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PM REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ACHIEVING GOAL OF A ‘POLIO-FREE PAKISTAN’
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Friday, 4 July, 2025 | 8 Muharram, 1447
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ ACKNOWLEDGES PROGRESS IN ANTI-POLIO FIGHT, CREDITING DEDICATION OF FRONTLINE WORKERS, GOVT’S COMMITMENT, AND PARTNERS SUPPORT
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 356 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
STRESSES ALL STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING PROVINCIAL GOVTS, MUST UNITE AND INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO ERADICATE POLIO
APPRECIATES THE VITAL AND COMMENDABLE ROLE OF SAUDI CROWN PRINCE, GATES FOUNDATION AND ALL PARTNERS IN ANTI-POLIO CAMPAIGN IN PAKISTAN
PM reaches Azerbaijan to outline Pakistan’s perspective on key regional, global issues SHUSHA, AZERBAIJAN stAff report
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ISLAMABAD
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RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed his government’s resolute commitment to [achieving] the goal of a “polio-free Pakistan” soon despite all “challenges and difficulties” with the support of international, provincial, and local teams, stressing accelerated efforts to eradicate polio from the country. “We are committed to protecting every child in Pakistan against this crippling disease and achieving a polio-free Pakistan,” the prime minister pledged while chairing a meeting of the AntiPolio Task Force here.
He stressed the need for full dedication and seriousness to ensure that every child across the country receives multiple doses of the polio vaccine and remains protected. The prime minister acknowledged significant progress in the fight against polio due to the dedication of frontline workers, the government’s commitment and support from the partners. He praised the efforts and cooperation of provincial governments, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and law enforcement agencies in the anti-polio campaign. “The safety of polio workers is our top priority,” he said, adding that all stakeholders, including provincial governments, must unite and intensify their efforts to eradicate polio. The prime minister expressed grati-
Israel kills over 139, injures 487 in Gaza GAZA
Agencies
The death toll in Gaza has continued to rise, with at least 139 Palestinians killed and 487 wounded in Israeli airstrikes over the past 24 hours, according to the territory’s Health Ministry. The ministry also reported that three more bodies were recovered from beneath rubble caused by earlier attacks. The latest count includes 223 deaths newly confirmed by a judicial committee reviewing reports of missing persons. Among those killed in the past day, 39 were aid seekers who arrived at hospitals, with over 210 others injured. The Health Ministry said the total number of aid seekers killed since the start of the conflict has now reached 640. One of the deadliest strikes occurred in the al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis, where a tent was hit, killing 13 people — among them a couple and their four children. Another attack struck the Mustafa Hafez School, which was sheltering displaced residents in western Gaza City, resulting in 11 fatalities. An air strike near the Nabulsi Roundabout, also west of Gaza City, left at least six people dead and around 100 injured, many of whom were reportedly waiting for aid. UNRWA calls for control of Gaza aid distribution The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has urged an independent investigation into the deaths and injuries of Palestinians attempting to access food via the current US- and Israeli-supported aid delivery system in Gaza. In a statement posted on X, the agency accused Israeli forces of opening fire on civilians and of people being fatally crushed by aid trucks. “Lift the siege now,” UNRWA said. “Aid delivery must be safe, dignified and accessible to all.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday arrived at Shusha city of Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan on a two-day official visit to participate in the Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), state media reported. Upon his arrival at Fuzuli International Airport, the prime minister and his delegation were warmly received by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Qasim Mueenuddin, and other senior diplomatic and government officials, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said. The summit, being held in Khankendi from July 3 to 4 under the theme “New ECO Vision for a Sustainable and Climate Resilient Future”, brings
tude to all partners supporting the government in its polio eradication efforts. He extended special thanks to Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Ara-
together heads of state and government from member countries to discuss pressing regional issues, including connectivity, trade, and climate change, state broadcaster PTV News reported. The Pakistani delegation accompanying the prime minister includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi. According to a Foreign Office statement, the prime minister will address the summit, outlining Pakistan’s perspective on key regional and global issues. He is expected to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Vision 2025 and advocate for deeper intra-regional trade, enhanced transport connectivity, greater energy cooperation, and sustainable development.
bia, Mohammed bin Salman, for his comprehensive support of Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts.
