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PM SHEHBAZ REAFFIRMS FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR GB, AJK AFTER MONSOON DEVASTATION
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Saturday, 2 August, 2025 | 7 Safar, 1447
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CENTRE STANDS SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH CITIZENS OF GB AND AJK IN THIS HOUR OF GRIEF: PM
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 25 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
EMPHASIZES A COORDINATED AND RAPID RESPONSE TO MINIMIZE FURTHER DAMAGE
DIRECTS DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO RESTORE g A COMPREHENSIVE RELIEF PACKAGE ROAD NETWORKS AND COMMUNICATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON TO INFRASTRUCTURE TO ENSURE TIMELY AID DELIVERY, MOBILITY SUPPORT RECOVERY AND REHAB: PM
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed the federal government’s support to ensure relief and recovery in the monsoon-devastated regions of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The prime minister chaired a highlevel review meeting to assess the human and material losses caused by the ongoing monsoon season, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The session focused on immediate relief efforts, future preparedness, and federal support to the affected regions, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said on Friday. In his remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and extensive damage inflicted by torrential rains across the country, especially in GB and AJK. He reiterated the federal government’s unwavering solidarity with the regional governments and the affected people. “The federal government stands shoulder to shoulder with the administrations and citizens of Gilgit-Baltistan and
Azad Kashmir in this hour of grief,” the prime minister stated. “I will soon visit GB to express solidarity with the victims, and a comprehensive federal relief package will be announced to support recovery and rehabilitation efforts,” he added. The prime minister issued special directives to all federal agencies to collaborate closely with regional authorities to conduct damage assessments and expedite relief measures. He stressed the need to prioritize life-saving interventions and
safeguard both human lives and property. Highlighting the need for better disaster preparedness, the Prime Minister ordered an urgent overhaul of the early warning system run by the Pakistan Meteorological Department to make it more proactive and effective. He also directed the departments concerned to restore and repair road networks and communication infrastructure on an emergency basis to ensure timely aid delivery and mobility in affected areas. The Prime Minister emphasized a co-
ordinated and rapid response to minimize further damage and ensure that those affected receive timely assistance and rehabilitation. During the briefing, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, informed the meeting that the monsoon-related disasters have so far resulted in 295 fatalities and over 700 injuries nationwide. More than 1,600 homes have been completely destroyed, and 376 livestock lost due to the severe weather. The NDMA chief also warned of continuing high flood threats in various rivers and streams. Minor flooding is expected at Tarbela, Chashma, Taunsa, and Kalabagh, while moderate flood levels may occur at Head Marala and Guddu on the Chenab River. He cautioned that the monsoon may intensify further towards the end of August. The meeting was attended by AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, NDMA Chairman Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik, and other senior government officials.
trump tariff slashed to 19% from 29% on pakistani goods after trade deal g
Iranian President to visit Pakistan today, marking first official trip as head of state ISLAMABAD
staff report
The President of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, is set to arrive in Pakistan for a two-day state visit scheduled on Saturday. The visit is at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marking Dr. Pezeshkian’s first official visit to Pakistan as President of Iran. Accompanying President Pezeshkian will be a high-level delegation, including Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, senior ministers, and other high-ranking officials, as stated in a press release from the Foreign Office. During his stay, President Pezeshkian will meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This visit aims to further enhance the longstanding and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran. In a post on X, Political Adviser to the Iranian President Mehdi Sanai said Dr Pezeshkian would travel to Pakistan on Saturday at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said official meetings and discussions with “cultural and commercial elites” were on the agenda. “The relations between the two countries encompass political, economic, religious and cultural dimensions, and the goals of the trip include developing provincial and border cooperation and increasing trade exchanges from the current $3 billion.” Earlier, during an official visit to Tehran, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with President Pezeshkian, where he conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s message of goodwill and congratulations to the Iranian leadership.
ANALYSTS BELIEVE NEW TARIFF EXPECTED TO BOOST PAKISTAN’S TEXTILE EXPORTS PROFIT
staff report
The US has imposed a 19% reciprocal tariff on Pakistani goods, significantly lower than the initial 29% proposal, under a new executive order signed by the administration of President Donald Trump on Thursday. The tariff applies to a wide range of Pakistani products, part of broader tariffs of up to 41% on goods from multiple countries, including Pakistan. The US president on Friday imposed tariffs on exports from dozens of trading partners, including Canada, Brazil, India, and Taiwan. The tariffs include a 35% duty on goods from Canada, 50% on Brazil, 25% on India, 20% on Taiwan, and 39% on Switzerland, as outlined in a presidential exec-
utive order. Trump’s executive order cites persistent trade imbalances and the lack of reciprocity in bilateral trade relationships as the reasons behind the new tariffs. The order states that the US faces “unusual and extraordinary threats” to its national security and economy due to large annual trade deficits. The 19% tariff on Pakistan is lower than those imposed on some regional competitors, including India (25%), Bangladesh (20%), Vietnam (20%), and Sri Lanka (20%). Analysts believe the move could open up more market access for Pakistani goods, especially textiles and apparel, potentially boosting export earnings and stimulating industrial growth. The tariff adjustment comes a day after Pakistan and the US agreed on a partnership to develop
Pakistan’s oil reserves. President Trump announced on social media that the US would work with Pakistan to tap into its oil resources, with plans to choose an oil company to lead the initiative. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized that the deal marks a broader economic and strategic partnership between the two nations. He noted that the focus was on a balanced approach, with trade and investment working hand in hand. Pakistan had faced the threat of a 29% tariff on its exports to the US after tariffs were announced in April. However, negotiations have led to the current tariff reduction. In 2024, Pakistan’s trade surplus with the US was around $3 billion, largely driven by textile exports, with the US being the biggest market for Pakistani textiles.
