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ENTIRE NATION STANDING WITH ‘BRAVE ARMED FORCES’ AGAINST ANY THREAT: PM Wednesday, 7 May, 2025 I 9 Ziquad, 1446
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PM SHEHBAZ LAUDS ISI’S CRITICAL ROLE IN SAFEGUARDING NATIONAL INTERESTS AND ENABLING INFORMED NATIONAL SECURITY DECISION-MAKING
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 300 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition
DESCRIBES NIFTAC AS A QUINTESSENTIAL NATIONAL PLATFORM FOR COLLABORATIVE THREAT ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE
g PREMIER VISITS ISI HQ, COAS GEN MUNIR, ISIg PM ALSO VISITS NEWLYCHIEF AND SERVICES ESTABLISHED NIFTAC, FORMALLY BRIEFED ON COUNTRY’S CHIEFS ALSO ATTEND INAUGURATES ITS STATE-OF-THEPREPARATIONS FOR BRIEFING ART HEADQUARTERS INDIA ‘THREAT’
Pakistan open for foreign investments under improved regulatory framework: PM ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
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ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT
OMMENDING the InterServices Intelligence’s professionalism and strategic acumen, the Prime Minister on Tuesday lauded its critical role in safeguarding national interests and enabling informed national security decision-making under complex and dynamic conditions. “The entire nation is behind their brave Armed Forces”, the premier stated, saying Pakistan Army is one of the most pro-
fessional and disciplined force in the world, the state media said. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the remarks during his visit to the headquarters of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) on Tuesday, where he was briefed on the country’s preparation for a “conventional threat” amid the ongoing tensions with India, the state broadcasters – Radio Pakistan and PTV News reported on Tuesday. The high-level visit comes amid simmering tensions with India in the wake of a deadly attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam. India quickly ac-
Pakistan welcomes Iran’s role in mediating India tensions ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan expressed openness to Iran’s offer to mediate between Islamabad and New Delhi to reduce rising tensions after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi visited Islamabad for talks with Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Araghchi’s visit, aimed at easing tensions, came after the Iranian president spoke to both Indian and Pakistani leaders urging restraint. Pakistan reaffirmed its willingness to accept Iran’s mediation, despite India’s likely rejection of Tehran’s involvement. The prime minister rejected any accusations linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack and reiterated Islamabad’s call for an international investigation into the incident. During their meetings, both sides discussed the growing instability in South Asia, with Pakistan emphasizing India’s provocative actions. Iran pledged to help deescalate the situation and strengthen bilateral relations with Pakistan. The Iranian FM also reiterated an invitation for Prime Minister Sharif to visit Tehran. Pakistan’s leadership also engaged with the UK and Chinese ambassadors, reiterating Pakistan’s position on the crisis and seeking international support for peace and stability in the region.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday assured the USPakistan Business Council (USPBC) delegation that Pakistan is open for new foreign investments and highlighted the government’s efforts to streamline the regulatory environment, enhance transparency, and eliminate bureaucratic hurdles through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). The prime minister extended a warm welcome to a high-level delegation from the US-Pakistan Business Council, part of the US Chamber of Commerce, during a significant meeting held here and called for stronger economic ties between
cused Pakistan of cross-border attack, without any investigation or evidence, and announced a number of escalating
India launches missile attacks on three places as Pakistan vows to respond RAWALPINDI
MIAN ABRAR
the two nations, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said. The delegation included Charles Freeman, Senior Vice President Asia at the US Chamber, Esperanza Gomez, President of the US-Pakistan Business Council, and representatives from major American firms including Abbott and Apple. PM Shehbaz lauded the Council’s pivotal role in enhancing Pakistan-US economic ties, describing it as a vital platform that promotes partnership, streamlines business connections, and boosts investment in Pakistan. Highlighting the presence of over 80 American companies in Pakistan, PM Sharif stated, “This reflects that Pakistan is a safe and profitable destination for business and investment.”
moves. Pakistan has firmly rejected the claim and called for a neutral probe.
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Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations Lt. General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry early Wednesday morning confirmed that India has launched missile attacks at three places including Kotli and Muzaffarabad in Azad Jammu and Kashmir; and Ahmed Pur East in Bahawalpur District. Speaking to media, the DGISPR said that the Indian unprovoked attacks would be responded appropriately. He said that initial assessment is being made of the damages and further information would be shared soon. "Pakistan would respond to Indian attacks at the time and place of our own choosing. These attacks would not go unanswered," he said. He said that Pakistan Air Force was on alert and hence Indian jets could not infiltrate into Pakistani airspace. Earlier, initial media reports suggested that four blasts were heard in Ahmed Pur East while three blasts were heard in Muzaffarabad. Jamia Mosque Subhan was targeted in Ahmed Pur East where according to initial reports, a child was martyred and a woman and a man got injured. Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that a clash with India “can happen anytime” amid the ongoing tensions between the two countries in the wake of a militant attack in occupied Kashmir. The April 22 attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in one of the deadliest assaults since 2000. India, without investigation or evidence, implied “cross-border linkages” of the attackers. Pakistan has firmly rejected the claim and called for a neutral probe. Tensions have since spiked, with Pakistan reinforcing its forces as it expected an incursion and India’s premier granting “operational freedom” to his military. As temperatures remain high, with the military warning of a “swift” response to any misadventure by New Delhi, diplomatic channels have remained engaged to prevent conflict.
