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PM LINKS DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY TO TRANSFORMATION OF OUTDATED SYSTEM
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Saturday, 12 July, 2025 | 16 Muharram, 1447
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ REITERATES RESOLVE TO CHANGE PREVAILING RUSTY SYSTEM INTO A MODERN, DIGITAL GOVERNANCE MODEL
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SAYS ENERGY MINISTRY’S REFORMS, REDUCTION IN LOSSES, AND SAVING BILLIONS OF RUPEES SERVED AS A ROLE MODEL FOR OTHER MINISTRIES
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 4 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
STRESSES COUNTRY COULD NOT ACHIEVE PROGRESS WITH THE SYSTEM THAT HAS BEEN IN PLACE FOR SEVEN DECADES
DIRECTS FORMATION OF A COMMITTEE TO FINALIZE PROPOSALS TO REPLICATE REFORMS IN THE ENERGY MINISTRY FOR RESTRUCTURING OF OTHER MINISTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS
PM vows rights-based population agenda aligned with SDGs, FP 2030 targets ISLAMABAD
Staff report
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ISLAMABAD
Staff report
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that the transformation of the outdated system into a modern, digital, and effective governance model was among the government’s priorities, emphasizing that economic development and prosperity were impossible without modernizing the system to meet contemporary demands, according to state media. The prime minister, chairing a meeting at PM House in Islamabad, directed
the introduction of reforms to enhance the performance of ministries and the hiring of the services of experts in every sector, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). During a meeting, the Ministry of Energy gave a detailed briefing on a system comprising experts for improving governance and implementing reforms. The prime minister said that the country could not achieve progress with the system that has been in place for seven decades. He highlighted that Pakistan was rich in resources, and its young workforce was its most valuable asset,
Dillydallying in Dr Aafia case may land the PM and cabinet in contempt of court: IHC ISLAMABAD
Staff report
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday warned of initiating contempt of court proceedings against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and members of the Federal cabinet over the government’s failure to submit a report in Dr Aafia Siddiqui case. A single-member IHC bench, comprising Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan remarked while hearing a petition filed by Dr Fouzia Siddiqui, seeking the repatriation, health status, and release of her sister, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui from prison in the United States. As the proceedings began on Friday, the court expressed strong displeasure over the government’s failure to submit the report regarding its refusal to assist in Dr Aafia’s case before a US court. “You were directed to provide reasons for not cooperating with the US court in Dr Aafia’s case. If the federal government fails to submit the report to this court, I will summon the entire cabinet,” Justice Khan remarked. He further said, “Why shouldn’t contempt proceedings be initiated against all cabinet members? This court will not hesitate to proceed against the Prime Minister as well. The judge reminded the Additional Attorney General (AAG) that the report had been sought in June. When asked to submit it within three days, AAG Rashid Hafeez requested an extension of five working days, stating that more time was needed. However, the judge informed him that his annual leave would commence next week. The court accepted the plea and adjourned further hearing until July 21. Earlier during the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel, Imran Shafiq, also submitted a miscellaneous application seeking a meeting between Dr Fouzia Siddiqui and the Prime Minister.
As the international community observes World Population Day on Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that his government was fully committed to a comprehensive, rightsbased population agenda with a focus on equitable access to healthcare, informed family planning, and strengthening systems allowing individuals to make choices about their future with dignity and autonomy. “These efforts are fully aligned with Pakistan’s commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Family Planning 2030 targets. The stability of population with many talented Pakistanis bringing fame to the country globally. PM Shehbaz lauded Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Khan Leghari and his team for their tireless efforts and emphasised that assistance from internationally
growth requires a coherent, multi-sectoral approach,” he said in his message to the nation on the Day, annually observed globally on July 11 to reiterate the global unity and commitment to promote sustainable population growth and inclusive development. He said that this year’s theme, “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world,” carried a significant message for Pakistan’s demographic landscape. “With a population of 242 million, approximately 65% of whom are under the age of 30, Pakistan stands at a critical juncture in its history. This huge youth population represents both an extraordinary opportunity and a significant challenge,” he remarked.
renowned experts and consultants was crucial for systemic change, and introducing new thinking and governance methods through reforms aligning with modern requirements.
