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PAKISTAN, AFGHANISTAN AGREE NOT TO ALLOW USE OF EACH OTHER’S SOIL FOR TERROR Sunday, 20 April, 2025 I 21 Shawwal, 1446
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g FOUR PRINCIPLED DPM DAR SAYS TWO SIDES AGREE TO CONTINUE DIALOGUE DECISIONS WERE TAKEN FOR RESOLVING BILATERAL ISSUES REGARDING THE ISSUE IN A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT OF REFUGEES: DAR
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 283 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition
DAR HOLD EXTENSIVE DISCUSSIONS WITH ACTING AFGHAN FM, PM AND DEPUTY PM
BOTH COUNTRIES REAFFIRMED COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL RELATIONS, HIGH-LEVEL ENGAGEMENT: FO
‘Better late than never’: Saif welcomes Pakistan, Afghanistan dialogue PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
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KABUL STAFF REPORT
EPUTY Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday said both Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed not to allow nefarious elements to use their soil for attacks or illicit activities, saying both sides would be responsible to take appropriate action in such a case. Addressing a press conference after talks with many Afghan officials during his daylong visit to Kabul, DPM Dar said that the two sides agreed to continue dialogue for resolving bilateral issues in a positive environment. “We have requested Afghan Interim government that we have to work together for the progress, betterment and peace and security of the region. For that, neither will we allow anyone to use our soil to conduct illicit activities in Afghanistan and graciously nor will you
allow anyone to use Afghan soil”, the Pakistani Foreign Minster stated. Dar arrived in Kabul earlier Saturday on a day-long visit to discuss security issues that could potentially lead to a thaw in relations between the two neighbours after protracted stalemate over Islamabad’s terrorism concerns. The DPM said: “We both countries will strictly deal with and no one will be permitted to — there is no permission either way — use our land to use against the other for any security risk or terrorism. If someone does, then we both will be responsible to take action against such elements in our countries and stop them.” FM Dar thanked the Afghan side for hosting the Pakistan side in a splendid manner and said he had invited Afghan officials to visit Pakistan. “As I consider here Afghanistan my second home, Pakistan is also their second home.” He said the Afghan officials had promised him to visit Pakistan, emphasizing that
Naqvi, UN peace mission secy discuss expanding partnership ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, called on Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad on Saturday and discussed a raft of issues with him. On arrival at the Interior Ministry, United Nations Under-Secretary General was warmly received by Mohsin Naqvi. During the meeting, both dignitaries discussed different measures to strengthen and expand partnership between the United Nations Peace Mission and Pakistan. On the occasion, Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan always wanted to extend full support to United Nations Peace Mission and strengthen relationship with the organization. He said that Pakistan always extended its full support for establishing peace globally. Naqvi said that Pakistan’s law-enforcement agencies and police officials take part in different peace missions under the auspices of United Nations and will continue the same in future. He said that it’s a moment of pride for Pakistan as one of its citizens is currently performing as head of United Nations police force. He said that use of latest technology is vital to make peace operations more effective. During the meeting, Naqvi offered regional courses for UN peace staff in National Police Academy (NPA) in Pakistan. He further informed that National Police Academy is reconstituted as per international standards. The interior minister said that “we are taking measures to enhance our professionalism of our police officials.” He said that equal opportunities are being provided to women in Pakistani police. UN Under-SecretaryGeneral Jean-Pierre Lacroix thanked and lauded the Interior Minister for his efforts to restore Pakistan’s police officials in the United Nations. He further said that despite difficult circumstances UN Peace Mission is taking effective measures to restore peace worldwide.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Adviser Barrister Saif on Saturday welcomed the federal government’s decision to initiate dialogue with Afghanistan, adding that although the decision has come late, it is a positive step in the spirit of “better late than never.” In his statement, Saif said that the KP government had repeatedly urged the federal government to start negotiations with Afghanistan in order to take effective steps toward ending terrorism and bringing peace to the region. He emphasised that KP was on the front line in the fight against terrorism and that it was the most affected province. Therefore, ignoring the province in this sensitive process reflects a lack of seriousness. “The KP government had sent
problems between the neighbouring countries could be smoothly sorted out and prevented only when relations were maintained, diplomatic activities carried on and committees kept working regularly. Dar said the transit track and trace system would be functional by June 30 and said it could benefit both sides by increasing the pace of flow for Afghanistan’s transit goods. He added
RAWALPINDI
The 8th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition was conducted at Kharian Garrison. The sixty hours long rigorous patrolling exercise was aimed at enhancing combat skills through sharing of innovative ideas and experiences by the participants. Seven teams from Pakistan Army along with a team from Pakistan Navy and fifteen teams from friendly countries participated in the exercise. The exercise was conducted in the semi
that an agreement was reached on insurance related matters as well for trade. The foreign minister said Pakistan had requested that trade delegations and exhibitions between the two countries also be facilitated since such activity was highly necessary to ramp up trade, prosperity and business between the neighbours.
