI
MONITORING REPORT
Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has hinted at the possibility of parting ways with the ruling coalition government. Addressing party workers at MQM-P’s annual welfare event, party convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui suggested that the time to make a decisive move was fast approaching. “This isn’t a threat or an ultimatum,” Siddiqui clarified. “We are making a decision based on principle and political reality.” He expressed disillusionment with what he described as an unyielding political system, accusing it of sidelining MQM-P because the party refused to conform. “The system has no space for us because we challenge its status quo,” he remarked. Reflecting on MQM-P’s history, Siddiqui recalled the group’s resilience through decades of political turbulence. “From the struggles of the 1990s to our break from London after August 22, 2016—people predicted our downfall, yet we adapted and survived,” he said. He took pride in the party’s social service legacy, highlighting the Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation (KKF), which he said had been serving the public for nearly 45 years.
Miftah Ismail slams govt over soaring electricity and sugar prices g
FORMER FINMIN CRITICIZES POLICIES ON SUGAR EXPORTS AND ELECTRICITY TARIFFS PROFIT
MONITORING DESK
Former Finance Minister and economist Miftah Ismail on Thursday sharply criticized the federal government for allowing electricity and sugar prices to reach alarming levels. During a press conference in Karachi, Miftah accused the current government of enabling sugar mill owners to profit from exports at the expense of the common man. “Six months ago, the government allowed the export of 5 to 6 million tonnes of sugar, so that sugar mill owners in Sindh and Punjab could benefit from foreign exchange,” he explained. He reminded the government that when former Prime Minister Imran Khan allowed sugar exports, PML-N leaders had con-
demned the move as “theft,” accusing it of being influenced by powerful sugar mills. “Today, I ask Shehbaz Sharif: Who influenced your decision to export sugar?” Miftah rhetorically questioned. The former finance minister pointed out that the government had promised that sugar prices would not exceed Rs140 per kilogram when prices were between Rs80 to Rs90, but now sugar costs Rs175 per kilogram, following the start of exports when the price was Rs115. “The Pakistani people deserve to know why sugar is so expensive, why solar energy bills are being reduced, and why electricity prices are skyrocketing,” he added. Despite the government’s efforts to keep sugar prices at Rs130 per kilogram, the Competition Commission of Pakistan
(CCP) has now intervened, warning sugar mills as retail prices continue to rise above Rs180 per kilogram in many markets. Miftah also expressed concern about the rising electricity prices in Pakistan, noting that neighboring countries like Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and others offer cheaper electricity. “What makes your electricity so special that it’s being sold at such high rates?” he questioned. He further stated that the high electricity tariffs are driving away investment, as businesses are choosing to invest in countries with lower energy costs. “The reason for these soaring prices is not due to any special qualities of the electricity or gas but rather the government’s failed policies, constant U-turns, and greed,” he concluded.