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PM SHEHBAZ REAFFIRMS RESOLVE TO DEEPEN PAKISTAN–CHINA ‘IRONCLAD’ PARTNERSHIP
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Friday, 22 August, 2025 | 27 Safar, 1447
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PREMIER DESCRIBES BOND BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES AS A CORNERSTONE OF REGIONAL PEACE, STABILITY, AND DEVELOPMENT
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STRESSES DESIRE TO EXPAND COLLABORATION WITH CHINA IN TRADE, INVESTMENT, ICT, AGRICULTURE, INDUSTRIALIZATION, MINES, AND MINERALS
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 45 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
LAUDS CHINA’S STEADFAST SUPPORT IN SAFEGUARDING PAKISTAN’S SOVEREIGNTY, TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY, AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WANG YI REITERATES CHINA’S COMMITMENT TO PAKISTAN, CALLING TWO NATIONS AS ‘IRONCLAD FRIENDS’ AND ‘ALL-WEATHER STRATEGIC PARTNERS’
Pakistan, China’s FMs pledge to strengthen cooperation, mutual support on global forums ISLAMABAD
staff report
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” with China, describing the bond between the two countries as a cornerstone of regional peace, stability, and development. He was speaking during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who called on him at the Prime Minister House here, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
Welcoming Wang Yi, the prime minister expressed deep appreciation for China’s steadfast support in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national development. He lauded President Xi Jinping’s “visionary leadership” and recalled his productive meeting with the Chinese President during his visit to Beijing last year. The Prime Minister said he looked forward to his upcoming visit to Tianjin and Beijing, where he would attend the SCO Heads of State meeting and the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War. He added that he was keenly anticipating meetings
Mobile, data services restored in Balochistan on BHC's order ISLAMABAD
staff report
In compliance with the orders of the Balochistan High Court (BHC), the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Thursday said that mobile and data services had been restored in Quetta, Pishin, Chaman and other cities of the province. The development came as the BHC resumed hearing a case regarding the suspension of mobile and internet services in the province. A two-judge bench of the BHC, comprising Chief Justice Rozi Khan Barrech and Justice Sardar Ahmad Halimi, issued the directives while hearing a petition against the suspension of the mobile and internet services. At the beginning of the hearing, PTA authorities apprised the court that mobile and data services had been restored in some cities. “It may take 2 hours to fully restore mobile and internet services (across the province),” the PTA authorities told the court. The petitioner, Balochistan’s Consumer Civil Society chairman Khair Muhammad, told the court that the mobile phone internet service was not fully restored in Quetta. At this, the court remarked: “Concerned officials will be summoned again on August 25 if mobile and internet services are not restored.” Meanwhile, the court adjourned the hearing till August 25. On August 16, the BHC directed the provincial government to review its blanket suspension of mobile and data services. Authorities had suspended mobile internet services in Balochistan's most districts, including the provincial capital Quetta, on August 6, citing security concerns, scheduled to last until August 31.
Pakistan and China’s foreign ministers have pledged to strengthen cooperation and mutual support on global forums. During a joint press conference following the 6th Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue, Ishaq Dar and Wang Yi expressed their commitment to work together for regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Both countries vowed to further enhance cooperation at all levels and continue strong support for each other in international forums. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan-China relations are founded on brotherhood, and both nations are determined to deepen collaboration at every level. He welcomed the Chinese Foreign Minister to Pakistan, describing the sixth strategic dialogue as a pro-
with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other senior Chinese leaders. Highlighting the importance of economic cooperation, Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed Pakistan’s desire to expand collaboration with China in trade, investment, ICT, agriculture, industrialization, mines,
ductive and meaningful exchange. He also highlighted discussions on the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to China, CPEC Phase Two, people-topeople contacts, and boosting bilateral cooperation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the dialogue included indepth discussions on various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including CPEC Phase Two, trade and economic ties, multilateral engagement, and peopleto-people relations. He emphasised that the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China is growing stronger and expressed eagerness for the Pakistani Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said in a statement that both sides reviewed all facets of Pakistan-China relations and exchanged views on key regional and global issues.
and minerals. He particularly underscored the significance of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for Pakistan’s socio-economic development and regional connectivity, expressing satisfaction with the steady progress of CPEC Phase-II.
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Army chief didn’t seek apology over May 9, culprits should be held accountable: DG ISPR RAWALPINDI
staff report
Military spokesperson Lieutenant-General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry clarified on Thursday that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir did not seek an apology from anyone over the May 9, 2023 riots, saying the perpetrators should be “held accountable,” a TV channel reported. The remarks come days after it was reported that the army chief had sought an apology over the 2023 countrywide protests—apparently from the PTI, which the state holds responsible for the May 9 riots. Suhail Warraich, a senior editor for the Daily Jang newspaper, wrote in a column on August 16 that COAS Munir had spoken to him in person recently in Belgium’s capital of Brussels, where the army chief had stopped over on his return from his visit to the United States. “On a question about politics, he (the army chief) said that political reconciliation is possible only if there is a sincere apology,” the column read, without specifying who the army chief was referring to or who the question was about. “Neither did the army chief make any political statement in Brussels, nor did he mention any apology,” Geo News quoted Lt-Gen Chaudhry as saying today. Lt-Gen Chaudhry, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) director general, was speaking to reporters after an event in Islamabad. The DG ISPR was further reported as saying that the army chief “did not say anything about the PTI.” Lt-Gen Chaudhry asserted, “May 9 is not only the military’s case but the nation’s case. It is clear that those who carried out the May 9 riots and their enablers and planners should be held accountable as per the law.” “There were hundreds of people present at the Brussels event. Those attending the event had their pictures taken with the field marshal,” the DG ISPR noted.
