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Sunday, 27 July, 2025 | 1 Safar, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 19 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
PAKISTAN COMMITTED TO BUILDING SECURE, PROSPEROUS REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT WITH HELP OF ALLIES: COAS
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FIELD MARSHAL MUNIR REAFFIRMS PAKISTAN’S STEADFAST COMMITMENT TO PEACE, STABILITY AND CONSTRUCTIVE ENGAGEMENT ACROSS THE REGION
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PARTICIPANTS DISCUSS REGIONAL SECURITY DYNAMICS, EVOLVING SECURITY ENVIRONMENT IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH ASIA, AND COORDINATED RESPONSES: MILITARY MEDIA WING
g SENIOR MILITARY OFFICIALS FROM US, CONFERENCE SEEKS TO REINFORCE SECURITY KAZAKHSTAN, KYRGYZSTAN, TAJIKISTAN AND COLLABORATIONS, ENHANCE TRAINING UZBEKISTAN ATTEND REGIONAL CHIEFS OF INITIATIVES AND EXCHANGE BEST PRACTICES IN DEFENCE STAFF CONFERENCE: ISPR COUNTERTERRORISM AND OTHER SPHERES: ISPR
Pakistan confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz on US CENTCOM chief to bolster bilateral military partnership ISLAMABAD
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ISLAMABAD
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HIEF of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Saturday said Pakistan was committed to building a secure and prosperous environment in the region with the help of partner nations. A statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Islamabad hosted the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference under the theme of ‘Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace’ on Saturday, attended by senior military officials from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The ISPR said COAS Munir formally welcomed the distinguished defense delegations and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to
peace, stability, and constructive engagement across the region. “In an era defined by transnational threats and complex hybrid challenges, the imperative for deeper military-to-military cooperation, strategic dialogue, and mutual trust is paramount. Pakistan remains fully committed to working with partner nations to build a secure and prosperous regional environment,” the ISPR statement quoted Field Marshal Munir as saying. The ISPR said the session’s participants also discussed regional security dynamics, the evolving security environment in Central and South Asia, and the necessity of joint training initiatives, counter-terrorism cooperation, and coordinated humanitarian responses. “This landmark multilateral engagement marked a significant stride toward advancing regional security cooperation,
Three Indian-sponsored terrorists eliminated in Swat operation: CTD PESHAWAR
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President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) upon Commander of the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), General Michael Kurilla, in recognition of his exceptional services for regional peace and efforts to bolster Pakistan-US defense cooperation. In a formal investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the conferment of the prestigious award was made in recognition of General Kurilla’s exemplary service and pivotal role in advancing enduring military cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. General Kurilla’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing defense collaboration, and deepening counterterrorism cooperation between the Pakistan Armed Forces and US Centcom, the Inter-Services Public Relations
military diplomacy, and strategic dialogue among participating nations,” the statement said. According to the ISPR, the conference sought to reinforce security collaborations, enhance training initiatives, and exchange the best practices in counterterrorism and other defence and se-
(ISPR) said in a statement. His consistent engagement reflects a profound respect for Pakistan’s central role in promoting peace and stability across the region, it added. “The conferment of this distinguished honour reflects Pakistan’s deep appreciation for General Kurilla’s unwavering support and affirms the growing depth of the bilateral military partnership,” it said. During his visit, General Kurilla held detailed meetings with senior Pakistani civil and military leadership, including President Zardari and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The discussions encompassed regional security, military-to-military engagement, and joint efforts to combat terrorism and emerging transnational threats. This high-level recognition underscores the enduring strategic relationship between Pakistan and the United States and reaffirms their shared commitment to regional peace, security, and long-term defense cooperation.
curity programs. The military’s media wing added that the participants collectively reaffirmed their resolve to uphold peace, respect, and national sovereignty and confront common security threats such as terrorism, cybersecurity, and violent extremism.
