In partnership with
Profit
Saturday, 3 May, 2025 I 5 Ziquad, 1446
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 296 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
ATTEMPT TO IMPOSE WAR WOULD BE RESPONDED TO ‘SURELY, DECISIVELY’: MILITARY TOP BRASS
g
g
COAS-LED CCC REVIEWS PREVAILING GEO-STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT, PAKISTANINDIA STANDOFF AND REGIONAL SECURITY CALCULUS
g
ARMY’S TOP BRASS REITERATES PAKISTAN’S PATH TO PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT BE DETERRED BY TERRORISM, COERCION OR AGGRESSION
T
g
RAWALPINDI
REAFFIRMS RESOLVE TO UPHOLD COUNTRY’S SOVEREIGNTY AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY AGAINST ANY AGGRESSION OR MISADVENTURE
DELIBERATE DESTABILISATION EFFORTS BY INDIA WILL BE CONFRONTED AND DEFEATED WITH RESOLVE AND CLARITY: ISPR
STAFF REPORT
HE military top brass on Friday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity, warning that any Indian attempt to impose war would be responded to “surely and decisively,” amid simmering tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi in the wake last week’s attack in India occupied Kashmir. The affirmation came during a special session of Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) chaired by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, according to the military media wing. The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, a tourist attraction in Indian occupied Kashmir killed 26 tourists. India quickly accused Pakistan of involvement and implemented a series of downgraded diplomatic and economic ties. These measures included suspending the Indus Water Treaty, terminating a visa-free travel agreement, and closing the Attari border crossing. Pakistan has denied the accusations and has retaliated by suspending trade with India and closing its airspace to Indian airlines. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also called for a credible, transparent and neu-
tral investigation into the Pahalgam. Tensions have since spiked, with Pakistan reinforcing its forces and India’s premier granting “operational freedom” to the military. As Pakistan, in the early hours of Wednesday, said it expected an Indian incursion within 24–36 hours, diplomatic channels have been engaged to prevent conflict. A day ago, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir warned that “any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute, and notch-up response.” A press release issued by the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) said the army chief presided over a special session of the Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Friday. At the session, the military top brass
UNSC to convene earlier than planned over escalating India, Pakistan conflict ISLAMABAD
NEWS DESK
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is poised to convene an emergency session to address the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. The attack, which claimed the lives of at least 28 civilians, has intensified regional instability and prompted international concern. Evangelos Sekeris, Greece’s Permanent Representative to the UN and current UNSC President, indicated that the Council is closely monitoring the situation. He stated that a meeting to discuss the crisis could occur “sooner rather than later,” emphasizing the Council’s readiness to address the matter promptly. Sekeris noted that while no formal request for a meeting had been submitted, the evolving nature of the situation necessitates vigilant attention. On April 22, five armed militants attacked tourists in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, resulting in 28 fatalities and over 20 injuries. The assailants, reportedly affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF)—an offshoot of the Pakistanbased Lashkar-e-Taiba—initially claimed responsibility, citing opposition to Indian policies in Kashmir. However, TRF later retracted its claim. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers targeted non-Muslim tourists, making the incident one of the deadliest in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. In the aftermath, India implemented several measures including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, closure of the Attari-Wagah border crossing, revocation of visas for Pakistani nationals, expulsion of Pakistani military attachés.