CJP-led SC bench accepts Imran Khan’s bail pleas in eight May 9 cases ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Supreme Court on Thursday accepted the bail pleas of former prime minister Imran Khan in eight cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots, with Chief Justice Yahya Afridi observing that “the evidence will be proven in the trial court.” A three-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi delivered a short order on the PTI founder’s plea against rejection of his bail petition by the Lahore High Court (LHC) in eight cases related to the May 9 riots. The bench included Justices Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Hasan
Azhar Rizvi after he replaced Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb. Barrister Salman Safdar appeared on behalf of the PTI founder, while Punjab Special Prosecutor (PSP) Zulfiqar Naqvi represented the state. Both concluded their arguments, following which the CJP announced the bench’s decision. However, Imran has multiple other cases against him. Imprisoned since August 2023 in a case related to state gifts, the PTI founder is serving a sentence at the Adiala Jail in the £190 million graft case and faces pending trials related to the May 9 riots. The PTI hailed the SC ruling, using the hashtag “Victory For Imran Khan” in
PTI calls SC ruling a ‘historic triumph of truth, justice’ ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has hailed the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict granting bail to former Prime Minister and PTI Founder Imran Khan in eight fabricated cases tied to the events of May 9, declaring it a historic triumph of truth and justice. The party asserted that the ruling has laid bare the government’s complete failure to prove any legal basis for Imran Khan’s arrest or to justify the
concocted charges against him. In its statement issued from PTI Central Media Department, the party termed the verdict a major moral and legal victory for PTI and its leader. The party emphasized that the decision once again proved that all cases against Imran Khan were false, fabricated, and driven purely by political vendetta. However, PTI regretted that despite his innocence, over 200 frivolous cases have been registered against Imran Khan, and he has been kept behind bars for nearly two years, depriving the nation of its rightful leader.
its X post. In November 2024, a Lahore anti-terrorism court had denied Imran bail in the cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots, including an attack on the house of the Lahore corps commander. On May 9, 2023, PTI supporters, protesting Imran’s arrest, staged violent protests throughout the country, vandalising military installations and state-owned buildings, while also attacking the Lahore corps commander’s residence. Following the riots, thousands of protesters, including party leaders, were arrested. In November 2024, a Lahore anti-terrorism court had denied Imran bail in the cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots, including an attack on the house of the Lahore corps com-
mander. The incarcerated PTI leader’s plea challenging that was also rejected by the Lahore High Court (LHC) on June 24. Subsequently, days later, Imran had challenged that dismissal before the apex court. The incarcerated PTI leader’s plea challenging that was also rejected by the Lahore High Court (LHC) on June 24. Subsequently, days later, Imran had challenged that dismissal before the apex court. The hearing At the outset of the hearing, the Punjab prosecutor informed the court that he could not appear yesterday due to illness. CJP Afridi, noting he had two questions from Naqvi, asked, “You must have read the Lahore High Court’s verdict.
Grant of bail should not be considered as acquittal: Top govt aides ISLAMABAD
staff report
Key government aides on Thursday, while commenting on PTI founder’s bail in eight May 9 riots cases, said the grant of bail is a settled principle of law and should not be considered as acquittal, asserting Imran Khan remains a convict serving a sentence in high-profile cases, state media reported. In a video statement on Thursday, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar emphasized that
the trial against the PTI founder chairman is still ongoing. He said the entire nation witnessed his involvement in orchestrating the events of May 9, which aimed to destabilize the system, damage the economy, and harm the country. Tarar asserted that the PTI founder is convicted in the 190 million pounds mega corruption case, one of the most significant scandals in the country’s history. He highlighted that the PTI founder was sentenced to 14 years in prison following a transparent trial based on substantial evidence.
PM reaches out to political leaders, assures rehabilitation of affected people ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday telephoned heads of political parties to discuss the devastation wrecked by heavy monsoon rains in different parts of the country, assuring them of the federal government’s “cooperation and support” for rehabilitation of the affected people, according to state media. Premier Shehbaz discussed with them the ways and means through which the sufferings of those affected by the natural calamity could be mitigated, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported. Talking to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the prime minister expressed his grief and shock over the loss of lives in lower Sindh, especially in Karachi, due to rains. He, on the occasion, also assured the Sindh government of all possible support for dealing with emergencies, APP said. PM Shehbaz also telephoned the NDMA
chairman and directed him to remain in constant touch with the Sindh government, provide all possible assistance to the provincial Disaster Management Authority and inform the people about risks of flooding beforehand, APP added. In a telephonic conversation with Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the prime minister discussed with him the losses caused by recent rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). He praised the JI’s Al-Khidmat Foundation for participating in relief and rescue operations in the affected areas. Talking to Federal Minister for Education Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, PM Shehbaz discussed with him the devastation caused by urban flooding in lower Sindh, especially in Karachi. He assured Siddiqui that all federal government departments were ready to assist the Sindh government in dealing with the challenge.
British PM extends condolences with Pakistan over recent flooding Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has extended his heartfelt condolences over the tragic loss of lives and property caused by the recent monsoon and flooding in Pakistan. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate circumstances and the widespread devastation resulting from the disaster, Radio Pakistan reported. The British Prime Minister conveyed his sincere sympathies to all those affected, noting that the situation is particularly distressing for many families of Pakistani origin residing in the United Kingdom. He affirmed that the entire British nation stands in solidarity with the people of Pakistan during this difficult time, Radio Pakistan said. Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute to the emergency responders and volunteers who
are working tirelessly under extremely challenging conditions. He reaffirmed the UK Government’s continued support for Pak-
istan during this crisis and pledged full assistance in future recovery and reconstruction efforts, Radio Pakistan added.