In partnership with
Profit
Friday, 1 August, 2025 | 6 Safar, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 24 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
PAKISTAN, US STRIKE DEAL; WASHINGTON TO HELP ISLAMABAD DEVELOP MASSIVE OIL RESERVES, SAYS TRUMP
g
US PRESIDENT SAYS WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF SELECTING THE OIL COMPANY THAT WILL LEAD THIS PARTNERSHIP
PROFIT
U
PROFIT
staff report
S President Donald Trump said on Thursday his administration struck a deal with Pakistan in which Washington will work with Islamabad in developing the South Asian nation’s oil reserves. “We have just concluded a Deal with the Country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive Oil Reserves,” Trump wrote on social media. “We are in the process of choosing the Oil Company that will lead this Partnership.” Trump’s social media post did not provide further details on the deal between the U.S. and Pakistan. The Pakistani embassy in Washington had no immediate comment. Last week, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the U.S. and Pakistan were “very close” to a trade deal that could come within days, after he met with Sec-
retary of State Marco Rubio on Friday. Dar and Rubio had discussed expanding trade and ties in critical minerals and mining, both sides said. Other Pakistani officials have also visited the U.S. in recent weeks for talks. Under Trump, Washington has attempted to renegotiate trade agreements with many countries that he threatened with tariffs over what he calls unfair trade relations. Many economists dispute Trump’s characterization. U.S. total goods trade with Pakistan was an estimated $7.3 billion in 2024, according to the website of the office of the U.S. trade representative, up from round $6.9 billion in 2023. The U.S. goods trade deficit with Pakistan was $3 billion in 2024, a 5.2% increase over 2023. Washington has also aimed to build stronger ties with Asian powers in recent years to counter its rival China’s influence in the region. Pakistan is designated by Washington as a “major non-NATO ally.” Trump also said Washington was still
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed his gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his role in finalising a “historic” trade agreement between Pakistan and the United States. “I wish to convey my profound thanks to President Trump for his leadership role in finalization of the historic US-Pakistan trade agreement, successfully concluded by our two sides in Washington, last night,” the prime minister wrote on his X timeline. He said that the landmark deal would enhance the bilateral growing cooperation to expand the frontiers of enduring partnership in days to come. US President Trump announced on Thursday on his Truth Social account, “We have just concluded a Deal with
negotiating with Pakistan’s rival India on trade after announcing earlier in the day the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on goods imported from India starting on Friday. Pakistan has also recently said it “appreciated the pivotal role” by Trump and Rubio “in de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India by facilitating a ceasefire.” Trump has repeatedly taken credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire he announced on social media on May 10 after Washington held talks with both sides. India disputes Trump’s claims that the
the Country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive Oil Reserves. We are in the process of choosing the Oil Company that will lead this Partnership. Who knows, maybe they’ll be selling oil to India some day.” Earlier, the Trump administration slapped a 25% tariff and an unspecified penalty on goods imported from India starting on Friday. “We have, over the years, done relatively little business with them (India) because their tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the world, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country… India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25%, plus a penalty for the above, starting on August first,” Trump wrote in a separate post on his social media platform.
ceasefire resulted from his intervention and trade threats. India’s position is that New Delhi and Islamabad must resolve problems directly with no outside involvement. The latest escalation in the decadesold India-Pakistan rivalry was triggered by a deadly April 22 militant attack in India-administered Kashmir that India blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad denied responsibility. India struck Pakistan on May 7 and the two nations exchanged hostilities until the ceasefire was declared on May 10.
PM reaffirms govt’s resolve to eradicate scourge of terrorism from country Pakistan, Egypt vow to expand military-to military relationship RAWALPINDI
staff report
Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, while on an official visit to Egypt for the 3rd round of Defence and Security Talks, called on Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, according to the military’s media wing. Besides, he met with General Abdel Mageed Ahmed Abdel Mageed Saqr, Minister of Defence and Military Production and Commander-in-Chief of Egyptian Armed Forces, Admiral Osama Mounier Mohamed Rabie, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority and Professor Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, the InterServices Public Relations said in a statement issued on Thursday. Discussions focused on bilateral military cooperation, security, counterterrorism, and prevailing regional situation. Dignitaries from both sides emphasized upon the shared interest in further strengthening and expanding existing military-tomilitary relationships in the domains of training, joint military exercises, and defence cooperation. While interacting with His Eminence Professor Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, Grand Imam of AlAzhar, CJCSC highlighted the importance of religious and interfaith harmony to promote tolerance, inclusivity and address underlying causes of terrorism.
