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PAKISTAN ARMED FORCES SHATTERED INDIAN ARROGANCE IN THE DUST: PM
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Wednesday, 14 May, 2025 I 16 Ziquad, 1446
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 307 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition
BRAVE OFFICERS, SOLDIERS OF ARMED FORCES g SAYS ENTIRE NATION PROUD OF ITS FULFILLED THEIR PROMISE TO NATION TO MARTYRS AND WOULD NEVER FORGET PROTECT THE MOTHERLAND: PREMIER REMARKS THE SACRIFICES OF ITS BRAVE SONS
‘Marka-e-Haq’: 40 civilians, 11 personnel of armed forces embrace martyrdom: ISPR RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
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ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday paying tribute to the martyrs of Ma’arka-i-Haq (Battle of Truth) said that through Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, the Pakistan armed forces shattered India’s illusion of numerical strength and arrogance. In a statement released in Islamabad, Shehbaz Sharif saluted the families of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. He paid tribute to five officers and personnel of the Pakistan Air Force and six officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army who were martyred while defending the homeland. “We not only defended the country with full force but also ensured that the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan re-
mained unscathed. The brave officers and soldiers of the Pakistan armed forces fulfilled their promise to the nation to protect the motherland,” he remarked. Premier Shehbaz said that the entire nation was proud of its martyrs and their families and that they would never forget the sacrifices of its brave sons. Expressing grief over the martyrdom of 40 innocent civilians, including 15 children and 7 women, as a result of Indian aggression, he said, “We have not forgotten the martyrs of the nation, nor will we do so, and their families will never be left alone.” The Prime Minister reiterated that a Martyrs’ Package had already been announced and the State would fully support the martyrs’ families. Shehbaz prayed to Allah Almighty for elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, patience for their families and early recov-
Govt minimizes impact of Pak-India tensions on economy: FinMin ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reassured that Pakistan’s economy would not be significantly impacted by the recent military escalation with India, stating that the government can manage the situation within the existing fiscal framework. In an interview with Reuters, he emphasized that there was no immediate need for a new economic assessment following the conflict. Aurangzeb highlighted that trade talks with the United States, which helped broker the ceasefire, were likely to make swift progress. He also mentioned that Pakistan was exploring options to import more cotton and soybeans, and was looking into other sectors such as hydrocarbons. US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US is ready to assist both India and Pakistan after the ceasefire, pointing out that trade was a significant factor in the de-escalation. Pakistan’s exports to the US are currently subject to a 29% tariff, which is temporarily paused for 90 days as announced in April. The IMF approved a $1 billion loan for Pakistan as part of a larger $7 billion bailout package, with Aurangzeb confirming that Pakistan would receive the disbursement on Tuesday. The IMF also approved an additional $1.4 billion loan under its climate resilience facility. Regarding the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the finance minister stated that budget discussions with the IMF would take place from May 14 to 23, with the budget expected to be finalized within the next few weeks. He also described the India-Pakistan conflict as a “short-duration escalation” that can be managed without significantly affecting the economy. Aurangzeb addressed concerns about potential increases in military spending, stating that while it was premature to discuss specifics, the government would ensure that defense needs are met. He also expressed confidence that the Indus Water Treaty, which India had suspended, would be reinstated without immediate consequences.
Forty civilians, including seven women and fifteen children, were martyred and 121 others injured in unprovoked and reprehensible dastardly Indian attacks on the night of 6–7 May. In response to this grave aggression, Pakistan’s Armed Forces mounted a resolute response under the banner of Markae-Haq, delivering precise and notch-up retributive strikes through Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, according to a statement issued by the military’s media wing. While defending the motherland with exemplary valour, 11 personnel of the Pakistan Armed Forces embraced martyrdom and 78 were wounded, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. The martyrs from Pakistan Army include: Naik Abdul Rehman, Lance Naik Dilawar Khan, Lance Naik Ikramullah, Naik Waqar Khalid, Sepoy Muhammad Adeel Akbar and Sepoy Nisar. The martyrs from the Pakistan Air Force include: Squadron Leader Usman Yousuf, Chief Technician Aurangzeb,
ery of the injured, and said the operation Bunyanum Marsoos gave a fitting response to India. “Bunyanum Marsoos made it clear to India that it must respect the sovereignty
Senior Technician Najeeb, Corporal Technician Farooq and Senior Technician Mubashir. “Pakistan Armed Forces mounted a resolute response under the banner of Marka-e-Haq, delivering precise and notch-up retributive strikes through Operation Bunyanum Marsoos”, stated the ISPR in its statement. “Their noble sacrifice of martyrs is an enduring symbol of courage, devotion, and unwavering patriotism — etched forever in the nation’s memory,” the statement said. “Let there be no ambiguity: any attempt to challenge Pakistan’s sovereignty or territorial integrity, ever again, shall be met with a swift, full-spectrum, and decisive response.” Paying tribute to the martyred civilians and military personnel, the ISPR offered heartfelt prayers for the recovery of the injured. “Let there be no ambiguity: any attempt to challenge Pakistan’s sovereignty or territorial integrity, ever again, shall be met with a swift, full-spectrum, and decisive response,” the statement read while reaffirming that the nation “remains resolute in the face of aggression.”
and integrity of other nations in the region. We are a peaceful nation, but we know how to respond to any aggression. Operation Bunyanum Marsoos is clear proof of that,” the prime minister commented.