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ISLAMABAD
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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Saturday strongly condemned the Israeli blockade of aid to the Palestinians in Gaza resulting in food shortages. He made the condemnation during a telephonic conversation with Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman. Both leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing Israeli brutality against the defenceless Palestinians in Gaza. The Prime Minister also strongly condemned the increasing inhuman Zionist atrocities in Gaza. He said Pakistan will continue diplomatic efforts at all levels to end the Israeli blockade of aid to Gaza and restore the supply of food items to the Palestinian brothers and sisters, including children and women who are starving. Pakistan will continue to provide diplomatic and moral support to the defenceless Palestinian brothers and sisters who are victims of Zionist oppression and barbarism, he stressed. Pakistan, he added, will keep raising its voice against the inhuman atrocities being committed against its Palestinian brothers and sisters in Gaza at every forum of the world and before other nations. While the government of Pakistan continued to provide relief goods to the oppressed Palestinian brothers and sisters in Gaza through diplomatic channels, Al-Khidmat Foundation ensured the delivery of relief goods to Gaza by launching a nationwide campaign, he noted. The Prime Minister appreciated the noble initiative and efforts of the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami and AlKhidmat Foundation to send relief goods to the victims of Gaza. The Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami said that Palestinian leaders had contacted him and appealed to the Prime Minister of Pakistan to play a leading role in reaching ceasefire and providing food aid in Gaza. “The Palestinian people and the entire Islamic world have high hopes from Pakistan and its leadership,” he said adding the Prime Minister should make special contact with the international community, including Islamic countries, and play a leading role.
India-sponsored terrorists, their facilitators have no place to hide: Naqvi Tarar apologises to
boxer Rindh over ‘inordinate delay’ in monetary reward, support
QUETTA
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The Swat Police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday killed three key operatives of Indian-proxy Fitna al-Khawarij, including a high-value target (HVT) carrying a bounty of Rs2 million, in a joint counter-terrorism operation, the CTD confirmed. According to the CTD, the terrorists were involved in attacks on security forces and the killings of police personnel. Among the deceased was Ajmal alias Waqas, accused of murdering members of a Village Defence Council and listed as a most-wanted terrorist. The second suspect was identified as Matiullah, also known as Ishaq and Junaid. The third slain terrorist was Rahimullah Rehmani, also known as Rohullah. The CTD stated that the terrorists were also linked to IED attacks and extortion cases and were part of a network receiving foreign funding to spread terror in the region. Regional Police Officer Sher Akbar Khan called the operation a decisive blow to the operational wings of Fitna al-Khawarij in Swat and surrounding areas, affirming continued efforts to eradicate the group. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the CTD and Swat police for the success and stressed that operations against terrorists would be intensified to ensure lasting peace in the province. Three bodies found near M-8 highway in Khuzdar Meanwhile, the bullet-riddled bodies of three individuals were found near the M-8 highway in Khuzdar district of Balochistan. The victims, identified as Abdul Majeed, Ata-urRehman, and Mumtaz, were shot dead by unidentified assailants and dumped by the roadside, according to local police. All three were residents of Khuzdar, initial reports confirmed. Police and rescue teams arrived at the scene and shifted the bodies to Khuzdar Teaching Hospital via Edhi ambulance. An investigation is under way.