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said the government was implementing a comprehensive and effective strategy to “completely eliminate” Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij and other such outfits, reaffirming the resolve to eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the country. Premier Shehbaz Sharif was chaired a meeting of the Steering Committee on Counter-Terrorism and Establishment of the State Writ (Harden the State) at the PM House on Thursday, a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said The meeting was attended by Deputy PM and Foreign Minister
Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, National Security Adviser Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik, PM aide Rana Sanallah, the four provincial chief secretaries and police chiefs, ministers, and officials. “Pakistan is working on a comprehensive, effective, and workable strategy to completely eliminate Fitna al-Hindustan, Fitna al-Khawarij, and other such anti-social elements,” the statement quoted PM Shehbaz as saying. He said the state was determined to eradicate and uproot the scourge of terrorism, adding that even the world recognized Pakistan’s successful operations against terrorists. The prime minister said the state
had adopted a “multi-pronged strategy” in the war against terrorism and made “full and effective use” of important elements such as ground operations, legislation, meaningful public communication, and discouraging extremist thinking. The prime minister directed the committee to ensure effective coordination between the federal and provincial governments against terrorism and to strictly implement the recommendations of the committee in this regard. Lauding the role of security personnel and law enforcement agencies, he said the provincial governments, Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Interior and Counter-Terrorism Department had taken “very effective steps” in the war against terrorism.
ConTinUed on Page 03
‘Black day for democracy’: Barrister gohar says to challenge aTC verdict ISLAMABAD
staff report
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar reacted strongly to the court sentences handed down to party leaders and announced the party will challenge the decision in the high courts, saying that a decision on whether to boycott the assemblies or launch a movement will be made soon. In an emergency press conference alongside Asad Qaiser, Junaid Akbar Khan, and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas,
PROFIT
staff report
PM Shehbaz thanks Trump for role in finalising ‘historic’ US-Pakistan trade deal staff report
Petrol price cut by Rs7.54, diesel up slightly by Rs1.48
Barrister Gohar said, “Today is a sorrowful day for democracy. Our mandate has been stolen, our leader is imprisoned, and the doors of justice have been shut on us.” “We will raise the issue with PTI Founder Imran Khan on the future course of action regarding whether we should return to the parliament or launch a movement,” he added. He said that the “political cases against PTI members were baseless,” adding that the PTI believed in running the system instead of believing in extremism. “We do not believe in violence or incitement in pol-
The federal government on Thursday reduced the price of petrol by Rs7.54 per litre, setting the new rate at Rs264.61 per litre, while increasing the price of highspeed diesel (HSD) by Rs1.48 to Rs285.83 per litre. The changes, effective from August 1, 2025, were announced in a notification by the Finance Division following a review of international oil market trends and the exchange rate of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar. Recommendations were made by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and relevant ministries. In the previous fortnightly revision, petrol had risen by Rs5.36, bringing the rate to Rs272.15 per litre, while diesel had gone up by Rs11.37, reaching Rs284.35 per litre. Fuel prices in Pakistan are reviewed every 15 days to reflect global price movements and domestic market conditions.
Tarar hails Faisalabad ATC verdicts in May 9 cases as ‘historic precedent’ ISLAMABAD
staff report
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Thursday hailed the recent court verdicts against those involved in the May 9 riots, calling them a “historic precedent” that will deter future conspiracies against the state. Talking to the media, Tarar termed the ransacking of Lahore’s Jinnah House to the work of “professional dacoits” and emphasized that the culprits have now been sentenced. “The verdicts have set a precedent; henceforth, no one would dare to commit such a conspiracy again,” he stated. Earlier, a Special AntiTerrorism Court (ATC) in Faisalabad on Thursday sentenced several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders—including Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul—to 10 years in prison over their involvement in cases related to the May 9, 2023, violence. In the case related to the attack on a sensitive institution, the court awarded punishments to 108 out of 185 accused, while the rest were acquitted. The court sentenced Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul to 10 years in prison. Member of the National Assembly Sahibzada Hamid Raza was also sentenced to 10 years in jail. Junaid Afzal Sahi received a 3-year prison sentence, which is the shortest sentence given by the court. The Faisalabad ATC acquitted Fawad Chaudhry, and Zain Qureshi, the son of Shah Mahmood Qureshi and 75 others in the cases. In a separate case registered at Ghulam Muhammadabad Police Station, the court sentenced 60 individuals, while 7 of the 67 accused were acquitted. Information Minister Tarar said the country is now on a path of unity and progress, with the legal actions reinforcing national stability. Tarar said the “sinister motives” behind the May 9 events have been exposed and defeated. Hostile rhetoric against the state has been neutralized and Pakistan has established its hegemony, he said, adding “Modi is being grilled in the Indian parliament as a defeated Modi and a defeated person.” Tarar welcomed the verdicts awarded to those involved in May 9 riots, describing them as a “good omen” for Pakistan. He reiterated that the destruction of public property would no longer be tolerated and that justice has prevailed. itics. Those who have been convicted today do not believe in politics of violence.” He added, “We made every effort to keep democracy and parliament functional, but the oppression, injustice, and unequal treatment continue relentlessly. Six of our MNAs, three MPAs, one senator, and the opposition leaders in both the National Assembly and Senate have been sentenced. Even Sunni Ittehad Council Chief Hamid Raza and Zartaj Gul have been targeted.” Barrister Gohar stated that PTI leadership always advocated for protecting the system, refraining from sitins and remaining within parliament. “Despite this, PTI is being consistently sidelined. We only asked the Chief Justice for justice — nothing else. Yet, petitions filed since 2023 remain undecided, while other trials are being conducted in courts as late as 2am.”