India-Pakistan ceasefire at risk if water issue not resolved, warns Dar ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar warned on Tuesday that the ceasefire between Pakistan and India could be jeopardized if the water dispute stemming from India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is not resolved. In an interview with CNN, Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan had no intention of deploying nuclear weapons against India, emphasizing that Islamabad’s retaliatory strikes on May 7 were carried out strictly in self-defense following unprovoked Indian cross-border attacks. He described India’s operation against Pakistan as a “war” and a “wishful attempt to establish its hegemony” in the long-disputed Kashmir region. However, he firmly stated that “the nuclear op-
tion was never on the table.” “There are certain times when you have to take very serious decisions,” he said, “We were very sure that our conventional capacity and capabilities are strong enough that we will beat them both in air and on ground.” While the ceasefire has held for now, Dar cautioned that comprehensive negotiations between
the two sides have yet to take place. “We still hope sense will prevail,” he said. When asked what led to the ceasefire, Ishaq Dar told CNN that “It is in the interest of everybody to not delay or to leave such issues beyond a certain reasonable time.” “The Indians had seen what happened in the sky,” he added. “They could see how serious the damage was.”
Modi’s political end nearing as India faces growing dissent: Kh Asif ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday launched a scathing critique of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, declaring that his political tenure is approaching its end amid rising domestic and international disapproval. Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Asif said that the people of India would ultimately determine Modi’s future. “Modi’s days are numbered,” he stated, adding that
the Indian premier’s recent attempts to contain political backlash have proven ineffective. “He tried to address the situation in his national speech, but the crisis has spiralled beyond his control,” the minister remarked. Asif outlined Pakistan’s position ahead of any future engagement with India, listing terrorism, the Kashmir dispute, and water issues as core subjects for dialogue. He accused India of exploiting regional instability while blaming Pakistan without evidence. “Terrorism has plagued Pakistan for over 25 years.
PM Shehbaz demands tax net expansion as FBR misses target by Rs831b
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WITH INCOME TAX OUTPERFORMING BUT SALES AND CUSTOMS LAGGING, THE PREMIER CALLS FOR DIGITAL ENFORCEMENT AND FIRM ACTION AGAINST EVADERS TO STABILIZE REVENUES PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday urged urgent and aggressive steps to expand Pakistan’s tax net, as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) missed its revenue target by Rs831 billion in the first ten months of the fiscal year, primarily due to declining imports and record-low inflation. Chairing a high-level review meeting on tax base expansion and revenue enhancement, the prime minister stressed the need to bring all capable individuals and sectors into the tax net and take strict action against tax evaders. “Individuals and sectors capable of paying taxes must be brought into the tax net,” he said, according to a statement from the PM Office. He also ordered firm accountability of tax officials found supporting evasion. The meeting took place against the backdrop of mounting fiscal challenges. The FBR collected Rs9.299 trillion in July–April FY25 against a target of Rs10.130 trillion, missing the mark by Rs831 billion. In April alone, FBR recorded Rs846 billion in revenue, falling short by Rs117 billion from the monthly target of Rs963 billion. Despite the overall shortfall, income tax collection offered a silver lining, reaching Rs4.479 trillion, which exceeded its target of Rs4.152 trillion by Rs327 billion, showing a 28% year-on-year growth over last year’s Rs3.505 trillion. Sales tax performance was weaker. It totaled Rs3.174 trillion against a target of Rs3.948 trillion, reflecting a shortfall of Rs774 billion—though it still marked a 27% increase over last year’s Rs2.498 trillion. Customs duty also underperformed, missing its Rs1.271 trillion target by Rs228 billion, with actual collections at Rs1.043 trillion. However, it still grew 17% from the previous year’s Rs894 billion. The Federal Excise Duty (FED) brought in Rs603 billion, falling short of its Rs759 billion target by Rs156 billion, despite showing 33% growth over last year’s Rs453 billion. The FBR also issued Rs427 billion in refunds during the 10month period, up 1.18% from last year’s Rs422 billion. April refunds remained steady at Rs43 billion, nearly identical to the previous year. The prime minister praised the government’s economic team for its efforts in difficult circumstances. “By the grace of Allah, the national economy is stable and moving toward growth,” he said, calling for collective effort for development. He reiterated that broadening the tax base was vital to reduce the burden on ordinary citizens by eventually lowering their tax rates. To address systemic inefficiencies, PM Shehbaz ordered that digital monitoring of the cement and other sectors be completed by next month. He also directed authorities to intensify efforts in