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NSC REAFFIRMS IRAN’S RIGHT TO SELF-DEFENCE AFTER US ATTACKS ON NUCLEAR FACILITIES Tuesday, 24 June, 2025 | 27 Zilhaj, 1446
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PM-LED HUDDLE CALLS ON ALL PARTIES TO RESOLVE IRAN-ISRAEL CONFLICT THROUGH DIALOGUE, DIPLOMACY AS PER UN CHARTER
NSC CONCERNED ABOUT POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER ESCALATION AFTER ATTACKS ON IRANIAN NUCLEAR SITES WHICH VIOLATED IAEA RESOLUTIONS, INT’L LAW AND THE UN CHARTER
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ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
HE National Security Committee (NSC)—Pakistan’s highest forum for security deliberations—on Monday reaffirmed Iran’s right to self-defense as enshrined in the UN Charter following the airstrikes by the United States on three nuclear facilities. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the meeting, with Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir also attending the important moot, and reviewed the evolving regional situation following the Israeli aggression against Iran, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said. The PMO’s statement said, “The committee strongly condemned Israel’s acts of aggression and expressed regret that these military attacks coincided with a constructive negotiation process between Iran and the US. These reckless actions have escalated tensions, threatening to ignite a wider conflict and diminishing the opportunities for dialogue and diplomacy. The NSC reaffirmed Iran’s right to self-defense as enshrined in the UN Charter.” The committee members also conveyed their condolences to the Iranian government and people on the loss of innocent lives and offered prayers for the recovery of those injured. “While reiterating Pakistan’s stated position, the NSC expressed grave concern over the potential for further escalation after the attacks on Iranian nuclear
facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan on June 22, which violated the resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency, relevant international law and the UN Charter.” The committee members also reaffirmed Pakistan’s close engagement with relevant parties in the situation and endorsed the government’s readiness to continue efforts and initiatives aimed at promoting regional peace and stability. The NSC called on all relevant parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy in line with the UN Charter, underscoring the need to adhere to international human rights and humanitarian laws. Israel launched wide-scale airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, military sites and private residences on June 13, killing its top commanders, scientists, and civilians. A day earlier, President Donald Trump said US airstrikes “totally obliterated” Iran’s main nuclear sites, as Washington joined Israel’s war with Tehran in a flashpoint moment for the Middle East. The strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities came four days after COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s meeting with Trump and a day after the government said it decided to formally recommend Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for his role during the recent conflict with India. A meeting of the NSC, the highest forum for security deliberations comprising the civil and military top brass, was subsequently convened.
ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday, while wrapping up debate on budget, described the budget for fiscal year 2025–26 as a balanced plan focused on providing public relief, promoting industry, curbing government expenditures, enhancing revenues, and ensuring fair tax enforcement—all aimed at fostering sustainable growth and driving an export-led economy. Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, the minister announced many tax and relief measures that were incorporated in the budget after suggestions by finance committees of both National Assembly and Senate. He said the government was committed to economic stability amid regional uncertainty. Aurangzeb stated that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would not be authorized to arrest individuals involved in tax evasion of up to Rs50 million without judicial warrants. The finance minister emphasized this approach is in line with the government’s commitment to upholding due process and judicial oversight. He further assured that a three-member FBR committee would be formed to investigate cases of tax evasion. Tax evaders, once identified, would be presented before a magistrate within 24 hours, ensuring swift legal
Iran hits US air base in Qatar in retaliation for attack on its nuclear sites: IRGC AGENCIES
Staff RepoRt
Iran has launched “powerful and destructive” attack on US air base in Qatar, the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said, citing the operation named as, “Besharat al-Fath,” meaning “Blessings of victory,” in retaliation for US airstrikes on its nuclear sites a day ealier. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar was attacked “by short-range and mediumrange ballistic missiles originating from Iran,” a US defense official said. Iran said it had fired missiles toward a US military base in Iraq, Iranian state media Tasnim reported. Iran’s missile operation against American bases in Qatar and Iraq have started, state media reported, citing the
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proceedings. The Finance Minister also highlighted that the government would soon unveil its industrial policy to stimulate economic growth. He described the upcoming fiscal year’s budget (2025-26) as “balanced” and noted that significant steps had been taken to ease the financial burden on the salaried class, including reduced taxes. Additionally, the government is focusing on improving tax rules, with particular emphasis on expanding the tax base. Aurangzeb announced that efforts are underway to grant loans to farmers on easy terms and conditions, alongside measures to boost exports and address environmental concerns. The minister also addressed the issue of rising solar panel prices, noting a slight increase in rates but a reduction in the sales tax on imported solar panels from 18% to 10%. He further elaborated on the steps being taken to expand the tax base, including introducing digitalization in tax collection processes and the implementation of new laws to ensure better tax compliance. As part of the government’s fiscal measures, Aurangzeb said that a Federal Excise Duty (FED) of Rs10 has been imposed on one-day-old chicken, and rates on investment in mutual funds and earnings from government securities have been revised.