conducted a comprehensive review of the prevailing geo-strategic environment, with particular emphasis on the current Pakistan-India standoff and the broader regional security calculus. “While reaffirming Pakistan’s abiding commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity, the forum made clear that any attempt to impose war will be responded to, surely and decisively and aspirations of people of Pakistan shall be respected at all costs,” the ISPR said. “The forum reaffirmed the unflinching resolve of the Pakistan Armed Forces to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country against any aggression or misadventure,” it added. The ISPR said the army’s top brass reiterated that Pakistan’s path to peace and development would not be deterred by terrorism, coercion or aggression —
whether directly or through proxies. “Deliberate destabilisation efforts by the Indian government will be confronted and defeated with resolve and clarity,” the statement said. The ISPR said COAS Munir lauded the military’s “unwavering professionalism, steadfast morale and operational preparedness”, saying that it stood in unity with the nation to defend the homeland at all costs. The army chief also highlighted the critical importance of “heightened vigilance and proactive readiness” across all fronts amid the situation. The statement said the CCC participants expressed grave concern over the “intensification of Indian atrocities” in occupied Kashmir in the attack’s aftermath, as well as the continued targeting of innocent civilians along the Line of Control by Indian occupation forces. They reiterated that such “inhumane and unprovoked acts” served only to escalate regional tensions and would be met with a “resolute and proportionate response”. “The forum noted, with serious concern, India’s consistent pattern of exploitation of crises to achieve political and military objectives. They have been following a predictable template — whereby internal governance failures are externalised.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
NA session likely on May 5 in response to India’s Pahalgam allegations ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The National Assembly is expected to convene on May 5 to hold a detailed discussion on India’s aggressive stance and recent accusations against Pakistan in connection with the Pahalgam incident, informed sources said on Friday. The decision was taken during a high-level consultative meeting held at Parliament House, chaired by the Defence Minister and attended by senior officials from the ministries of defence, law, and parliamentary affairs. The session is likely to include a formal condemnation res-
olution, targeting India’s alleged false flag operations and what officials described as “unfounded accusations” against Pakistan. Sources indicated that the resolution is expected to gain swift approval in the upcoming session. India has blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam attack—a claim that Islamabad has categorically denied, presenting what it says is credible evidence to counter New Delhi’s narrative. Pakistan has accused India of exploiting the incident to advance hostile political objectives and destabilize regional peace. Commenting on the matter earlier this week, Prime Minister’s Political Advisor Rana Sanaullah
reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to cooperate with an impartial probe. Speaking during a show, Sanaullah said Pakistan was open to a neutral or joint investigation, or even a third-party, expert-led inquiry, into the Pahalgam incident. He criticised India for what he termed its “nefarious designs” and refusal to accept Pakistan’s sovereignty, warning that such conduct risked pushing the region toward greater instability. “The world must see through India’s consistent attempts to mislead and manufacture narratives,” he said, adding that Pakistan remains committed to regional peace but would not compromise its national dignity or security.
Nawaz Sharif made the remarks on Friday during a meeting with Senator Irfan Siddiqi at his Jati Umra residence in Lahore, according to state-run Associated Press of Pakistan and PML-N media wing. During the meeting, Senator Siddiqi briefed Nawaz Sharif on the performance of the PML-N parliamentary party in the Senate and shared details of the
unanimously adopted resolution expressing a firm national commitment to Pakistan’s defence. Nawaz Sharif appreciated the support shown by all political parties in the preparation and endorsement of the resolution. He emphasised that while difference of opinion is the beauty of democracy, setting aside all differences for the greater cause of national defence is a commendable tradition.
Nawaz lauds political unity in Senate against Indian aggressive posturing LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
President PML-N and former three time Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif on Friday lauded the collective voice raised by all political parties in Senate for the defence and national security of the country, terming it a highly positive development.
Kh Asif warns of retaliation if India disrupts Indus River flow ISLAMABAD
NEWS DESK
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that Pakistan will take action if India constructs any structure on the Indus River, in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). He stated that any such attempt would be seen as Indian aggression. Tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated since the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed. India blamed Pakistan without providing evidence, leading to measures such as suspending the IWT and downgrading diplomatic ties. In response, Pakistan expelled Indian diplomats, cancelled visas, and closed border crossings. Asif stated that Pakistan would pursue the matter through available forums, including the IWT. He also criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for using the situation to gain political leverage ahead of upcoming elections. The minister emphasized that India’s attempts to gain global support for its claims had failed, and the international community rejected India’s allegations. He added that while the situation remains tense, Pakistan’s response would be retaliatory.