the tobacco sector, working jointly with provincial governments. Pending tax-related legal cases must also be aggressively pursued to recover state revenue, he added. During the briefing, it was revealed that the Track and Trace System, now fully operational at cement plants across Pakistan, had led to a significant increase of billions of rupees in revenue. The system’s rollout in the sugar industry also yielded strong results, boosting tax receipts by 35% between November 2024 and April 2025. The meeting also addressed revisions from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which recently reduced Pakistan’s FBR revenue target for FY25 from Rs12.913 trillion to Rs12.333 trillion—a Rs580 billion cut attributed to a slowdown in import taxes, weak manufacturing activity, and inflation falling into single digits, the lowest in decades. We have suffered the most in the global war on terror, yet continue to be scapegoated,” he said. Asif argued that Pakistan’s role in counterterrorism needs global recognition and called on India to be held accountable for its alleged destabilising actions. He also referenced international developments, claiming that evidence of Indian involvement in terror activities had surfaced in both Canada and the United States. “These findings must be presented in any future negotiations. India’s role as an international terrorist actor must be examined,” he added. Turning to Kashmir, the minister reaffirmed that the dispute remains unresolved and central to any dialogue between the two neighbours. “The people of Kashmir must not be forgotten. A meaningful solution is long overdue,” he said.
Mandatory drug test bill for schools tabled in NA as 13 others referred to committees ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The National Assembly on Tuesday passed two private members’ bills with a majority vote and referred 13 legislations to relevant committees while the Anti-Narcotics (Amendment) Bill 2020, was also tabled in the house to curb drug use in educational institutions. The National Assembly on Tuesday passed two private members’ bills with a majority vote while 13 pieces of legislation were referred to relevant committees. The approved bills are, the International Examination Board Bill, 2024 and The Ghurki Institute of Science and Technology Bill, 2024. Both bills had been reviewed and approved by the relevant committees before being presented in the House. The bills were
passed clause by clause. Meanwhile, the House referred as many as 13 private members’ bills to the relevant standing committees for detailed consideration and consultation. The bills introduced included, The Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Parliamentary Budget Office Bill, 2025, The Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Control of Narcotic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Export Development Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Al Musaddiq Institute of Higher Education Bill, 2025, The Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Toll Plaza Rationalization and Equity Bill, 2025, The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Rawal International University, Islamabad Bill, 2025,
The Pakistan General Cosmetics (Repeal) Bill, 2025 and Trade Organizations Act, 2013 [The Trade Organizations (Amendment) Bill, 2025], s [The Wah Institute of Modern Sciences, Wah Cantt Bill, 2025]. Parliamentary Secretary for Communication Engineer Gul Asghar Khan Baghoor on Tuesday said the government had conducted a high-level meeting in February 2025 to address the issue of damaged fencing on Motorways. He was responding to a calling attention notice raised by the MNA Ms Asiya Naz Tanoli in the National Assembly regarding the deteriorating condition of safety fencing along the country’s motorways and national highways, warning that the poor infrastructure poses a significant risk of accidents. Mr Baghoor further said “Previously, the condition of fencing was not satisfactory, but
we have now taken concrete actions. On the M-1 Motorway, for example, 100 percent of the fencing repair work has been completed in the targeted area,” said the Parliamentary Secretary. In response to the question, he added that sufficient funds have been allocated for the repair and maintenance of the Lahore-Islamabad M-2 Motorway. “We have already completed work on most sections. Now, only selected areas on the M-2 and M-9 motorways remain. Around 30 percent of the work in these remaining sections is expected to be completed within the next six months,” he added. Meanwhile, MNA Sehar Kamran tabled the Anti-Narcotics (Amendment) Bill 2020, to make drug use among students a punishable offence and linking university admissions to mandatory drug testing.
It further recommends that drug awareness campaigns be conducted in schools, colleges, and universities, with institutions required to notify parents of any suspected drug use. Under the proposed law, medical testing for suspected students would be only be allowed with parental consent, and educational and legal action could follow in confirmed cases. The bill also suggests revising the curriculum to include drug awareness content and calls for specialised training to educate students on the harmful effects of substance abuse. The legislation outlines responsibilities for parents, teachers, and students in combating drug use and includes provisions for counselling and rehabilitation services for affected individuals.