PM strongly condemns Israeli blockade of aid to Palestinians in Gaza
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering support for Balochistan in its fight against terrorism, declaring that “Indiasponsored terrorists and their facilitators” “have no place to hide in Pakistan” and vowing they would be brought to justice at all costs. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was co-chairing a high-level meeting alongside Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti held in Quetta to review law and order. According to a statement released from Chief Minister’s Secretariat, the meeting focused on the overall security situation in Balochistan, the performance of law enforcement agencies, and ongoing operations against “Fitna alHindustan”—a term designated for Indian-proxy groups operating in the region. The Balochistan IGP, Frontier Corps (North) IG, Counter Terrorism Department DIG, Special Branch DIG, Levies DG, senior officials from the Home and Tribal Affairs Department, and other representatives of law enforcement agencies attended the meeting. CM Bugti briefed the meeting on the current security scenario, progress made by security forces, and updates on the implementation of the provincial action plan against
ISLAMABAD
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terrorism. He also identified obstacles impeding the plan’s execution and invited suggestions to overcome them. Speaking on the occasion, the Interior Minister declared that the end of “Fitna al-Hindustan” terrorists would be a disgraceful one, saying, “Those challenging the writ of the state will be dealt with an iron hand.” He assured the complete cooperation of the federal government in the restoration of peace in Balochistan, reiterating that the center stood firmly with the provincial government and that a strong coordination mechanism existed between the two. CM Bugti stated that the war against terrorism was not only the responsibility of the security forces but of the entire nation. He said that action against subversive and terrorist
elements had been further intensified. He added that all state institutions in Balochistan were fully active and working in complete coordination to restore peace and order. He stressed that the sacrifices of the people and security personnel would not go in vain. He also highlighted the resolve and confidence of the nation, expressing optimism that Pakistan would overcome the threats posed by its enemies. Earlier in the day, Naqvi arrived in Quetta on a daylong visit and received at the airport by provincial ministers and senior officials. Upon his arrival at the Chief Minister House, he was formally welcomed by CM Bugti. The two leaders also paid tribute to the martyrs and offered prayers for the security personnel who had lost their lives in the line of duty.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Saturday apologized to mixed martial arts player Shahzaib Rindh over the “inordinate delay” in the provision of the government’s promised financial reward and support. The information minister’s apology comes after Rindh, in a post on X on Wednesday, had slammed the government for its “fake promises” of Rs5m in cash and an additional Rs80m to support his training and upcoming matches. In September, Rindh made history when he won the Karate Combat Championship (KC-49) in Singapore, becoming the first-ever world champion from Pakistan after defeating Brazil’s Bruno Roberto De Assis in the final. Following the win, President Asif Ali Zardari had presented Rindh with a cheque worth Rs100 million, the Balochistan government announced Rs2m as a cash prize, while a former minister had also promised him 25 acres of land. “Our politicians are corrupt,” Rindh alleged, adding that the last time he won, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced rewards for him. Last year, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had issued a statement congratulating Rindh and met with him. However, a report on any announcement of a reward could not be found. In a post on X on Saturday, the Information Minister responded to Rindh’s criticism, “apologising for the delay in the promised support.”
Pakistan hopeful of striking trade deal with US in days, says Ishaq Dar g
DEPUTY PM DAR CONFIDENT THAT PAKISTAN AND US ARE CLOSE TO FINALIZING A TRADE AGREEMENT, WITH DAYS, NOT WEEKS, TO GO PROFIT
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday expressed optimism that a trade deal between Pakistan and the United States could be concluded in just a matter of days, not weeks. Speaking at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington, Dar stated that both sides were very close to finalising the agreement, noting that discussions had been productive with teams engaged in virtual meetings and bilateral talks. “It’s not going to be months, not even
weeks, I would say (just) days,” Dar said. The statement came after his bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though US officials did not offer a specific timeline on the trade deal. Dar mentioned that both nations are working towards building a strong, long-term partnership, and expressed satisfaction with the growing ties between the two countries. The discussions between Dar and Rubio touched on a wide range of topics, including trade, investment, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and counter-terrorism. Both sides also addressed regional and global
matters, with Dar praising the Trump administration for its efforts in easing tensions between Pakistan and India. Dar emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to cooperation on global forums such as the UN Security Council and reiterated the need for dialogue in the Iran-Israel conflict. On economic relations, Dar made it clear that Pakistan seeks trade, not aid, and expressed the country’s readiness to offer greater market access to American products. He also invited US investors to explore opportunities, particularly in the mining sector, highlighting the growing potential for collaboration.