In partnership with
PM VOWS TO CONVERT BALOCHISTAN’S ‘BLOODY TRACK’ INTO MODERN HIGHWAY
Profit
Friday, 18 April, 2025 I 19 Shawwal, 1446
g
TERMS THOSE OPPOSING ROAD PROJECTS IN BALOCHISTAN AS ‘NARROW-MINDED’
g
VOWS TO COMPLETE KARACHI, KALAT, KHUZDAR, QUETTA HIGHWAY TO HIGHEST STANDARD
PM reaffirms desire to strengthen relations with UK ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
P
ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Thursday that the government will convert a notoriously dangerous road in Balochistan, known as the “bloody track,” into a modern highway after it claimed nearly 2,000 lives. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Jinnah Square Underpass in Islamabad, Sharif said the upgraded
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 281 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition
highway would be built to motorway standards. The project is expected to cost over Rs 300 billion and be completed within two years. PM Shehbaz criticised those opposing road projects in Balochistan, calling them narrow-minded. “We will complete the Karachi, Kalat, Khuzdar, and Quetta highway projects to the highest standard,” he vowed. He added that this initiative reflects the aspirations of the people of Balochistan and is aimed at enhancing connectiv-
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen relations with the UK in all spheres, particularly in trade, investment, education and people to people exchanges. He was talking to UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Faith, Communities and Resettlement Lord Wajid Khan who called on him in Islamabad on Thursday. Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the
ity and ensuring safer travel in the province. The Prime Minister said the government had also doubled Balochistan’s quota in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to inclusive development. “The vision of the government and armed forces is to move forward with all provinces together,” he said. He praised recent economic improvements, claiming that teamwork had
contributions of the British Pakistani diaspora who, he remarked, are proudly playing the role of a bridge between Pakistan and the UK. The Prime Minister also conveyed his best wishes for His Majesty King Charles III as well as Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Lord Khan’s efforts in promoting Pakistan-UK relations and exploring new avenues for collaboration. Lord Wajid Khan briefed the Prime Minister on his recent activities and initiatives aimed at promoting PakistanUK relations.
helped stabilise the national economy and set the country on a path toward growth. PM Shehbaz credited officials in Islamabad, including administrator Mohsin Naqvi, for efforts to improve the city’s infrastructure and traffic flow. Earlier this week, the prime minister said that the recent fuel price reductions would not be passed on to the public immediately, and instead, those savings would be directed toward upgrading Balochistan’s vital N-25 highway.
COAS confers military honours on officers, soldiers RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan, Hungary sign agreement for diplomatic visa waiver ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan and Hungary have signed an agreement to abolish visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders of both countries, along with two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) focused on cooperation in culture and archaeology. The agreements were signed on Thursday during the visit of Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, who is in Islamabad on the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The visit also commemorates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Szijjártó is leading a high-level delegation, including 17 business representatives, to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan. Speaking at a joint press conference, Szijjártó expressed satisfaction over the agreements signed and acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in combating militancy, stating that its role contributed to broader European security. He also raised concerns about terrorism threats emanating from Afghanistan, linking them to potential migration pressures on Europe. Deputy PM Dar welcomed the agreements as steps toward enhancing bilateral ties, emphasizing their potential to strengthen government-to-government and people-to-people connections. The visit aligns with Islamabad’s broader strategy to attract European investment across key sectors, including energy, tourism, mining, and agriculture, following recent deals with Gulf nations.
Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir conferred military honours on officers and soldiers of Pakistan Army in recognition of their exceptional valour in operations and distinguished service to the nation. An Investiture ceremony to this effect was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi. Decorations conferred included Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat. Medals awarded posthumously were received with honour by the families of the Shuhada. Paying homage to the martyrs and veterans, the Army Chief said Shuhada and Ghazis are our enduring pride. He said their honour and reverence are a sacred trust upon every Pakistani. The peace and liberty we cherish today are the result
of the ultimate sacrifices rendered by these valiant sons of the soil. General Asim Munir also expressed profound admiration for the resilience and fortitude of the families of the Shuhada, acknowledging their unparalleled sacrifices for the homeland.