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CJCSC, South Africa’s air force chief discuss defence ties, regional security situation RAWALPINDI
LHC rules prosecution evidence reflected Imran’s involvement in May 9 conspiracy LAHORE
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The Lahore High Court (LHC) ruled on Thursday that former prime minister Imran Khan was involved in the conspiracy behind the violent events of May 9, 2023, noting the prosecution evidence concerning offenses amounted to “conspiracy and abetment”. In its verdict on the dismissal of Imran Khan’s postarrest bail petition in eight cases of May 9 riots, testimonies from two police officials cited sufficient grounds for “criminal conspiracy and abetment.” In their detailed order, Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi and Justice Tariq Mahmood Bajwa said: “In this view of the matter argument furnished by learned counsel for the petitioner (Imran Khan) to the effect that on May 9, 2023, the petitioner was in jail is of no help to him.” Imran had approached the LHC seeking post-arrest bail in eight cases of the May 9 riots, including an attack on the corps commander’s residence, in January. The other cases involve attacks on Askari Tower at Liberty, PMLN offices in Model Town, Shadman police station, the burning of police vehicles near Jinnah House and violence at Sherpao Bridge. Previously, an antiterrorism court had on Nov 27, 2024, denied bail to the former prime minister in these cases. The LHC had also denied the request last week in a short order. “The statements by Inspector Ismat Kamal and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Hassan Afzal place Imran as the one who perpetrated meetings held on May 4 at Chakri Rest Area, Rawalpindi, and on May 7 and 9 in Lahore. The court said this undermines the argument that Imran was in jail during the violence on May 9.” “These statements attract the provisions of Section 120-B and Section 121-A of the Pakistan Penal Code,” reads the judgment. Both sections deal with criminal conspiracy and abetment of mutiny, which carry serious legal consequences. During the hearing, the court observed that Imran’s prior conviction in the Al-Qadir Trust case was uncontested. It also said that his alleged statements and actions had led to the loss of lives and damage to state property. The prosecution submitted audio and video clips, including transcripts prepared by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), which require forensic examination.
IHC acquits 4 PTI workers sentenced to 10-year jail in May 9 riots case ISLAMABAD
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Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF) Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo on Thursday discussed defence cooperation and regional security with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, at Joint Staff Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Thursday, the military’s media wing said. “During the meeting, both sides held discussions on a wide range of areas of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press statement. “The dignitaries discussed practical measures to further expand the level and scope of engagements between the two militaries. They also exchanged views on the broader geopolitical landscape.” CJCSC Gen Mirza shared Pakistan’s perspective on the evolving regional security landscape and highlighted Pakistan’s contributions towards regional peace and stability, the ISPR added. The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. Upon arrival at the Joint Staff
Headquarters, a smartly turned out tri-services contingent presented a guard of honor to Lt Gen Mbambo. A day earlier, the SAAF chief called on Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. During the meeting, Chief of Air Staff Sidhu “emphasized the shared values and aspirations that form the foundation of the deeprooted friendship between Pakistan and South Africa”. He reiterated PAF’s commitment to bolster SAAF’s aerial combat capabilities through tailored training and capacity-building initiatives. Lt Gen Mbambo lauded PAF’s
robust operational readiness, its multi-domain warfare capabilities, and its success in maintaining a credible deterrence posture. The South African air chief articulated a strong desire to further strengthen and institutionalize the formal relationship between the SAAF and the PAF. The discussions centered on revamping SAAF’s training regime. Lt Gen Mbambo sought the PAF’s support in developing a modern and comprehensive training framework, commencing at the academy level. He also expressed his earnest desire for SAAF officers’ participation as observers in PAF’s major operational exercises.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday overturned a verdict of the Anti-Terrorism Court and acquitted four PTI members sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on charges of attacking a police station during the violent May 9 riots. A divisional IHC bench, comprising Justice Azam Khan and Justice Khadim Soomro, heard the petition and acquitted the four convicts after the prosecution failed to prove their presence at the scene of the protest based on the witnesses’ accounts. On May 30, the Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad had sentenced PTI MNA Abdul Latif and 11 other party members under various charges for attacking the Ramna police station Islamabad during the May 9 riots. Following the verdict, the police took the four of the convicted members present in the court, namely Mira Khan, Muhammad Akram, Shahzeb, and Sohail Khan, into custody. The convicts had been charged under Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) Sections 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 186 (obstructing official duty), 188 (disobeying order of a public servant), 324 (attempted murder), 353 (assault on public servants), 436 (arson) and 440 (mischief); Section 144 of CrPC; and Section 7 of the Anti Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997. They were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment under Section 7 ATA, five years under Section 324 of PPC, four under Section 436, two each under sections 353 and 148. Additionally, the convicts were sentenced to four years in prison and fined Rs40,000 for burning a motorcycle under Section 426 (punishment for mischief); and a separate sentence of four years in prison and a fine of Rs40,000 under Section 440 (mischief committed after preparation made for causing death or hurt) for vandalizing a police station.