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FINANCE MINISTER, ENERGY MINISTER, CHAIRMAN OGRA, AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS TO BE PART OF COMMITTEE ISLAMABAD
Owing to the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a high-level committee to monitor the country’s petroleum supply and stock situation on a daily basis. In light of emerging regional developments, this high-level committee is mandated to review the petroleum stock levels on a daily basis and issues necessary directions to ensure uninterrupted supply across the country. As per available details, the committee is headed by the Federal Minister for Finance and includes Ali Pervaiz Malik himself, along with the Chairman of OGRA, Secretary Petroleum, and other senior officials. Ali Pervaiz Malik said that the committee reviews petroleum stock
levels on a daily basis and issues necessary directions to ensure uninterrupted supply across the country. He stated that a review meeting was held today at the Ministry of Petroleum to assess the current situation and evaluate preparedness measures. The Minister confirmed that Pakistan currently holds sufficient reserves of petroleum products and reassured the public that there is no immediate threat of shortage. He added that OGRA is actively monitoring stock levels at refineries and oil marketing companies to ensure stable supply operations. Addressing regional security concerns, Ali Pervaiz Malik revealed that the government has also reviewed contingency plans in case of any disruption to global supply routes, including the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that the government is
Pakistan condemns suicide bombing at Damascus Church: FO ISLAMABAD
PM forms high-level committee to monitor petroleum supply amid potential Strait of Hormuz closure ahmad ahmadani
COMMITTEE CONDEMNS ISRAEL’S ACTS OF AGGRESSION AND REGRETS THESE MILITARY ATTACKS COINCIDED WITH A CONSTRUCTIVE IRAN-US NEGOTIATION PROCESS
Staff RepoRt
Balanced budget targets relief, fiscal balance, export-led growth: FinMin
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committed to keeping the petroleum supply chain fully functional and will go to all possible lengths to prevent any disruptions. He further shared that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to personally chair a review meeting in the coming days to oversee the overall situation and preparedness of relevant institutions. It is worth noting that following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Iran’s Parliament yesterday approved a motion to close the Strait of Hormuz. Reportedly, approximately 21 million barrels of oil are transported daily through the Strait of Hormuz from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iran to various countries, including Pakistan, China, Japan, South Korea, Europe, North America, and others around the world.
operation name, “Besharat al-Fath,” meaning “Blessings of victory.” Qatar’s defense ministry said its air defenses “successfully” intercepted a missile attack targeting the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, adding that the attack did not results in any deaths or injuries. Iran has launched a “powerful and destructive missile attack” on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in response to the US striking its nuclear facilities, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement. “The Islamic Republic of Iran, relying on Almighty God and the faithful, proud people of Iran, will never leave any aggression against its territorial integrity, sovereignty, or national security unanswered,” the statement read.
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Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on Monday strongly condemned a suicide bombing in Elias Church in the Dweila neighbourhood of the Syrian capital Damascus the day earlier. “Pakistan strongly condemns the heinous suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighbourhood of Damascus, Syria, on June 22, 2025, which resulted in the loss of precious lives and left many injured,” a Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement issued on Monday. The death toll from the suicide attack on Elias Church in the Dweila neighbourhood, the first such incident since the fall of Bashar al-Assad regime in Damascus, rose to 25. At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the Mar Elias Church in the Dweila neighbourhood of the Syrian capital Damascus on Sunday, health authorities and security sources said.The FO statement stated, “Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the brotherly people of Syria in this hour of grief, and reaffirms its strong support for efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the country.” Meanwhile, Syria’s state news agency SANA reported that the death toll rose to 25. The agency cited the country’s health ministry. Syria’s interior ministry on Sunday said the suicide bomber was a member of the banned militant Islamic State group. “He entered the church, opened fire, and then detonated his explosive vest,” a ministry statement added.