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PAKISTAN, TURKIYE REAFFIRM MUTUAL RESOLVE TO FURTHER DEEPENING MULTIFACETED PARTNERSHIP Thursday, 10 July, 2025 | 14 Muharram, 1447
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DPM DAR SAYS ISLAMABAD PURSUING ESTABLISHMENT OF A SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE FOR TURKISH ENTREPRENEURS IN KARACHI
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MENTIONS OTHER ENGAGEMENTS, INCLUDING REVIVAL OF ISTANBUL-TEHRAN-ISLAMABAD TRAIN, SAYING, ‘DELEGATIONS WILL MEETING SOON TO FINALISE ROADMAP FOR REVIVAL’
TURKISH FM SAYS MUTUAL DEFENSE COOPERATION WILL BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED, CALLING IT A ‘STRATEGIC STEP,’ VERY IMPORTANT FOR SECURITY OF BOTH COUNTRIES
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REITERATES TO INCREASE TRADE VOLUME TO $5B, EXPRESSING FIRM RESOLVE TO TAKE PAKISTAN-TURKIYE RELATIONS TO A HIGHER LEVEL g
DEPUTY PM EXPRESSES SATISFACTION WITH PROGRESS OF ALL 12 JSCS WORKING UNDER HLSCC FRAMEWORK
Turkiye’s defense czar, Air Chief agree to accelerate progress across various sectors of mutual interest
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Maarif School in Muzaffarabad, referring to the Turkish Maarif Foundation, which Fidan said has more than 80 schools in Pakistan. “A Maarif Foundation delegation is visiting Muzaffarabad today and visiting the site for evaluation,” he said. Dar further stated that Turkish companies were being considered for undertaking the Jinnah Medical Complex and Daanish University megaprojects in Islamabad.
India using state sponsored terrorism as a policy to destabilise Pakistan: DG ISPR RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
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DAR, FIDAN CO-CHAIR FIRST MEETING OF A JOINT COMMISSION SET UP IN FEBRUARY DURING PRESIDENT ERDOGAN’S VISIT: FO
Staff RepoRt
EPUTY Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday said Pakistan and Türkiye were pursuing the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for Turkish entrepreneurs in Karachi. The announcement came after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan arrived in Islamabad earlier on Wednesday on an official visit. Turkiye’s Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler is also visiting Pakistan. “We are pursuing the establishment of a Special Economic Zone dedicated to Turkish entrepreneurs at Karachi,” Dar said, addressing a press conference alongside Hakan Fidan at the Foreign Office (FO). Dar also mentioned other engagements, including the revival of the Istanbul-TehranIslamabad train, saying, “Our delegations are meeting in the coming weeks to finalise the roadmap for revival.” The deputy PM further said that Pakistan has allocated land for the construction of a
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India is using state-sponsored terrorism as a policy against Pakistan, especially in Balochistan, said InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Wednesday. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera TV, the military spokesperson said India’s support for terrorist activities is aimed at destabilizing Pakistan’s security, particularly in the volatile region of Balochistan. “These nefarious designs of India are a systematic conspiracy to destabilize Pakistan, especially in Balochistan,” he said. He added that India had admitted multiple times to supporting terrorism within Pakistan. Lt Gen Chaudhry reiterated that Pakistan views any aggression against its sovereign territory as a direct threat to regional stability. “India’s political leadership has repeatedly admitted to supporting terrorism in Pakistan,” said Gen Chaudhry, naming Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Advisor, as the mastermind behind New Delhi’s network of state-sponsored terrorism. The military spokesperson also referred to the recent attack in Waziristan, claimed by the proscribed TTP, which martyred 16 Pakistani soldiers and injured over 20 others. Pakistan has consistently maintained that India is directly involved in such attacks. “India is supporting and financing terrorist activities in Pakistan,” reiterated LtGen Chaudhry while speaking to Al Jazeera TV. The term ‘Khawarij’ has been widely used by Pakistan’s military and media recently to refer to armed groups that attack the state and its military forces. These nefarious designs of India are a systematic conspiracy to destabilize Pakistan, especially in Balochistan. “The current Fitna al-Khawarij is a continuation of the misguided ideology that has historically led to the killing of Muslims under a false religious narrative,” he said. In Islam, only the state has the authority to wage holy war (jihad) or engage in combat, and no individual, organisation, or group has this power, he said. “The Khawarij have no relation to Islam, humanity, Pakistan, or Pakistani traditions,” maintained Gen Chaudhry. DG ISPR added that the term Fitna al-Hindustan was used in Pakistan to describe terrorists supported by India. “Fitna alHindustan is particularly active in destabilizing the country, especially in the province of Balochistan,” he said. He emphasized that several countries, including the United States and Canada, have acknowledged Indian statesponsored terrorism on their soil.
