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delays approval of PM, TAJIK PRESIDENT AGREE TO DIVERSIFY ADB $800m financing for Pakistan on India’s request BILATERAL TIES FOR MUTUAL BENEFITS Friday, 30 May, 2025 I 2 Zilhaj, 1446
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PM SHEHBAZ, PRESIDENT EMOMALI RAHMON REVIEW BILATERAL COOPERATION IN DIFFERENT AREAS, INCLUDING POLITICAL, TRADE, ECONOMY AND OTHERS
EMPHASIZES NEED FOR ENHANCED COOPERATION IN COUNTERTERRORISM, COMBATING CROSS-BORDER ORGANIZED CRIME AND HUMAN AND DRUG TRAFFICKING
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TWO LEADERS REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO POSITIONING CASA-1000 AS A PIVOTAL PROJECT FOR REGIONAL INTEGRATION TWO LEADERS STRESS WORKING TOGETHER TO PROMOTE PEACE, STABILITY, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGION
PM REITERATES PAKISTAN DESIRES PEACE, BUT WILL DEFEND ITS SOVEREIGNTY WITH FULL RESOLVE IF CHALLENGED DUSHANBE
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon Thursday reviewed bilateral cooperation in different areas, including political, trade, economy, energy, defence, security, and regional connectivity. During the bilateral meeting, they agreed to actively pursue new avenues for cooperation, with a focus on fostering investment opportunities, enhancing educational linkages, prompting cultural exchanges, advancing information technology collaboration and strengthening people-to-people contacts. Earlier, upon arrival at Qasr-e-Millat, the Tajikistan President welcomed the Prime Minister and the accompanying
delegation. At the invitation of Government of
Govt moves to remove 18% GST on locally-produced cotton to support farmers, says food minister PROFIT
NEWS DESK
Minister for National Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, announced that the government is working to remove the 18% general sales tax (GST) on locallyproduced cotton, including lint and cottonseed, to assist farmers and boost domestic cotton production. Hussain made these remarks during a meeting with the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) delegation, led by Chief Organiser Chaudhry Ahmad Jawad. The minister emphasised that the government’s initiative would focus on encouraging local cotton production, which has faced various challenges in recent years. In addition to the GST exemption, the minister highlighted that the government is addressing outstanding cotton cess liabilities within the textile sector to maintain the financial health of the Central Cotton Committee (CCC). Hussain also mentioned that discussions are underway to limit the tax-free imports of yarn and fabric under the Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) in a bid to encourage local cotton consumption. The PBF delegation, which included Senior Vice President Amna Awan, Chairman South Punjab Talat Suhail, Chairman KP Ashfaq Paracha, and Deputy Secretary General Zafar Iqbal, advocated for specific measures to boost the agricultural sector. Chaudhry Ahmad Jawad emphasized the importance of abolishing the GST on local cotton and reducing customs duties on imported machinery used in the cotton ginning sector. “Sustainable economic growth requires strong support for agriculture,” Jawad stated. Furthermore, Jawad urged the government to implement new seed varieties developed by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) at the district level, stressing that farmers must be made aware of the latest research through local agriculture departments.
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 323 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition
Tajikistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived here to participate in the
International High-Level Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation (ICGP) being held on 29-31 May, 2025. Upon arrival at Dushanbe, he was received by the Prime Minister of Tajikistan Qohir Rasulzoda, Deputy Foreign Minister Sharifzoda Farrukh Homiddin, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tajikistan Muhammad Saeed Sarwar, and Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Yusuf Sharifzoda. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising the Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, and senior officials. The two leaders held in-depth and wide-ranging discussions covering various aspects of bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
PROFIT
MONITORING DESK
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has delayed the approval of a crucial $800 million financing package for Pakistan by five days, following a request from India to allow more time for evaluating the loan documents, The Express Tribune reported. The delay, which comes at India’s request, underscores the flexibility within the ADB’s rules that permit such extensions. Initially scheduled for May 28, the board meeting to approve the $300 million budget support loan and a $500 million guarantee for foreign commercial loans was postponed to June 3, 2025. According to the news report, Economic Affairs Secretary Dr. Kazim Niaz confirmed the development, explaining that the ADB’s regulations allow any member country’s executive director to request a one-time extension. This delay occurred after India failed to block the $1 billion second tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan to Pakistan. However, the delay has not affected Pakistan’s financing plans, as the funds are expected to be deposited in the central bank’s accounts following the rescheduled approval on June 3. Dr. Niaz also clarified that no lapse occurred on Pakistan’s part regarding the postponement and that the federal government had escalated the matter at the highest level within the ADB. While the ADB’s management and board supported Pakistan’s position, the delay highlights how international forums can sometimes become arenas for political maneuvering. The $800 million package, which will be used to build Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, has raised concerns among economic analysts. They suggest that the country should aim to reduce its dependency on foreign loans, particularly those used for budget support rather than development purposes. Pakistan’s gross reserves currently stand at $11.4 billion, with the government aiming to increase this figure to over $14 billion by the end of June. This target is expected to be achieved through better-thanexpected remittances, the $1 billion ADB-backed commercial loan, and refinancing of Chinese loans.
