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PM SHEHBAZ SETS UP COMMITTEE, VOWS TO RESOLVE ALL ISSUES FACED BY KP Wednesday, 4 June, 2025 I 7 Zilhaj, 1446
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BODY WOULD SIT TOGETHER WITH TRIBAL ELDERS, KP GOVERNOR AND CM TO FORMULATE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ADDRESSING ISSUES: PM
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 328 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition
AFFIRMS IMMENSE SACRIFICES RENDERED BY PEOPLE OF KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM
REAFFIRMS PAKISTAN’S RIGHTS UNDER IWT OF 1960, ASSERTING INDIA CAN’T DEPRIVE PAKISTAN OF ITS RIGHTFUL SHARE OF WATER OR SUSPEND TREATY UNILATERALLY
– terms talks with iMF on upcoming budget productive PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
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PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday affirmed the immense sacrifices rendered by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in the fight against terrorism, reiterating his government’s resolve to address all issues faced by the province and set up a committee for the task, state media reported. “The committee would deliberate on all demands and issues raised by the KP chief minister as the federal government would stand by the province until the complete eradication of the menace of terrorism,” Premier Shehbaz Sharif
stated while representative jirga in Peshawar, Radio Pakistan reported. PM Shehbaz said the committee would sit together with tribal elders, the KP governor and chief minister to formulate recommendations in this regard, saying that the federal government would give serious attention to the recommendations to benefit the province’s valiant people. The jirga was attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal and provincial ministers, senators, local parliamentarians, the Corps Commander Peshawar, the KP’s Chief Secretary, and the Inspector General of Police.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the upcoming federal budget had been productive, setting the stage for a new phase of economic development in Pakistan. In a meeting with journalists, Sharif confirmed that the government had successfully stabilized the economy and was now shifting its focus toward long-term growth. “We have achieved economic stability; now we must embark on the journey of economic development,” he remarked, while also emphasising that no corruption cases had surfaced during his administration’s tenure under the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Sharif’s comments come amidst ongoing debates between the governThe participants offered Fateha for the martyrs of Pakistan, paying tribute to both civilian and military personnel who have laid down their lives for the nation. Addressing the representative jirga, the prime minister said that KP had re-
Sindh CM Murad ali Shah removes ig jail, suspends top officials after Malir jailbreak KARACHI
STAFF REPORT
Following the escape of 216 inmates during an earthquake evacuation at Malir jail, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took strict action, removing the inspector general of prisons and suspending the deputy inspector general and jail superintendent with immediate effect. Calling the incident “completely unacceptable,” the CM cited gross negligence by the prison administration and vowed accountability. He directed the Sindh home secretary to
conduct a comprehensive security audit of Malir jail and all provincial prisons. An emergency meeting chaired by Murad Ali Shah involved senior ministers and officials who were briefed on the jailbreak. So far, 83 fugitives have been recaptured while search operations continue for the remaining. The CM urged escaped prisoners to surrender voluntarily, warning of prosecution under the Anti-Terrorism Act with possible imprisonment of up to seven years. The jailbreak occurred amid tremors when inmates were moved
to the open courtyard for safety, leading to chaos and loss of control. Murad Ali Shah criticized the lack of immediate communication with local authorities and law enforcement, calling it a “complete breakdown” of preparedness. At a later event, the CM reiterated the government’s commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation and assured reforms to close prison system loopholes. He instructed the chief secretary to promptly issue notifications for the newly appointed IG jail, DIG, and superintendent.
7 ‘Fitna al-Hindustan’ terrorists killed in two Balochistan iBos: iSpR RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Seven terrorists belonging to “Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan” were neutralized during fire exchange with the security forces in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted in Balochistan, the military's media wing said on Tuesday. In a statement the Inter-Services
Public Relations (ISPR), said, “The first operation took place in the Mach area of Kachhi district, where troops acted on actionable intelligence regarding the presence of armed militants.” “During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the Fitna al Hindustan terrorists’ location, and after an intense fire exchange, five Indian sponsored terrorists were sent
to hell,” the statement said. In another IBO conducted in the general area of Margand in Kalat district, a terrorist hideout was busted and two terrorists were successfully neutralised, ISPR said. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the slain terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities.
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asian development Bank approves $800m program to boost pakistan’s public finance PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday approved an $800 million program to strengthen fiscal sustainability and improve public financial management in Pakistan. The Improved Resource Mobilization and Utilization Reform Program, Subprogram 2, includes a policy-based loan of $300 million and ADB’s first-ever policybased guarantee of up to $500 million, which is expected to mobilize financing of up to $1 billion from commercial banks. “Pakistan has made significant progress in improving macroeconomic conditions,” said ADB Country Director for Pak-
istan Emma Fan. “This program backs the government’s commitment to further policy and institutional reforms that will strengthen public finances and promote sustainable growth.” The program supports farreaching reforms to improve tax policy, administration, and compliance, while enhancing public expenditure and cash management. It also promotes digitalisation, investment facilitation, and private sector development. These measures aim to reduce Pakistan’s fiscal deficit and public debt, while creating space for social and development spending. The program is underpinned by a comprehensive support package— including technical assistance and close coordination with develop-
ment partners—designed to help Pakistan build long-term fiscal resilience and stability. Advisor to the finance minister, Khurram Schehzad, confirmed ADB’s $800 million program for Pakistan in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), saying that “diplomacy led by Economic Affairs and Ministry of Finance secures majority support at ADB Board.” Pakistan is a founding member of ADB. Since 1966, ADB has committed more than $52 billion in public and private sector loans, grants, and other forms of financing to promote inclusive economic growth and improve the country’s infrastructure, energy and food security, transport networks, and social services.
ment and the IMF over key fiscal policies. While the IMF has raised concerns over certain budget targets and subsidies, the prime minister expressed optimism that the final budget would balance economic stabilization with targeted relief measures. The upcoming budget, which will be presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on June 10, had originally been scheduled for June 2 but was delayed due to extended negotiations with the IMF over tax relief and other fiscal issues. Regarding internal reforms, Sharif emphasized the government’s commitment to instituting long-term reforms within national institutions, with the goal of transforming Pakistan into a competitive and stable economy. The Prime Minister concluded by underscoring the importance of sustainable reforms for the country’s future.
ceived Rs700 billion since 2010 under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award as its one percent share allocated for anti-terrorism efforts.
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Pakistan neither sought, nor received external help during confrontation with India: CJCSC RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza on Tuesday declared that Pakistan had neither sought nor received any external help during the recent 96-hour military confrontation with India, asserting Islamabad relied solely on its internal capabilities. In an interview with BBC, General Mirza dismissed reports suggesting foreign assistance, including satellite intelligence, was provided by allies such as China. “The equipment we used was either developed domestically or acquired beforehand. But in real-time, it was Pakistan’s own capability that came into play,” he mentioned. Gen Mirza underscored that the 96-hour military engagement with India was managed independently, stating, “We fought the entire conflict with our own resources. No help came from anywhere.” The CJCSC’s remarks provide rare official insight into the brief but intense military engagement between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation, suggesting that future engagements may no longer be confined to contested zones like Kashmir. “There is a relative calm on the borders now, but tension in the cities has increased. In the future, conflict will not remain restricted to specific areas,” he warned. Commenting on the broader state of Pakistan-India relations, General Mirza said there is currently no “effective and systematic” mechanism to resolve disputes between the two nations.