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PM SEEKS COMPREHENSIVE ACTION PLAN TO BOOST AGRI PRODUCTION
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Wednesday, 9 July, 2025 | 13 Muharram, 1447
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IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY, VALUE ADDITION, AND INCREASING AGRI EXPORTS ARE TOP PRIORITIES OF GOVT: PM SHEHBAZ
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DIRECTS ASSISTANCE FOR FARMERS IN ADOPTING CLIMATE-RESISTANT SEEDS AND MODERN FARMING METHODS TO MITIGATE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
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ISLAMABAD
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EMPHASIZES GOVERNMENT SHOULD BENEFIT FROM INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED EXPERTS FOR EFFECTIVE USE OF AI, MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE PREMIER APPOINTS QATARI PRINCESS SHEIKHA ASMA AL THANI AS BRAND AMBASSADOR FOR PAKISTAN’S MOUNTAINS AND TOURISM
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RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday asked the relevant authorities to present a comprehensive action plan to boost agricultural production and introduce agriculture reforms, directing that agricultural research centers be made more effective to enhance per-acre crop yield in the country. “Improving agricultural productivity, value addition, and increasing exports of agricultural products are top priorities of the government,” the prime minister declared while chairing a review meeting on the performance of the agriculture sector and ongoing reforms. He directed that a comprehensive short- and long-term action plan be presented for modern agricultural machinery, quality seeds, geographical planning of crops, and provision of easy loans to farmers. He further directed that modern research be ensured through public-private partnerships in agricultural research centers. The prime minister emphasized that the government should benefit from internationally renowned experts for the effective use of artificial intelligence and modern technology in agriculture.
He also instructed that an action plan be presented for the development of small and medium-sized agro-industries to enable the value addition of agricultural commodities and enhance exportready products. To promote cultivation of profitable crops and make Pakistan self-sufficient in food security, the prime minister directed that all necessary guidance and support be provided to farmers. He stressed the importance of consul-
‘Dialogue only with relevant stakeholders:’ Barrister Gohar briefs PTI founder on political landscape ISLAMABAD
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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan Tuesday held a detailed meeting with the party’s jailed founder, Imran Khan, briefing him on key party affairs, recent political offers, and judicial developments, according to party insiders. During the meeting, Barrister Gohar informed the PTI founder about an offer of talks extended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marking a potential opening for political dialogue amid the ongoing political impasse. He also relayed a message from what insiders referred to as the “captive leadership”—a ”group of party leaders facing legal or political pressure. Barrister Gohar advised restraint in issuing strong statements about the party’s leadership during the current sensitive situation. He also provided an assessment of the judiciary’s posture following the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment, which has sparked legal and political challenges across the board. In his comprehensive briefing, Barrister Gohar discussed the broader political landscape and internal party strategy. He reportedly emphasized that in addition to pursuing protest movements and judicial routes, PTI must evaluate all available political options moving forward. Another key issue raised during the discussion was the party’s internal disciplinary policy. Gohar urged that the decision to expel members who did not participate in recent protests should be reconsidered, suggesting a more inclusive approach might be beneficial in the current climate.
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tation with farmers and other stakeholders for policy recommendations. The prime minister emphasized the need to strengthen coordination and cooperation with provincial governments for agricultural development. To mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, he directed assistance for farmers in adopting climate-resistant seeds and modern farming methods. Keeping in view changing rainfall patterns and other climatic shifts, the prime
minister directed that after detailed consultation with provincial governments, especially in Sindh and Balochistan, a comprehensive plan for cotton cultivation in new suitable areas be prepared. He also called for research and planning to incorporate biofuels into the country’s energy mix. During the briefing, the meeting was told about the production of major Rabi and Kharif crops from the previous year, challenges faced by farmers, the proposed future roadmap, and suggestions for improvements. The meeting was also briefed about the progress on the implementation of government reforms, and the impact of climate change on agriculture. The prime minister directed that a comprehensive action plan for further agricultural reforms be presented soon. Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, agricultural experts, and senior relevant officials attended the meeting. Brand Ambassador for Pakistan’s Mountains and Tourism Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed on Tuesday Qatari Princess Sheikha Asma Al Thani as the brand ambassador for Pakistan’s Mountains and Tourism.
Pak-Chinese air chiefs discuss regional security dynamics, airpower domain and operational synergy RAWALPINDI
Pakistan approves four bidders, including military-backed firm, for PIA stake sale PROFIT
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The Pakistani government said on Tuesday it had approved four parties, including business groups and a military-backed firm, to potentially bid for a stake in debt-ridden Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Pakistan has been seeking to sell a 51–100% stake in the struggling national airline to raise funds and reform cash-draining state-owned enterprises, as envisaged under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund programme. It would be the country’s first major privatisation in nearly two decades. Among the bidding groups, one is a consortium of major industrial firms—Lucky Cement, Hub Power Holdings, Kohat Cement, and Metro Ventures. Another is led by investment firm Arif Habib Corp and includes fertiliser producer Fatima Fertilizer, private education operator The City School, and real estate firm Lake City Holdings. Additionally, Fauji Fertilizer Company, a militarybacked conglomerate, and Pakistani airline Airblue have been approved to bid for PIA. “The pre-qualified parties will now proceed to the buy-side due diligence phase,” Pakistan’s Privatisation Minister Muhammad Ali said in a statement. The review process is set to last two to two-and-a-half months, with final bidding and negotiations anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2025, Ali previously told Reuters. The country’s privatisation ministry also said that the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation approved the transaction structure for the Roosevelt Hotel located in New York, including options for both outright sale and long-term lease. From the Roosevelt Hotel, Pakistan is expecting over $100 million as a first payment during this year, Ali previously told Reuters.