The Turkish companies will also be participating in offshore drilling projects and the privatization of electricity distribution companies (Discos) in the power sector, he highlighted. “We are actively engaged in different activities, including capacity building and counterterrorism,” Dar asserted.
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A high-level delegation led by Minister of Defense of the Republic of Türkiye Mr. Yasar Güler called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), at Air Headquarters on Wednesday, according to the military’s media wing. The meeting encompassed discussions on evolving regional security dynamics, progress of ongoing defense cooperation, and prospects for future collaboration in emerging domains of warfare, said a news release by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). During the meeting, the chief of the air staff highlighted the enduring brotherly ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, emphasizing
the common aspirations and strategic convergence that bind the two nations. He reaffirmed PAF’s steadfast resolve to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the domains of advanced training and aerospace technologies. Both dignitaries also agreed on the establishment of dedicated joint working groups to streamline and accelerate progress across various sectors of mutual interest. The Turkish Minister of Defense expressed sincere gratitude to the Air Chief for the warm reception and gracious hospitality extended by the Pakistan Air Force. He lauded PAF’s exceptional performance under the insightful leadership of the air chief in the recent conflict with India, commending its operational preparedness and resolute defense of national sovereignty.
PM reaffirms commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Turkey in key sectors ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Turkey in key sectors, including trade, investment, technology, and defence, inviting Turkish companies to increase their investment and share their expertise in Pakistan’s structural reforms, economic growth, and development. Premier Shehbaz made the remarks in a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defence Minister Yasar Güler, who called on him in Islamabad on Wednesday, said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) after the meeting. The PM stressed the need for concerted efforts from both countries to enhance bilateral trade, aiming to reach the mutually agreed target of $5 billion, the PMO release said. PM Shehbaz also emphasised the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, which are deeply
rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual respect. He expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, highlighting that both nations have made significant progress in recent years. Recalling his interactions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the PM reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to transform Pak-Turkiye
relations into a strategic partnership in the near future. Sharif welcomed the upcoming meeting of the joint commission, cochaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Turkish FM Fidan, expressing hope that the meeting would further accelerate bilateral relations and foster cooperation in various areas. While reiterating the strong support
both countries continue to offer each other, the PM highlighted the need for closer coordination, particularly in light of the fast-evolving regional and global situation, with special focus on the ongoing crises in Gaza and Iran. In closing, he once again expressed his deepest gratitude to the Turkish nation and leadership for their steadfast support to Pakistan, particularly during the recent tensions with India. Earlier, during a joint press conference, Dar and Fidan reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including defence, trade, energy, culture, education, and infrastructure, with both countries aiming to boost bilateral trade to $5 billion. During the press conference, both officials expressed satisfaction with the ongoing progress of 12 joint standing committees under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). Dar highlighted that, following the February session of the HLSCC, a joint commission would soon be established to monitor the progress of these committees.