COAS urges vigilance against narratives aiming to ‘weaken state’ ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm stance on regional sovereignty, saying that Pakistan will never accept India’s hegemony and drawing a firm line on issues ranging from water rights to the Kashmir dispute. Speaking during a special wideranging session with vice chancellors, principals, and senior faculty members of various universities, Field Marshal Munir described water issue as “Pakistan’s red line.” Asserting that the fundamental rights of Pakistan’s 240 million citizens would be defended uncompromisingly, he warned, “This right will not be allowed to be violated.” Addressing the gathering at General Headquarters, Field Marshal Munir underscored Pakistan’s unwavering stance on key national issues, particularly the country's water security, the Kashmir dispute, and the threat of terrorism. He emphasised that safeguarding natural resources, territorial sovereignty, and national unity remain top priorities for the armed forces. He lauded educators as “the biggest asset of Pakistan,” crediting them for shaping future generations. “Whatever I am today, I am because of my parents and teachers,” he said, calling on teachers to instil a strong national narrative in youth and guide them with values of patriotism, integrity, and service. Reaffirming Pakistan's position on Kashmir, he said, “No deal for Kashmir is possible. We can never forget Kashmir. Pakistan will never accept India’s monopoly.” He criticised India’s ongoing attempts
to suppress the Kashmir issue, calling them futile in today’s global landscape. He also pointed out that India’s growing
extremism and oppression of minorities are internal crises, whereas Kashmir remains a recognised international issue.
Field Marshal Munir identified terrorists operating in Balochistan as “Fitna alHindustan,” clarifying they do not represent the Baloch people and are part of a broader campaign to destabilise Pakistan. “We have to make Pakistan a strong state where all institutions work for the welfare of the people according to the law, under the Constitution, free from political pressure and personal gain,” he said, urging vigilance against narratives aimed at weakening the state. The session concluded with an expression of solidarity from the academic community. “We are proud of Pakistan and our armed forces and will continue to stand by them,” participants said during a Q&A session, reinforcing the collective resolve to protect and uphold Pakistan’s sovereignty and unity.
– encourages academia to play proactive role in promoting national narrative of harmony RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), interacted with participants of ‘Hilal Talks’ at the Army Auditorium Thursday. Spanning interactive sessions and group discussions on a range of international, regional and national issues, Hilal Talks are intended to act as a forum for perspective sharing among members of Pakistan’s academic community. As an acknowledgment of the critical role that academia plays in national
progress, through innovation, research and in influencing perceptions, the forum brought together around 1800 members of the academic community, comprising Vice Chancellors, Heads of Departments, senior faculty members, principals and students from institutions across Pakistan; majority of whom participated in the Talks through virtual mediums. Special emphasis was on participation from southern districts in Balochistan, AJK and GB. While addressing the participants, the COAS encouraged the academia to play proactive role in promoting national
narrative of harmony, stability, peace and progress. Emphasising the need for critical thinking and imperatives of knowledge-driven economies, the COAS stated that our academic institutions must serve as centres for critical thinking, reasoning and organic innovative solutions for Pakistan’s progress. The COAS acknowledged the challenges being faced by higher education including in the field of research, and reiterated Army’s commitment in supporting Government’s initiatives to improve academic environment and promote innovative research.
4 soldiers martyred, 12 terrorists neutralized in KP, Balochistan IBOs RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Four soldiers were martyred and 12 terrorists linked to “Indian proxy groups” were killed in fire exchange with the security forces in separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to the military’s media wing. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “On Thursday night, seven terrorists were killed in operations in the North Waziristan and Chitral districts.” In North Waziristan, “Indian-sponsored khawarij attempted to attack a security forces’ check post in the general area of Shawal,” the ISPR said, using the state-designated term for terrorists. “ The attempt was effectively thwarted by our own troops, and in the ensuing fire exchange, six Indiansponsored Khawarij were sent to hell. “However, during intense fire exchange, Lieutenant Daniyal Ismail (age: 24 years, resident of District Mardan), a brave young officer who was leading his troops from the front, fought gallantly and embraced shahadat (martyrdom) along with his three men,” the statement said. The three other soldiers martyred in the operation were 42-year-old Naib Subedar
Kashif Raza from Chakwal district, 35-yearold Lance Naik Fiaqat Ali from Haripur district, and 26-year-old Sepoy Muhammad Hameed from Abbottabad district, it added. In the second engagement in Chitral District, security forces neutralised one “Indiansponsored kharji.” Earlier, security forces killed five terrorists linked to “Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan” in two separate operations in Balochistan, the military’s media wing said.
According to a statement issued by ISPR this evening, one of the two engagements was an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Loralai district. “During the … operation, our own troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, and after an intense fire exchange, four Indian-sponsored terrorists were successfully neutralised,” the ISPR said, adding that weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered.
According to the ISPR, the dead terrorists were involved in numerous terrorist activities, including attacks on the N-70
highway near Rarasham on August 26, 2024, and February 18, 2025, that resulted in the deaths of 30 people.
Four TTP terrorists killed, two cops martyred in Rawalakot encounter: police RAWALAKOT/BANNU STAFF REPORT
Four terrorists associated with the “Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij”, hiding in a cave were killed during an intelligence-based operation by police in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, according to police. Two police officers were martyred in the operation, confirmed Rawalakot SSP Riaz Mughal. The police officer said the police had received intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the forest area Rawalakot’s Hussain Kot. Acting on the tip-off, police launched a raid during which the terrorists were found hiding in a cave. As the police surrounded the cave and attempted to apprehend the suspects, one of the terrorists hurled a grenade at the offi-
cers, prompting retaliatory fire. In the exchange, all four terrorists were neutralized. SSP Mughal stated that two police officers — Gulzar and Tariq Bashir — were martyred in the operation. He said the killed terrorists were identified as: Zarnosh Naseem, his brother Gibran Naseem, a suspect named Ulfat, and one unidentified individual. The police recovered three Kalashnikov rifles, hand grenades, four suicide vests, and several rounds of ammunition from the site. According to police, the terrorists were affiliated with “Fitna al-Khawarij,” the government’s designated term for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and were being handled from Afghanistan by a figure identified as Dr Rauf. Their plan was to carry out a major attack in Azad Kashmir, the claimed.