Commending the unyielding resolve of Pakistan Army and Law Enforcement Agencies, the Chief of Army Staff appreciated their relentless efforts in thwarting multiple terrorist threats and eliminating high-value terrorist operatives during ongoing counterterrorism operations.
current account balance, which had largely remained under pressure in recent years due to elevated import bills, limited export growth, and fluctuating foreign inflows. The current account, which tracks the nation’s transactions with the rest of the world— including trade, services, income, and remittances—had been in deficit for most of the past few years, contributing to exchange rate volatility and external financing challenges. The extraordinary performance in March was fuelled by remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis, which surged 28% year-on-year
and 24% month-on-month to hit US$4.1 billion, surpassing all previous monthly records. Analysts attribute the spike to a combination of seasonal factors, such as Ramadan and Eid-related transfers, along with improved formal channel flows due to recent government and central bank efforts to curb hundi/hawala systems and incentivise official remittance channels. The bulk of remittances came from traditional corridors including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, and the US, with some early signs of growth from emerging diaspora hubs such as South Korea, Italy, and Qatar.
Pakistan posts highest-ever monthly current account surplus of $1.2bn in March 2025 PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan’s external account position received a major boost in March 2025, as the country recorded its highest-ever monthly current account surplus of US$1.2 billion, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Sunday. The surplus was primarily driven by an unprecedented surge in workers’ remittances, which reached an all-time high of US$4.1 billion during the month. The March figure marks a dramatic reversal in Pakistan’s
Security forces kill four khwarij during DIK operation RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
In an intelligence-based operation (IBO), the security forces killed four khwarij. However, a brave son of soil, Sepoy Basit Siddique, embraced martyrdom during the operation. According to the ISPR, Security Forces conducted an intelligence based operation on 16 April 2025 in general area Maddi, Dera Ismail Khan District on reported presence of Khwarij. During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location, as a result of which, four khwarij were sent to hell. However, during intense fire exchange, one brave son of soil, Sepoy Basit Siddique (age: 23 years, resident of District Attock), having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area. Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Khwarji found in the area, as the Security Forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.
Imran Khan’s sisters released after brief detention outside Adiala jail
RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT
Several senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and the jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s sisters, were briefly detained and later released by Rawalpindi police on Thursday near Adiala jail, where the PTI founder is being held. The detentions occurred following a verbal confrontation at a police checkpoint after the group was denied permission to meet Khan. Those held included Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bhachar, Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and Khan’s sisters Aleema Khan, Uzma Khanum, and Noreen Khanum, along with his cousin Qasim Khan. Police officials reportedly showed arrest warrants and moved the group into a prison van. “We will arrest you all,” an officer was quoted as saying, as Ayub told reporters, “They are arresting the Leader of the Opposition.” The incident took place at the Gorakhpur checkpoint, where PTI supporters had gathered, chanting slogans in protest. A week earlier, a similar clash had occurred outside Adiala jail between PTI workers and law enforcement personnel. Police later released the detained individuals near the Chakri Interchange. The federal government, meanwhile, denied imposing any restrictions on meetings between Khan and his legal or political associates. PTI officials condemned the arrests and warned of further public reaction if such measures continue.
Govt cuts petrol price by Rs. 70 per litre as part of pro-poor reforms, says Musadik Malik g
FUEL PRICE CUT FRAMED AS PART OF GOVERNMENT’S WIDER PRO-POOR AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PUSH PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
The federal government has announced a sharp reduction of Rs. 70 per litre in petrol prices, framing it as part of broader pro-poor economic reforms aimed at easing the burden on ordinary citizens. The move was announced by Federal Minister for Climate Change, Musadik Malik, during a press conference on Thursday. Malik underscored the government’s commitment to prioritizing the
welfare of the public over elite interests, stating, “Our policies are designed to ease the lives of the poor, not just benefit the wealthy.” Despite ongoing global economic headwinds, Malik insisted that “inflation is decreasing in Pakistan,” adding that the substantial cut in fuel prices would directly benefit low-income households struggling with cost-of-living pressures. He defended the government’s approach to economic relief in the face of criticism, saying, “Critics questioned past subsidies for the rich, but now oppose re-
lief for the poor. We make no apologies for prioritizing the common man.” Highlighting the government’s rural development agenda, Malik revealed that new agricultural initiatives are being rolled out to support farmers. “While some only talk about corporate growth, we’re investing in rural prosperity,” he said. A significant portion of that investment is being directed toward Balochistan, which Malik identified as a focal point for infrastructure development. He pointed to ongoing road construction projects and progress on the Kacchi
Canal as examples of the government’s commitment. “The Prime Minister dreams of a prosperous Balochistan—its progress will uplift the entire nation,” he emphasized. Addressing criticism from opposition parties, Malik dismissed allegations of partiality, arguing that previous administrations had enriched the elite without accountability. “Past governments enriched the elite without scrutiny. Now, when we help the poor, objections arise. Our mission is equitable growth,” he concluded.