Govt ministers warn of action if Imran’s sons ‘join protest’ ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
It seems the reports about Imran Khan’s sons potential arrival in Pakistan to participate in the PTI protest have indeed stirred significant concern within the government as top ministers have issued strong warnings, suggesting the government may take strict action to prevent their involvement. Specifically, State Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik has indicated that the government “might deny entry” to Imran Khan’s sons if they attempt to come to Pakistan and are perceived to be “spreading discord.” Similarly, Rana Sanaullah, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, warned that the sons of Imran Khan could face arrest if they join the protests. The development comes a day after, Aleema Khan, Imran Khan’s sister, told the media outside Adiala Jail that Suleman Khan (28) and Qasim Khan (26), would join the proposed upcoming PTI protest move-
ment. She claimed that the PTI founder’s sons would go to the United States to present their father’s case before coming to Pakistan to join the movement. On Monday, Qasim uploaded a post on X calling for his father’s release, saying that the PTI founder had been imprisoned for 700 days and cut off from his family and even his personal physician. In a rare public appearance in May, Imran Khan’s sons — Suleman Khan and Qasim Khan — had called attention to their father’s incarceration, imprisoned since August 2023. It was the first time the two had publicly talked about their father’s incarceration. Talking to a TV channel, State Minister for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik said the government had no issue with Qasim and Suleiman entering Pakistan, “provided they do not engage in protests or political activity.” “Being British nationals, both Qasim and Suleiman could not legally participate in Pakistani political activity,” he noted, alleged that the boys are “coming to spread discord and there is no permission for this”. “If
they intend to get a visa to visit Pakistan, the concerned authorities in the interior ministry will look at their purpose of visit … But their aunt (Aleema) said … that they are coming to join the PTI movement,” the minister asserted. “We have no issue with them coming here, but we have an issue with them participating in political activity as foreign nationals.” He further said: “I do not believe that they will actually come here … If they had any family values, they would have come to see their father earlier.” Malik said the PTI needed to “perform a political stunt” and the party, Aleema and Imran were “using these boys as trump cards”. “This is their last option,” he added. Earlier in the day, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry told reporters that the PTI founder’s children should come and get to know what their father has done with the country. It is a very good thing but they won’t come.
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Audit report exposes Rs300b wheat scam, accuses malafide intent and irregularities PROFIT
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The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has unveiled a detailed audit report that identifies financial mismanagement, irregularities, and potential malafide intent behind the Rs300 billion wheat scandal of 2023-24, The News reported. The report highlights discrepancies in wheat imports, poorly justified data, delayed government actions, and manipulation that ultimately benefited private importers at the expense of local farmers and the national treasury. The AGP’s findings officially con-
firm previous suspicions about the wheat crisis, noting that 3.59 million metric tons (MMT) of wheat were imported in 2023-24, well above the approved quota of 2.4 MMT, despite the country recording its highestever wheat production of 31.47 MMT. Additionally, surplus stocks of 4.64 MMT were carried forward, making the imports unnecessary and contributing to a loss of Rs300 billion. The report indicates that the justification for these excessive imports was based on “completely unreliable” data, with the national demand estimates deliberately inflated to justify over-imports. The AGP found discrepancies in the
stock figures used to justify these imports, especially between opening and closing stock data. These discrepancies led to poor decision-making, such as excessive imports and delayed actions, which further escalated wheat and flour prices. A major issue identified was the delayed action by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R) in implementing wheat imports through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). Despite approvals for a 1 MMT import, the process was delayed for over a month, after which private imports flooded the market. The report suggests that this delay was
intentional, benefiting private importers. Additionally, the report reveals that the government’s decision to import wheat was made under the false premise of building strategic reserves. However, it was found that the wheat imported under these claims was stored by private importers instead of the state due to limited government storage capacity. The AGP further discredited the government’s claim that the wheat was imported to build reserves, pointing out that these reserves were never officially maintained, and the wheat ultimately benefited private entities rather than local farmers.
The audit also uncovered that Afghanistan’s wheat demand was included in Pakistan’s domestic consumption figures, inflating the demand and justifying the extra imports. Furthermore, 500,000 tons of wheat were exported to Afghanistan without being accounted for in official figures. The report calls for reforms, including improved transparency, better decision-making, and measures to safeguard food security and support local farmers. The AGP’s findings have been shared with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, but no response was received by the time of publication.