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PM urges global investors to tap into Pakistan’s expanding economic opportunities LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan offers a highly conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investment, with vast potential for economic growth and employment generation through the use of modern technology. Speaking at the Health Engineering and Minerals Show at the Expo Center on Saturday, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to creating investment opportunities across various sectors, including mining, information technology, and artificial intelligence. “Pakistan is rich in talent, especially in IT and AI sectors. We are extending investment opportunities to friendly nations and inviting them to initiate joint ventures, particularly in the mining and minerals sector,” he said. The event was attended by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Chief Executive of TDAP Faiz Ahmed, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, business leaders, foreign delegates, and economic experts. PM Shehbaz emphasized that
mountainous terrain of Punjab. Over the years, the exercise has gained much prominence as a very competitive professional military activity for the friendly countries. Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir who was the chief guest at the closing ceremony appreciated the participating teams for their professionalism, physical and mental endurance and high moral displayed during various stages of the exercise. General Asim Munir said Pakistan Army upholds rich soldierly attributes of character, courage and competence which have been amply displayed by our men in the face of
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The hearing for a high-profile Rs10 billion defamation case filed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan, was temporarily suspended due to a power failure at Lahore’s sessions court. The Prime Minister appeared via video link for hearing conducted by an additional sessions judge. However, the cross-examination was abruptly halted due to a power outage. Earlier during the hearing, Imran Khan’s lawyer, Mian Muhammad Hussain Chotya, cross-examined the prime minister, who took an oath before testifying. “I will speak the truth and not make any false statements,” PM Shehbaz stated. During questioning, Khan’s lawyer asked if Sharif accept that his lawsuit was not filed in a district court but with a district judge, to which Sharif’s lawyer interjected arguing that the matter had already been settled. Imran’s counsel pressed further, noting that no media house was made a party in the case. Sharif confirmed this, adding that the defamatory statements were repeatedly aired on television. When asked if the allegations were made face-toface, Sharif replied, “This vile accusation was repeated on TV multiple times.” At one point, Imran’s lawyer asked if he could question in Punjabi, to which Sharif replied, “You’re welcome to.” Khan’s lawyer also questioned whether the TV programmes in which the accusations were made aired from Islamabad. To which the Premier responded that he was unaware of the broadcast origin. The cross-examination came to an abrupt stop when the electricity went out during the PM’s video appearance, halting proceedings. The prime minister clarified that his legal team did not name any media outlet, employee, or official as respondents in the case. He acknowledged that he had described Khan as a political rival in paragraph 3 of the claim but denied that political rivalry justified exchanging defamatory statements. The prime minister’s counsel, Mustafa Ramday, objected to some legal questions posed by Imran Khan’s lawyer, particularly regarding the court’s jurisdiction and the role of the Additional District Judge in hearing the case. The judge overruled the objection and asked Sharif directly whether he wished to respond. Sharif said it was incorrect to claim that an Additional District Judge could not preside over such a matter or record evidence. The hearing was later adjourned until April 25 at 9:00 AM, when cross-examination is expected to resume.
UC chairman among others responsible for Ahmadi man’s lynching in Karachi: police KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
over 60% of Pakistan’s population comprises youths, who are intelligent, capable, and equipping themselves with modern skills and professional training. “Our young generation is our asset, and with the right direction and innovation, they can drive Pakistan’s economic success,” he added. The Prime Minister pointed out the government’s achievements in stabilizing the economy. “Inflation has dropped from 38% to single digits, and the policy interest rate has been reduced from 22.5% to 12%. The stock market is performing strongly, and electricity prices have been reduced to lower industrial production
COAS lauds mental, physical endurance of teams at PATS 2025 STAFF REPORT
“Terms of Reference” (TORs) to the federal government three months ago for initiating dialogue with Afghanistan. These TORs stressed including tribal elders and all stakeholders in the process,” he added. According to him, the TORs could help make the negotiation process meaningful and successful. He clarified that without taking all stakeholders into confidence, the dialogue process could not be fruitful. “If the government genuinely wants lasting peace in the region, it must seriously include the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and other affected parties in the consultation process. I hope that the federal government will now adopt a more serious approach and work with all relevant parties to develop a comprehensive strategy so that lasting and sustainable peace could be achieved through negotiations with Afghanistan,” he concluded.
PM’s cross-examination halted by power outage in Rs10b defamation against Khan
costs and prices of essential goods,” he stated. He also announced that Pakistan’s exports are increasing due to the government’s consistent efforts and progressive policies. “We have successfully reduced reliance on imported goods by increasing local production,” he noted. Shehbaz Sharif lauded the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, calling their contributions vital for economic development. He also congratulated the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant departments for organizing a successful event.
fight against terrorism. Earlier, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir vowed that as long as the public stands with the Pakistan Army, no one can harm the country. In a powerful and spirited address at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention, COAS paid glowing tribute to the contributions of Pakistanis living abroad. COAS Asim Munir praised the overseas community as “not just ambassadors, but a light that illuminates the world.” He said that those promoting the narrative of “brain drain” must understand this is, in fact, “brain gain.”
A Union Council chairman affiliated with the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) was among the six suspects identified for Friday’s lynching of an Ahmadi man in Karachi’s Saddar area, police said on Saturday. Laeeq Ahmad Cheema, a 46-year-old businessman, was beaten to death when hundreds of TLP supporters stormed a hall belonging to the Ahmadiyya community to prevent them from observing religious rituals. TLP workers allegedly thrashed Cheema, who was supposedly recording a video of the mob, near the auto parts market at some distance from the worship place. He was later taken to the Civil Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. South Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Syed Asad Raza told media that in a crowd of around 15-20 persons, six culprits who beat Cheema to death and were seen in CCTV footage of the crime, have been identified. DIG Raza said one of them was the sole elected UC chairman of Kharadar. He added that the suspect had contested and won on a TLP ticket. He said the three other suspects were nominated in a previous vandalism case against TLP in 2023, with Cheema being the only eyewitness to the incident. The South DIG said raids were under way in different parts of the city to nab the identified suspects. “The rest shall be identified as video analysis gives any further leads,” he added. Meanwhile, Preedy Police Station House Officer (SHO) Shabbir Husain visited the residence of the deceased and met with his family members. The police are trying to convince the family to register a first information report of the incident.