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Tarar hails Pakistan–China relations as more than just a strategic alliance BEIJING
Staff report
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Friday hailed Pakistan–China relations as more than just a strategic alliance, calling it a friendship rooted in shared mountains, rivers, and centuries of cultural exchange, reaffirming China as Pakistan’s “iron brother”—a term symbolizing deep trust, historical unity, and enduring cooperation between the two nations. “It is an honour to speak in a country we proudly call our iron
brother—a bond strengthened not only by shared borders, but by majestic mountains, flowing rivers, and a rich, intertwined history. Among these connections is the mighty Indus River, whose roots trace back to the lands of China, symbolizing the natural and historical unity between our nations,” Tarar said. Speaking at the “Civilization Exchange and Mutual Learning” event, centered on the theme of Cultural Heritage and Innovation, Tarar underscored the strengthening ties between Pakistan and China as a catalyst for safeguarding
Pakistan’s vibrant cultural legacy. He highlighted how this deepening collaboration not only preserves the past but also paves new avenues for influence, friendship, and global unity. Tarar envisioned a future where shared heritage becomes a bridge between nations— transforming even water, once a source of contention, into a symbol of peace and mutual understanding. He conveyed deep gratitude for President Xi Jinping’s visionary leadership in launching the Global Civilization Initiative.
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Bodies of nine BLF-killed passengers sent to hometowns in Punjab: official DERA GHAZI KHAN Staff report
The bodies of nine passengers who were offloaded from a bus and killed in Balochistan’s Sardhaka area Thursday night were transported to their hometowns in Punjab and handed over to families on Friday, officials said. At least nine passengers travelling on two Punjab-bound coaches were offloaded from the vehicles and killed by unidentified armed men in the Sur-Dakai area, situated on the border between Balochistan’s Zhob and Loralai districts. Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed the incident, saying that Fitna al-Hindustan — had carried out attacks at three different places — Kakat, Mastung and Sur-Dakai. The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), a banned outfit, later claimed responsibility for the attack. A spokesman for the group said it had killed the nine individuals after blocking the highway between Musakhail-Makhtar and Khajuri. Assistant Commissioner (AC) Naveed Alam said that the bodies of all nine passengers were handed over to a political agent in the Sakhi Sarwar district of Dera Ghazi Khan to be handed over to their families. He said that seven of the passengers had been identified, but two could not be due to a lack of documents. “The terrorists must have taken the passengers’ identification documents with them,” AC Alam said. Of the seven passengers identified, two were residents of Lodhran, while one passenger each was a resident of DG Khan, Gujrat, Attock, Khanewal and Gujranwala. Condemnation pouring in with pledge for action The country’s top leaders strongly condemned the incident and vowed action against the perpetrators “at all costs”. In a statement today, President Asif Ali Zardari said: “This barbarity is part of Fitna-alHindustan’s evil conspiracy to spill blood in Pakistan,” state-run Radio Pakistan reported. He reaffirmed commitment to “clear the land of Fitna al-Hindustan and its facilitators at all costs”. Similarly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a statement issued by his office: “We will deal with terrorists with full force. The blood of innocent people will be avenged.” The premier added that the killing of unarmed civilians was a blatant act of terrorism by Fitna al-Hindustan. “With resolve, unity, and strength, we will confront the scourge of terrorism and uproot it completely,” the prime minister said. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also strongly condemned the incident, calling it “blatant terrorism”. “The killing of innocent civilians based on Pakistani identity is an unforgivable crime,” Bugti said, vowing that the response would be “severe”. “The terrorists have proven that they are not human beings, but cowardly beasts,” he said, adding that the state “would not even let these murderers hide underground”. The chief minister added: “All networks of terrorists who are the sponsors of Fitna-al-Hindustan will be destroyed.” Noting that this was a “state war”, he vowed decisive action. CM Bugti further vowed to crush “every plan of terrorism” with strength, determination and unity. “Balochistan will become a graveyard for enemies.” In a statement on X late last night, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the incident, saying: “We will chase and eliminate Indian-sponsored terrorists who target innocent passengers.” “The conspiracies of Indian-sponsored terrorists and their accomplices must be foiled with the support of the nation.”
