In partnership with
INDIAN SPONSORED PROXY WAR IS NO LONGER HIDDEN: FIELD MARSHAL MUNIR
Profit
Monday, 2 June, 2025 I 5 Zilhaj, 1446
g
g
COAS REAFFIRMS VOW TO CRUSH TERRORISTS IN BALOCHISTAN WITH ‘UNWAVERING SUPPORT’ OF NATION AND BALOCH PEOPLE
WE HAVE CONCRETE PROOF OF INDIA’S HAND BEHIND TERRORIST NETWORKS OPERATING IN BALOCHISTAN AND THESE NEFARIOUS ATTEMPTS OF THE ENEMY WILL FAIL: GEN MUNIR
g
g
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 326 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
EMPHASIZES PAKISTAN ARMY REMAINS FULLY ALERT AND PREPARED TO RESPOND DECISIVELY TO ANY THREAT, SAYING FUTURE OF PAKISTAN DIRECTLY LINKED TO A STABLE, PROSPEROUS BALOCHISTAN
IT IS AN OPEN MALICIOUS ACT OF TERRORISM WAGED ON ‘OUR PEOPLE, OUR PROGRESS, AND OUR PEACE:’ FIELD MARSHAL
early Kashmir solution essential for enduring peace in South asia: gen Sahir Shamshad SINGAPORE
STAFF REPORT
C
RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
HIEF of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has reaffirmed the pledge to “crush” terrorists in Balochistan with the “unwavering support” of the “nation” and the “brave Baloch people,” said that “Indian sponsored proxy war” is no longer hidden, state-run Radio
Pakistan reported on Sunday. “India’s involvement in terrorism in the country’s largest province is “no longer hidden”, and it is an open malicious act of terrorism waged on “our people, our progress, and our peace,” Radio Pakistan reported quoting Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as saying. Field Marshal Asim Munir was addressing tribal elders during Baloch Grand Jirga in Quetta, organised to dis-
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, has stressed that an “early resolution of Kashmir dispute in line with the UN Security Council resolutions and as per the aspirations of the people is essential” for an enduring peace in South Asia. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza made the remarks at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 organised by the International Institute for Strate-
cuss the evolving security situation in Balochistan, with particular focus on terrorists receiving support from India. The COAS and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered speeches and interacted with tribal elders. Reaffirming that the enemy’s “nefar-
dar, afghan counterpart agree to work closely for framework agreement of uap Rail project g
AFGHAN FM WELCOMES PAKISTAN’S DECISION TO UPGRADE DIPLOMATIC TIES TO AMBASSADOR LEVEL ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi on Sunday emphasized the importance of Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Line Project for regional connectivity. They agreed to work closely for an early finalization of the framework agreement, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release on Sunday. The DPM/FM held a telephone
conversation with the FM Amir Khan Muttaqi who welcomed the decision of Pakistan to upgrade its diplomatic relations to the ambassador level and informed that Afghanistan has decided to reciprocate the same. He termed it a very positive development in bilateral relations. Both leaders also reviewed implementation of decisions taken during DPM/FM’s visit to Kabul on 19 April 2025 and vowed to continue working together to establish mutual trust between the two brotherly nations. DPM Dar, UK FS Lammy dis-
cuss bilateral cooperation Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Sunday spoke with UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy. They exchanged views on further enhancing bilateral cooperation in multilateral fora, particularly at the UN Security Council, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release. Both leaders agreed to maintain contact and also to meet on the sidelines of the high-level events scheduled to be held later this month at the United Nations, New York.
FinMin terms Q2-2025 ipSoS survey a strong affirmation of improving economic outlook
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Sunday welcomed the findings of the IPSOS Consumer Confidence Survey for the second quarter of 2025, calling it a strong affirmation of the improving economic outlook and public sentiment across Pakistan. The survey reveals a significant surge in consumer confidence, with 42 percent of Pakistanis now believing the country is heading in the right direction, the highest level recorded in six years, said a news release. Perceptions of the economy being strong have also reached their most favorable levels since August 2019. Notably, optimism has over-
taken pessimism for the first time since consumer confidence tracking began, marking a key psychological shift among the population. The minister noted that this encouraging data reflected the success of the government’s disciplined and targeted macroeconomic strategy implemented over the last 14 months. The stabilization of key economic indicators, including the containment of inflation, strengthening of the exchange rate, rebuilding of foreign exchange reserves, and improved fiscal discipline has created a foundation for renewed public trust and economic recovery, he added. He highlighted that consumer confidence in making major purchases and investments has doubled
compared to the same period last year, indicating that households are beginning to feel more secure in their financial prospects. Similarly, confidence in job security is now at its highest since 2019, a sign that labor market conditions are gradually stabilizing in response to pro-growth policies and reforms, the federal minister said. The minister further pointed out that this upswing in confidence spans across urban and rural areas, and is particularly evident among youth and women—demonstrating the broad-based nature of the economic turnaround. He linked this optimism to sustained government efforts to create an enabling environment for private sector growth, boost exports, enhance social protection, and encourage financial inclusion. Aurangzeb reaffirmed that the government remains committed to maintaining macroeconomic stability, accelerating structural reforms, and ensuring that economic growth translates into real and inclusive progress for all citizens. The findings of the IPSOS survey, he said, are a timely validation of Pakistan’s economic direction and a clear signal that the country is on a steady path toward recovery and resilience.
gic Studies in Singapore. “The core issue that resides between Pakistan and India is Kashmir,” the CJCSC pointed out. He added that unless countries did not “enter conflict resolution”—which” he said could initially be through conflict management and then lead to resolution — issues would “always erupt”. “When there is no crisis, Kashmir is never discussed, and as we always say that it is the Kashmir dispute resolution in line with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir and in line with the United Nations Security Council resolutions that will address many issues.
ious designs will fail”, the field marshal said: “It is an open malicious act of terrorism waged on our people, our progress, and our peace. Pakistan has concrete evidence of India’s involvement with terrorist networks in Balochistan.
Continued on page 03
JUI-F chief announces nationwide protest against child marriage law PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday rejected the recently enacted Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025 and declared it against the Quran and Sunnah, announcing nationwide protest rallies to “create awareness” among the public. Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Sunday, the JUI-F chief rejected the law, alleging that it “made adultery and fornication easier while making legitimate marriages difficult.” He announced a nationwide protest against child marriage, condemning the government for “caving in to international pressure” from organisations like the “IMF and FATF.” Fazl emphasized that Pakistan was founded in the name of Islam, but its Islamic identity is under threat due to recent legislative actions. He criticised the government for modern slavery, stating that laws should align with Islamic principles rather than foreign directives. “Pakistan is a strange country — during the time of General Musharraf, a constitutional amendment was passed in the name of women’s rights that decriminalised fornication,” Fazl said. “It took it out of the realm of sin. The JUI-F leader revealed plans for a large-scale protest against child marriage across Pakistan, including a major gathering in Hazara Division on June 29. He vowed to mobilise supporters in various cities to oppose the bill. Fazl pointed out that the Council of Islamic Ideology had already rejected the child marriage bill, reinforcing his stance that age should not be a condition for marriage in Islam, but rather physical maturity (bulugh). During his speech, the JUI-F also touched on regional politics, stating that Pakistan and Afghanistan must strengthen diplomatic ties. He warned that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s actions have escalated tensions, posing a threat to regional stability. Additionally, he criticized the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), claiming that its protests are not against corruption, but rather an attempt to protect its record. This protest against child marriage campaign marks an important political move by JUI-F, as Fazlur Rehman continues to challenge the government’s legislative decisions.