PA speaker moves ECP for disqualification of 26 ‘unruly’ SIC members ISLAMABAD
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Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Thursday filed a reference against 26 members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), seeking their disqualification over charges of unparliamentarily conduct, rioting, and repeated violation of assembly rules. On June 27, 2025, the opposition MPs allegedly caused disruption, damaging property during a Punjab Assembly session. In response, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan suspended the membership of these 26 SIC lawmakers. Later on June 28, the Speaker announced his decision to refer the matter to the ECP for the disqualification of the suspended members. According to sources, the PA speaker visited the ECP office in Islamabad to formally submit the references, which include evidence of the MPs’ disorderly actions. According to the text of the reference,
the accused members deliberately disrupted proceedings, used inappropriate language, and defied multiple requests to maintain decorum during sessions. The Speaker exercised his authority under Rule 210 of the Assembly Rules and cited Clauses 15 and 210 of the code of conduct, stating that the members’ actions forced repeated suspensions of the House and damaged the institution’s credibility. It was further noted that despite continuous appeals, the lawmakers continued to violate rules and hinder the constitutional business of the assembly. It requested the ECP to terminate the membership of the 26 SIC MPAs, citing their violation of assembly decorum and constitutional norms. The ECP is expected to review the references and decide on the lawmakers’ fate in accordance with legal provisions. ‘Those who violated oath have no right to remain part of the House’ Talking to the media outside the Election Commission office, Speaker Malik Ahmad
Khan said those who violated the constitutional oath have no right to remain part of the House. “The lawmakers in question not only failed to protect the sanctity of the institution but also crossed all limits of decency and democratic behavior,” the PA speaker asserted, noting that the assembly is the place to legislate and debate—not to resort to abusive language or physical altercations. He questioned whether it was appropriate for members to engage in brawls and use derogatory language in the very place where laws are to be made. He added that while he had shown patience for over a year and a half as Speaker in the hope of restoring democratic conduct, that patience should not be mistaken as weakness. If he were to accept the opposition’s unruly behavior as democratic, he said, then he himself would be the guiltiest of all. The Speaker emphasized that the rules of procedure made by the assembly hold constitutional status under Article 69, and any act of deliberate disorder within the House is not only a breach of decorum but also a violation of the Constitution.
PTI moves to disqualify four defected MNAs for joining PML-N ISLAMABAD
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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to file a reference against four Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) who have defected to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) after originally winning their seats with PTI’s backing. According to PTI leader Asad Qaiser, the party has finalized plans to take action against these members for their defection during the vote on the 26th Constitutional Amendment. The reference will be sent to both the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The four MNAs in question— Chaudhry Usman Ali, Mubarak Zeb, Au-
rangzeb Khichi, and Zahoor Qureshi—are accused by PTI of violating the party line during the crucial vote and later aligning with the opposition PML-N. “These members won their seats on PTI tickets and have now joined the PMLN. We have asked the party to send a disqualification reference to the Speaker and the ECP,” said Qaiser. He added, “Let’s see what action they take.” The move comes after these members supported the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which passed in the National Assembly last year with 225 votes. The vote saw support from some independent MNAs, including those previously aligned with PTI. PTI had accused those members of betraying the party and its founder, Imran Khan.