CJP-led NJPMC sets up ‘dedicated committee’ for ‘institutional response’ to enforced disappearances ISLAMABAD
Staff report
The National Judicial Policy Making Committee (NJPMC), convened on Friday under chairmanship of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, constituted a “dedicated committee” to devise an “institutional response” to the emotive and chronic issue of enforced disappearances in the country. According to a press release issued from the Supreme Court after the meeting, the committee’s 53rd meeting, held with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi in the chair, was attended by the high court chief justices, as well as Additional Attorney General
for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan. The members deliberated on “key policy issues and adopted several significant measures to improve judicial performance, technology integration in judicial processes, and citizen-centric justice delivery.” Among those measures was taking “serious notice of the enforced disappearances” and unanimously resolving that the judiciary “would not compromise on its constitutional duty to safeguard fundamental rights.” The statement said a dedicated committee was constituted to formulate an institutional response, after taking into consideration the concerns of the executive, to be communicated through AGP Awan. The detailed decisions of the meeting said, “The
NJPMC strongly condemned enforced disappearances and unanimously resolved that the judiciary will neither compromise on its constitutional mandate nor shall it fall prey to expediencies when it comes to safeguarding fundamental liberties, particularly in matters as grave as enforced disappearances.” The committee constituted to devise the institutional response would include the director general and senior director (academics) of the Federal Judicial Academy, and the secretary of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP). AGP Awam would communicate all concerns of the government to the committee with plausible legal options for consideration and review, after which the committee would submit its report to the NJPMC within 30 days.
At 32nd ARF, Dar urges global cooperation in face of mounting regional, int’l challenges g
DEPUTY PM UNDERSCORES JUST RESOLUTION OF KASHMIR DISPUTE, CRITICIZING INDIA’S UNILATERAL ACTIONS AND AGGRESSION IN REGION KUALA LUMPUR Staff report
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, on Friday urged for global cooperation in the face of mounting regional and international challenges to ensure peace, justice and climate action. In his address at the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) here, DPM Dar praised Malaysia for its gracious hospitality and visionary leadership, congratulating it for successfully hosting the 46th ASEAN Summit. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner and ARF member to ASEAN’s strategic goals of integration, sustainability, and peace, as envisioned in the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045. “ARF is a critical platform at a time when global fragmentation threatens multilateralism,” Dar emphasized. He welcomed
the development of a post-2025 Plan of Action and urged a focus on non-traditional security threats, including climate change, pandemics, cyber risks, maritime security, and disaster response. He called for preventive diplomacy and adherence to international law as the foundation of lasting peace. DPM Dar strongly underscored the need for a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, criticizing India’s unilateral actions and aggression in the region. Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam incident, he said, “India blamed Pakistan without evidence and refused our offer of an impartial inquiry. Instead, it launched an unprovoked attack on May 7.” He detailed Pakistan’s response under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which targeted only military assets and demonstrated “restraint and responsibility.” Dar denounced the so-called “new normal” of unilateral military actions and impunity, asserting that peace
must be rooted in mutual respect and international law. He also condemned India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a violation of international norms with grave humanitarian consequences. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unmatched sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, citing over 80,000 lives lost and $150 billion in economic costs. He highlighted Pakistan’s comprehensive counterterrorism approach and its efforts to expose cross-border terrorism. He warned against the misuse of counterterrorism narratives to stigmatize Muslim communities and promote Islamophobia. He mentioned recent high-level engagements and urged the Afghan Interim Government to ensure its soil is not used against Pakistan. “A peaceful, stable, and united Afghanistan is in our vital interest,” he stated. Dar welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, commending Iran’s restraint.
He strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestinian territories, calling for immediate international action to halt
atrocities and reaffirming Pakistan’s support for an independent Palestinian state with AlQuds Al-Sharif as its capital.