Imran Khan bars party from attending APC, NSC or apex committee ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Tuesday barred the party from implementing the KhyberPakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Bill, attending any All Parties Conference (APC), apex committee, and National Security Committee meeting without his approval. The PTI founder’s sister Aleema Khan shared the statement with the media persons outside Adiala Jail after 45-minute meeting with his brother. Other two sisters – Uzma Khan and Noreen Khan also met their brother. Speaking to the media, Aleema Khan, who was once again denied permission to meet him, shared details of the meeting. She revealed that Imran expressed serious reservations about party operations proceeding without his input. “He made it clear that no policy will be approved without his consent,” she quoted Imran as saying. “He has also in-
structed party members not to attend any APC, apex, or national security meetings unless authorised by him.” According to Aleema Khan: “Imran specifically barred Ali Amin Gandapur from meeting him and criticised his long absence from jail despite being at senior position in the party. He compared the situation with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s cabinet, remarking that “entire cabinets used to go to jail or London — why not Ali Amin?” Imran also directed party
leader Junaid Akbar to focus entirely on reinvigorating the movement. “People want a strong movement right now,” he purportedly said, encouraging protests in front of the Election Commission and filing appeals in election tribunals. On the issue of his health, Aleema clarified that Imran is in good condition and dismissed rumours propagated by Indian media as propaganda. She also criticised the treatment of PTI lawmakers by police, claiming they were manhandled and humiliated.
Pakistan briefs UNSC on escalating tensions after Pahalgam attack
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan briefed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the rising tensions in South Asia following the killing of 26 people in the Pahalgam tourist resort of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The briefing, requested by Pakistan, was delivered by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar during an emergency in-camera session attended by all 15 UNSC members. Ambassador Iftikhar condemned the attack, reaffirmed Pakistan’s innocence, and called for an independent international investigation. He also raised concerns over India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and ongoing human rights violations in IIOJK. Emphasizing the centrality of the Kashmir dispute to regional peace, Iftikhar urged that any solution should reflect the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, advocating for dialogue based on mutual respect and sovereignty. STAFF REPORT
India advances Kashmir hydro projects after suspending IWT with Pakistan, document shows g
TENSIONS RISE AS NEW DELHI FAST-TRACKS CONSTRUCTION DESPITE ISLAMABAD’S WARNINGS OVER WATER RIGHTS PROFIT
REUTERS
India has advanced the start date of four under-construction hydropower projects in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by several months after suspending a water-sharing treaty with Pakistan that had previously slowed progress, according to an industry source and a government document. The updated schedule for the projects, which Pakistan generally opposes due to fears of reduced downstream water flow, signals India’s intent to capitalize on its unilateral suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. This follows a deadly attack in IIOJK last month. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has directed authorities to remove obstacles hindering the construction of four hydroelectric projects with a combined capacity of 3,014 megawatts, according to an undated list prepared by the power
ministry and reviewed by Reuters. India has claimed that two of the gunmen responsible for the April 22 attack, which killed 26 people at a tourist site in Occupied Kashmir, came from Pakistan. In response, New Delhi has taken a series of diplomatic and economic measures against Islamabad, further straining already tense relations between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Islamabad has denied any involvement in the attack and has threatened legal action over the treaty suspension. It has also warned that any attempt to halt or divert water destined for Pakistan would be considered an act of war. Pakistan relies on the Indus River system for around 80% of its agriculture and the majority of its hydroelectric power generation. In recent days, the armies of both countries have exchanged small arms fire along the border almost nightly. Pakistani officials warn that India appears to be preparing for a military escalation. New Delhi has ignored Pakistan’s ob-
jections and proceeded with measures that have already disrupted water flows into Pakistan, including maintenance work to increase the holding capacity of two operational hydroelectric plants in IIOJK. The four hydropower projects now being accelerated are Pakal Dul (1,000 MW), Kiru (624 MW), Kwar (540 MW), and Ratle (850 MW), all located on the Chenab River. Although the Chenab’s waters are allocated primarily to Pakistan under the treaty, India is permitted to construct run-of-river projects that do not involve significant water storage. India’s state-run NHPC, the largest hydropower developer in the country, is building all four projects. The power ministry document shows that the projects are scheduled to become operational between June 2026 and August 2028. Multiple agencies, including those responsible for law enforcement and labour supply, have been tasked with expediting construction.
Pakistan accuses India of manipulating Chenab River flow ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan has accused India of deliberately altering the flow of the Chenab River — one of the three western rivers allocated to Pakistan under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty — following the suspension of the agreement by New Delhi last month. The alleged tampering has sparked renewed fears over regional water security and prompted Islamabad to warn that such actions would be considered “an act of war.” India suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty following a deadly attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir on April 22 that killed 26 people. The river, which originates
in Indian-administered territory, is vital to Pakistan’s agriculture and water needs, particularly in the populous province of Punjab. “We have witnessed changes in the river (Chenab) which are not natural at all,” said Kazim Pirzada, Irrigation Minister for Punjab province, while speaking to local media. “One day the river had normal inflow and the next day it was greatly reduced.” Punjab, which borders India and is home to nearly half of Pakistan’s 240 million people, is considered the country’s agricultural heartland. Pirzada warned that any disruption in the flow of the Chenab would have devastating consequences for millions. “The majority impact will be felt in areas which have fewer alternate water routes,” he said.