US recognises Pakistan’s Nobel Peace Prize nomination for Trump WASHINGTON
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A high-level defense delegation led by Lieutenant General Wang Gang, Chief of Staff of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, at Air Headquarters Islamabad, according to the military’s media wing. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, and avenues of enhanced bilateral cooperation, particularly in the domain of airpower and operational synergy, were discussed.” The Air Chief extended a gracious welcome to the distinguished guests, reiterating that Pakistan and China enjoy historic and time-tested ties rooted in mutual trust, strategic convergence, and shared aspirations for regional peace & stability. Lt-Gen Wang Gang was given a comprehensive briefing on PAF’s modern force structure, strategic initiatives, and the evolution of its operational doctrine. The chief of the air staff also reaffirmed the strong bond of friendship between
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the two air forces and reiterated the Pakistan Air Force’s commitment to expanding cooperation in training, technology, and operational domains, it added. General Wang Gang expressed deep appreciation for the high state of operational readiness and the cutting-edge capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force. He was particularly impressed by PAF’s seamless integration of multi-domain operations, terming it a hallmark of modern air warfare, and conveyed PLAAF’s keen interest in learning from PAF’s battleproven experience in multi-domain operations, the ISPR said. Lauding the professional acu-
men and strategic foresight of PAF’s leadership, the visiting dignitary paid rich tribute to the exemplary performance of the Pakistan Air Force during the recent conflict with India. He praised the decisive and measured response delivered by PAF pilots under the resolute leadership of the Air Chief, describing it as a textbook example of precision, discipline, and courage in the face of unprovoked aggression. The meeting stands as a testament to the shared resolve of Pakistan and China to advance their time-tested strategic partnership through deepened cooperation and innovation-driven collaboration.
The White House has responded to Pakistan’s Nobel nomination, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming the recognition. Leavitt highlighted Pakistan’s acknowledgment of Trump’s decisive role in averting the nuclear threat, noting that the nomination reflects the president’s broader diplomatic successes worldwide. “This nomination reflects Pakistan’s recognition of President Trump’s decisive diplomatic intervention to prevent a nuclear war between India and Pakistan,” Leavitt said. Pakistan announced last month its intention to put forward Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, praising him as “a genuine peacemaker” for his role in preventing a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan. Netanyahu seconds nomination Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also nominated US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, presenting him with a letter addressed to the Nobel Committee during a dinner at the White House on Tuesday. Netanyahu praised Trump for his ongoing peace efforts across multiple regions, stating, “He’s forging peace as we speak, in one country, in one region after the other”. Trump, who has been vocal about his previous Nobel Peace Prize nominations, received the letter from Netanyahu, further cementing his push for recognition of his diplomatic work. The US president had previously expressed his frustration at being overlooked for the prestigious award, particularly in relation to his role in mediating conflicts between India and Pakistan, as well as Serbia and Kosovo.
Texas Flash Floods Leave Over 100 Dead, With Search for Missing Ongoing TEXAS
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More than 100 people have been killed by flash floods in Texas, with several still missing, including girls from a summer camp. The floods, which struck over the Fourth of July weekend, wreaked havoc along the Guadalupe River near San Antonio, sparking a massive search-and-rescue operation. Authorities are facing tough questions about preparedness and the speed of their response. Floods Hit During Holiday Weekend, Catching Many Off Guard The flash floods worsened late at night, catching many unaware during the holiday weekend. The Texas Hill Country, known for its dry soil and flood-prone terrain, is particularly vulnerable to sudden, intense rains. On Friday, heavy rainfall—most of it falling in the early hours—pushed the Guadalupe River to dangerous levels. By 4 a.m. Friday, officials had issued an urgent warning, pre-
dicting a catastrophic flood event. In just 45 minutes, the river rose by 26 feet (8 meters), overwhelming the area. Death Toll Rises as Search Efforts Intensify As of Monday, authorities confirmed that at least 104 people had died in the floodwaters, including 28 children. In Kerr County, the epicenter of the disaster, search teams discovered 84 bodies. Ten girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the river, are still missing. The devastating toll from the flood has left many families and former campers grieving. Governor Greg Abbott stated that 41 people were still unaccounted for statewide, though local officials have refrained from giving an exact number of missing persons. Search-and-rescue teams continue scouring the region, with over 1,000 volunteers participating in the effort. Criticism of Flood Warnings and Preparedness Survivors have described the floods as a “pitch black wall of death,” and many have
criticized the lack of emergency alerts. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly stated that no one anticipated such severe flooding, referring to it as a “100-year flood.” However, local officials have long known about the region’s flood risk. A county report last year warned that future flooding events could be even worse, but the county’s response was inadequate. Many have questioned why residents and summer camps weren’t notified earlier. There were reports of poor cell service and downed communication towers, which may have delayed critical emergency messages. Authorities are now focusing on improving communication systems for future crises. Ongoing Recovery Efforts and Future Flood Mitigation Plans The aftermath of the floods is devastating. Entire campgrounds have been washed away, and homes have been torn from their foundations. Kerr County officials warn that recovery will take years, as the destruction is monumental.
Despite the ongoing recovery, officials are considering improvements to flood warning systems, similar to tornado alerts. However, some residents have opposed the
proposal due to its high cost. Governor Abbott has pledged to support the region’s rebuilding efforts and will visit the flood zone later this week.