ECP warns of binding orders over LG poll delays in Islamabad ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday issued a stern warning to the federal government over continued delays in holding local government (LG) elections in Islamabad, cautioning that it may invoke its constitutional authority to issue binding directives if action is not taken without further delay. The warning came during a high-level meeting chaired by the Secretary of the Election Commission, where top officials from the Interior Ministry, including the Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary, as well as the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, were present. The Secretary underscored the Commission’s growing frustration over the prolonged electoral limbo in the federal capital. He pointed out that the tenure of Islamabad’s local bodies expired on February 14, 2021, yet fresh elections have yet to be held due to a series of legislative delays and amendments. “Despite repeated setbacks, the Commission remains committed to fulfilling its constitutional mandate,” the Secretary stated, adding that regular hearings would now be held on the matter. “If necessary, we will issue binding orders to ensure the elections are conducted without further obstruction.” This means the ECP may issue such orders under Articles 218 and 219 of the Constitution, which mandate it to organize and conduct elections honestly, fairly, and in accordance with the law. According to the ECP, one of the key challenges has been the frequent amendments to the Islamabad Local Government Act, which have repeatedly stalled the electoral process. The Commission has already conducted five delimitation exercises and issued election schedules on three occasions, only to see them disrupted each time by changes in the legal framework. “This cycle of legislative amendments has not only complicated the process but also significantly delayed it,” the Secretary said. “Each time we prepare for elections, new amendments are introduced, setting the process back once again.”
PM urges KSA, other brotherly countries to help ease tensions in region ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged Saudi Arabia and other brotherly Gulf countries to impress upon India to de-escalate and defuse tensions in South Asia in the wake of last week’s militant attack in Indian occupied Kashmir, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to maintain peace and stability in the region. A press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Friday, PM Shehbaz continued his engagements with Gulf allies and brotherly countries over the political climate and simmering escalation in the region. “He urged brotherly countries, including Saudi Arabia, to put pressure on India to reduce tensions in the region. He reiterated Pakistan’s desire for peace and stability in South Asia,” the PMO statement said of his meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki. The premier made a similar request in a separate meeting with Ambassador of the
United Arab Emirates to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi. PM Shehbaz also met Ambassador of the State of Kuwait Nasser Abdulrahman Jasser. While sharing Pakistan’s stance with the ambassadors on the recent situation in South Asia following the Pahalgam incident, the prime minister said that Pakistan condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. “It had rendered great sacrifices in its counter-terrorism efforts over the years. This was done not only to protect Pakistan but the entire world,” the prime minister said. He outrightly rejected “baseless Indian accusations” linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident without any evidence and reiterated his call for a transparent and neutral international investigation into the incident. Emphasising the government’s complete focus on consolidating the hard-earned economic gains of the past 15 months, the prime minister said it was “inconceivable for Pakistan to act irresponsibly to jeopardise its achievements and derail the country from the path of economic progress” or take such an ac-
tion that could imperil regional peace and security. The prime minister thanked the Saudi leadership and people for always standing in solidarity with Pakistan through thick and thin. The Saudi ambassador thanked the prime minister for sharing his views on this important issue and said that Saudi Arabia wanted to work with Pakistan for peace and security in the region. During the meeting with the UAE ambassador, the prime minister thanked the UAE for its unwavering support to Pakistan, saying it “bore testament to the historic, deep-rooted, fraternal ties between the two countries”. The UAE ambassador thanked PM Shehbaz for sharing Pakistan’s position and said that the UAE would work closely with Pakistan to maintain regional peace and security. PM Shehbaz shared that Pakistan was reaching out to other friendly countries to present its position on the current crisis. During the meeting with the Kuwait ambassador, the prime minister noted the strong, historic, brotherly relations between Kuwait and Pakistan.
The premier said that he looked forward to the visit of Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah at the earliest possible time. The Kuwaiti ambassador thanked PM Shehbaz for sharing Pakistan’s position and
affirmed that Kuwait shared Pakistan’s vision for regional peace and security. PM Shehbaz had contacted Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong a day ago regarding the situation.