aTC sentences Shibli Faraz, omar ayub among top PTi leaders in May 9 cases ISLAMABAD
staff report
A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Faisalabad sentenced top Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) leaders to up to 10 years in prison on Thursday, in cases related to the May 9 protests. The court convicted 108 PTI leaders out of 185 individuals implicated in these cases, while 77 others were acquitted. Among the PTI leaders convicted were opposition leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub; opposition leader in the Senate, Shibli Faraz; Zartaj Gul; MNA Sahibzada Hamid Raza; and former MNA Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, the nephew of former interior minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed. These leaders were sentenced to 10 years each in prison. Other convicts were given prison terms of up to three years. Meanwhile, PTI leaders Fawad Chaudhry, Zain Qureshi, Khayal Kastro, Faizullah Kamoka, Rana Asad Mehmood Khan, Bilal Ashraf Basra, Haroon Rasheed,
Amara Rasheed, Sahibzada Hassan Raza, and Kamran Warraich were acquitted. Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, who is facing charges in this case, did not attend the hearing and is reportedly in hiding to avoid arrest. Earlier on Thursday, the ATC issued arrest warrants for 50 PTI leaders in connection with various protest-related cases. The arrest warrants were issued for those involved in the protests leading to PTI’s planned August 5 protest. The warrants include prominent names such as former President Arif Alvi, Abdul Qayyum Niazi, Shibli Faraz, Faisal Javed, Salman Akram Raja, Rauf Hassan, Murad Saeed, and Ahmad Niazi. Other PTI leaders facing arrest include Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Asad Qaiser, Hammad Azhar, Atif Khan, Shoaib Shaheen, Azam Khan Swati, Omar Ayub, and Sahibzada Hamid Raza. Additional PTI members named in the warrants include Aleema Khanum, Sheikh Waqas Akram, Kanwal Shauzab, Shandana Gulzar, and Sher Afzal Marwat. In connection with the Faizabad protest
case, which pertains to the demonstrations held over former prime minister Imran Khan’s disqualification, the court maintained that the status of Ali Amin Gandapur as a proclaimed offender remains unchanged. The court ordered Islamabad Police to arrest Gandapur, stating that the arrest warrants remain in effect. The court also directed that if there are any orders from the Peshawar High Court, they must be complied with. In the March 18 protest case, the ATC issued an arrest warrant for PTI MNA Ali Afzal Sahi. The court also issued arrest warrants for other PTI workers who failed to attend the hearing in the case registered at Golra Police Station. The hearing for the case registered at Golra Police Station has been adjourned until August 9. In the November 26 protest case, the court dismissed the bail of an accused who had repeatedly been absent from hearings. The court issued arrest warrants for those not present during the hearing. The forensic report related to this case has been submitted, and the next hearing is set for August 5.
ATC Islamabad issues arrest warrants for top 50 PTI leaders ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Islamabad on Thursday issued arrest warrants for 50 leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) party, including former President Dr Arif Alvi, Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur and Aleema Khanum, pressuring the beleaguered party facing numerous challenges further. According to the court proceedings, 41 warrants were freshly issued on Thursday in connection with FIR No. 1193 registered at the Karachi Company Police Station in Islamabad. Nine PTI leaders had already been
issued arrest warrants earlier in the same case. Among those named in the warrants are several high-profile figures, including former President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi, National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz, current Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur, and Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khanum. Other notable names include Sheikh Waqas Akram, Kanwal Shauzab, Shandana Gulzar, Sher Afzal Marwat, Abdul Qayyum Niazi, Faisal Javed, Salman Akram Raja, Raoof Hassan, Murad Saeed, Ahmad Niazi, Asad Qaiser, Hammad Azhar, Atif Khan, Shoaib Shaheen, and Senator Azam Khan Swati.