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INDIA ESCALATING PROXY WAR AFTER ‘MANIFEST DEFEAT’ IN DIRECT AGGRESSION: COAS MUNIR Friday, 11 July, 2025 | 15 Muharram, 1447
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FIELD MARSHAL MUNIR SAYS INVOKING THIRD PARTIES IN WHAT IS UNMISTAKABLY A BILATERAL MILITARY CONFRONTATION REFLECTS A DISINGENUOUS ATTEMPT AT BLOC POLITICS
COAS SHARES INSIGHTS FROM RECENT DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENTS, INCLUDING VISITS TO IRAN, TÜRKIYE, AZERBAIJAN, SAUDI ARABIA, AND UAE
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ARMY TOP BRASS AT 271ST CCC ALSO CONDUCTS HOLISTIC REVIEW OF PREVAILING INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SECURITY DYNAMICS, WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ME, IRAN
FORUM ALSO BRIEFED ON VISIT OF COAS TO US, WHERE MEETINGS WITH TOP-TIER LEADERSHIP AFFORDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE FIRST PAKISTAN’S OBJECTIVE PERSPECTIVE
FIELD MARSHAL EXPRESSES FULL CONFIDENCE IN PAKISTAN ARMY’S PREPAREDNESS TO MEET ‘FULL SPECTRUM OF THREATS’
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 3 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
RAWALPINDI
staff report
HIEF of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir said on Thursday that India was intensifying its “nefarious agenda” against Pakistan by leveraging proxies, following “manifest defeat” in the recent confrontation between the two countries, according to the military’s media wing. “Following its manifest defeat in direct aggression against Pakistan, post-Pahalgam incident, India is now doubling down to further its nefarious agenda through its proxies of Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna alHindustan,” Field Marshal Asim Munir echoed the sentiments while chairing the 271st Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at the General Headquarters (GHQ), a statement issued by the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) said. The statement from the ISPR said the CCC participants offered prayers for the martyrs of recent terrorist attacks by “Indian-sponsored proxies.” “Taking stock of recent successes against terrorist proxies, the forum resolved that the blood of our martyrs will not go to waste and the safety and security of the people of Pakistan remain the
topmost priority for the armed forces of Pakistan. The forum strongly asserted that it is imperative to take decisive and holistic actions at all levels against the Indian-backed and sponsored proxies,” the statement said. India blamed Pakistan for the April 22 Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir without evidence and escalated the situation to a military confrontation. On May 6–7, New Delhi launched airstrikes that
Disqualification reference seen as strategic move by Punjab Assembly speaker LAHORE
News Desk
The threat of disqualification references against 26 provincial assembly members is being viewed as a tactical move rather than a genuine attempt at punitive action, according to a source close to the Punjab Assembly Speaker. The source revealed that Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan is using the move as a bargaining chip to ensure smoother parliamentary operations and hold the opposition accountable for their conduct. As per sources, the Speaker was fully aware of the potential consequences of pursuing such references but felt that the opposition’s actions during recent sessions crossed unacceptable lines. He emphasized that the reference was more of a “smokescreen” designed to push the opposition into a position where they would agree to follow parliamentary procedures. The source further clarified that the Speaker’s focus was not on individual actions, such as those involving Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, but on preventing rowdy behavior and restoring order in the assembly. The Speaker was not intending to disqualify anyone, the source asserted, adding that if the opposition could acknowledge their behavior and take responsibility, there would be no need for further references. While some speculated that the Speaker was backpedaling due to the political fallout, the source denied any change in position. He explained that the Speaker had always intended to send a message to the opposition about the seriousness of their conduct, using legal means to do so. The source also referenced the opposition’s eventual concession to a fine and suspension, which was seen as a compromise to avoid further escalation. The Speaker’s actions were framed as a lesson in accountability, with the source citing the example of the Panama judgment and the opposition’s prior stance on similar matters.
killed civilians, followed by a week-long missile exchange, which ended after US President Trump brokered a ceasefire between the two countries. A day earlier, Director General InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also echoed similar sentiments, accusing Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval of masterminding terrorism in Pakistan and alleging Indian support for terrorist groups.
In July last year, the government designated the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan as Fitna-al-Khawarij, while mandating all institutions to use the term khariji (outcast) when referring to the perpetrators of terrorist attacks on Pakistan. In May this year, the government designated all terrorist organizations in Balochistan as Fitna-al-Hindustan—a new phrase aimed at framing India’s alleged role in terrorism as a deliberate destabilization strategy, potentially to galvanize domestic support. The ISPR said the forum also noted the Indian military’s “baseless insinuations to offset its comprehensive defeat,” in an apparent reference to the deputy Indian army chief alleging last week that China gave Islamabad “live inputs” on key Indian positions during the conflict. “Invoking third parties in what is unmistakably a bilateral military confrontation reflects a disingenuous attempt at bloc politics aimed at falsely projecting India’s self-assigned role as a net security provider to accrue benefits in a region that is visibly growing disillusioned with Indian hegemonic ambitions and Hindutvadriven extremism,” the ISPR quoted Field Marshal Munir as saying on the matter.
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SECURITY CZAR SAYS, ‘FULLY AWARE OF WHO IS BEHIND MALICIOUS CAMPAIGN TARGETING PRESIDENT, PM, AND COAS’ ISLAMABAD
staff report
Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday made it “crystal clear that neither President Asif Ali Zardari is resigning nor the Chief of the Army is aspiring to become president.” “We are fully aware of who is behind the malicious campaign targeting President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and the Chief of Army Staff,” the interior minister said in a post uploaded on the X platform Thursday. The Interior Minister further said, “I have categorically stated that there has been no discussion, nor does any such idea exist, about the President being asked to resign or the COAS aspiring to assume the presidency.” The minister maintained, “The President of Pakistan enjoys a strong and respectful relationship with the leadership of the Armed Forces.” He clearly stated, “I know who is spreading these falsehoods, why they are doing so, and who stands to benefit from this propaganda.” Naqvi said, “The sole focus of the COAS is the strength and stability of Pakistan, nothing else. To those involved in this narrative, do whatever you wish in collaboration with hostile foreign agencies. As for us, we will do whatever is necessary to make Pakistan strong again, In-
KUALA LUMPUR staff report
neither Zardari being removed nor CoaS aspiring to become president: naqvi g
Dar meets Canadian, Australian and Russian FMs, vows to promote trade, education ties
shAllah.” It may be mentioned here that in a statement on Wednesday, PPP senior leader Senator Sherry Rehman had also strongly refuted reports regarding the resignation of President Asif Zardari, calling them baseless and misleading. Sherry Rehman declared that these rumors are part of a deliberate conspiracy to weaken Pakistan’s democratic framework. She urged the public not to fall prey to fake news, unverified speculation, and negative propaganda being spread to create political instability. Sherry Rehman emphasized that President Zardari has always
upheld the flag of democracy, particularly during times of national crisis. She described him as a symbol of democratic stability and a true guardian of constitutional values. She added that President Zardari, through his political wisdom and will, had transferred all powers to the Parliament, a move that laid the foundation for strengthening parliamentary democracy in the country. Sherry Rehman concluded by asserting that President Zardari’s presence ensures the protection of the Constitution, Parliament, and democratic institutions.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday held meetings with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Australian Foreign Minister Senator Hon Penny Wong, Russian counterpart, and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Hon. Vijitha Herath on the sidelines of the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in trade, education, and peopleto-people links with ARF member states, according to state media. Deputy PM Ishaq Dar arrived here in the Malaysian capital city on Thursday to participate in the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting to be held on Friday. The meeting will be attended by the foreign ministers and representatives of the 27 ARF member countries, along with the Secretary-General of ASEAN. In his first engagement, the deputy PM held a “productive meeting” with his Canadian to acknowledge the positive trajectory of bilateral relations. Both the FMs agreed to upscale and strengthen their economic and trade ties. The bilateral relations were discussed in a meeting between DPM Dar and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. During the meeting, the deputy PM invited the Canadian foreign minister to visit Pakistan, which the latter accepted. On the other hand, DPM Ishaq Dar on Thursday met Australian Foreign Minister Senator Hon Penny Wong on the sidelines of 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting here. He reaffirmed strong PakistanAustralia ties and resolved to enhance cooperation in trade, education, and people-to-people links. In a “productive and forward-looking engagement,” he said that the Pakistani diaspora and cricket were a living bridge between the countries. Both sides agreed to boost bilateral trade, currently at $1.186 billion, promote academic partnerships, and increase high-level political exchanges. DPM Dar reaffirms strong Pakistan-Sri Lanka ties at ASEAN Regional Forum Meanwhile, DPM Dar Thursday met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Hon. Vijitha Herath on the sidelines of the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting, reaffirming the enduring strength of Pakistan-Sri Lanka bilateral relations. During the meeting, both ministers expressed satisfaction over the robustness of ties between the two countries and pledged to further deepen cooperation in key areas. The discussions focused on high-level political exchanges, expanding economic partnerships, religious tourism, and educational collaboration, a DPM’s Office news release said. Dar emphasized the importance of promoting peopleto-people contacts and sectoral cooperation, noting that the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is rooted in shared regional interests and historical bonds. The two ministers also held in-depth discussions on regional and global developments, including recent geopolitical shifts in South Asia and beyond. They agreed on the need to strengthen multilateral collaboration and continue supporting peace, stability, and inclusive growth across the region. FM meets Russian counterpart on sidelines of ASEAN Forum Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Thursday met Russian FM Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum in Kuala Lumpur. They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and agreed to meet again next week during the SCO Council of Ministers meeting, a DPM’s Office news release said. Deputy Pm Dar Arrived In Kuala Lumpur Earlier upon arrival at the airport, the deputy prime minister was received by the Ambassador of Pakistan to Malaysia, Syed Ahsan Raza and senior officials from the Malaysian foreign ministry. The deputy prime minister, at the meeting being attended by the foreign ministers and representatives of the 27 ARF member countries, along with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, will participate in discussions on political and security issues affecting the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on promoting peace, stability, and mutual cooperation through dialogue.
pM directs urgent restructuring of national tariff Commission to enhance effectiveness g
SHEHBAZ SHARIF ORDERS THIRD-PARTY REVIEW AND REMODELLING OF NTC TO MEET NEW TARIFF REGIME NEEDS PROFIT
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed the relevant authorities to carry out an urgent restructuring of the National Tariff Commission’s legal, administrative, and other institutional powers and responsibilities to enhance its effectiveness. The prime minister, chairing a review meeting on the performance of the National Tariff Commission, instructed a third-party
review of the NTC’s recent performance and remodelling the organisation on modern lines to meet the requirements of the new tariff regime effectively. He said that the NTC should be cognizant of all ground realities related to domestic business, imports, exports, and markets. The automated and efficient research capabilities of the NTC can play a key role in resolving issues faced by domestic businesses, he added. Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the government was com-
mitted to addressing the NTC’s training and resource deficiencies and aligning its operations with modern requirements. He directed the immediate activation of the NTC’s Appellate Tribunal and also sought a briefing on the implementation of the given directives by next month. The meeting was attended by federal ministers Dr. Musadik Malik, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Ali Pervez Malik, and relevant senior government officials.