Five Elite Force cops martyred in attack on Sadiqabad checkpoint SADIQABAD/LAHORE staff report
Five Elite Force personnel were martyred and two others received critical wounds, while one dacoit was killed when over a dozen outlaws attacked Shekhani Police checkpoint in Sadiqabad’s Mahi Chowk Friday morning, the police confirmed. According to the police spokesman, dozens of dacoits attacked the Shekhani Police checkpoint with heavy weapons. He said that five personnel of Elite Force were martyred while fighting the criminals, while two others sustained critical wounds. The injured cops were admitted to the hospital. The police spokesperson said that upon receiving information about the attack, DPO Irfan Ali Samoun reached the spot along with a police contingent. He said that the martyred policemen were identified as Muhammad Irfan, Muhammad Saleem, Nakheel, Constable Khalil and Ghazanfar while the dead bodies were shifted to the Shaikh Zayed Hospital. The dacoits targeted the police post with rocket launchers. DPO Samoun said the outlaws would be brought to justice. A heavy police force team reached the area, and all roads leading to Katcha area were cordoned off, with the enhancement of security and patrolling. The fight against the attacking robbers is ongoing, and they are being pursued, the police spokesman said. “The attackers were equipped with modern weapons and the police have launched a search operation and are using modern weapons and armored vehicles to arrest or kill the dacoits,” he added. Meanwhile, Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar paid rich tribute to the great sacrifice of five police personnel martyred in the cowardly attack by dacoits on Sheikhani police checkpoint. He along with senior officers reached Rahim Yar Khan, visited the site of the incident and police camps. He also sought a report from RPO Bahawalpur and the ordered DPO Rahim Yar Khan to immediately arrest the dacoits involved in the incident and to accelerate the ongoing operation.
Tally rises to 120 as another PTI worker’s property forfeited in May 9 case SARGODHA
staff report
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Sargodha sentenced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) worker Ismael Khan to life in prison in a May 9 case and forfeited his entire property to the state, taking the total of PTI leaders and workers whose property has been forfeited so far to 120. The ATC delivered the verdict in connection with a May 9 riot case filed with the Mianwali police. This is the third judgment among those delivered by Anti-Terrorism Courts in which the convict’s entire property has been forfeited to the government. A total of 120 PTI leaders and workers have had their properties confiscated. Previously, a Faisalabad court forfeited the properties of 90 convicts to the government, while 29 others had their properties forfeited by the Sargodha court under Section 7(2) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. On May 9, 2023, PTI lawmakers and supporters staged violent protests across the country in response to the arrest of party founder Imran Khan. The protests involved vandalism of military installations and stateowned buildings, including the corps commander’s house in Lahore. The case involves charges against 53 accused individuals, including prominent PTI lawmakers such as opposition leaders Omar Ayub (National Assembly) and Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar (Punjab Assembly).
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india’s operation Mahadev holds no significance for pakistan: Fo ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on Friday dismissed India’s assertions and claims regarding “Operation Mahadev” as meaningless, saying the narrative holds no importance in Islamabad’s view. During the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement was based on “lies and fictional storytelling.” He stressed that Pakistan categorically rejects India’s nuclear blackmailing rhetoric and the strategic relevance attached to the so-called Operation Mahadev.
Indian Home Minister Shah, earlier this week, claimed before the parliament that Indian security forces recovered Pakistani voter identity cards and locally made chocolates from three men killed in a gun battle in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who, according to him, were involved in the Pahalgam attack. The spokesperson described Indian political leaders’ remarks in the Lok Sabha concerning Operation Sindoor as baseless and provocative, saying that New Delhi is distorting facts and attempting to justify unprovoked aggression. He also condemned the Indian attack carried out on the night of May 6 and 7 without any investigation into the Pahalgam incident.
He said the attack resulted in the martyrdom of innocent civilians, and India completely failed to achieve its strategic objectives. “Pakistan responded decisively by targeting Indian aircraft and assets,” he noted. He added that Pakistan had proposed a transparent and independent investigation into the Pahalgam attack, which India rejected. “Instead of cooperating, India chose the path of aggression, unilaterally becoming judge, jury, and executioner,” he said. Khan urged Indian leaders to admit their losses and recognize the need for third-party involvement in such matters. “In May 2025, Pakistan gave a robust and successful military response to Indian aggression,” he reiterated.
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enduring Sino-pak partnership to keep playing pivotal role in regional stability: CoaS RAWALPINDI
staff report
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Friday stressed that the “enduring partnership” between Pakistan and China will continue to play a pivotal role in regional stability, according to the military’s media wing. COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir made the remarks at the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China, commemorated at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Friday, according to a press release by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The army chief emphasized that their enduring partnership will continue to play a pivotal role in promoting regional stability and safeguarding shared strategic interests,” the ISPR statement said. China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Defence Attaché Major General
Wang Zhong, Chinese Embassy officials, and senior military officers from the Pakistani tri-services were also present. Field Marshal Munir extended a warm welcome to the Chinese guests and congratulated the PLA on its 98th founding anniversary, lauding the army’s “pivotal role in China’s defense, security, and nation-building,” the ISPR said. The army chief emphasized that “despite shifting strategic dynamics, the friendship between the two nations has remained steadfast and unshakable,” according to the press release. “The COAS underscored the strength and strategic significance of Pakistan-China relations, describing the bond between the two nations as unique, time-tested, and exceptionally resilient amid evolving regional and global challenges. “The Field Marshal highlighted that the Pakistan-China strategic relationship exemplifies mutual trust, unwavering support, and
shared commitment,” the statement added. Concluding his address, COAS Munir “reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army and the PLA are true brothers-in-arms,” the ISPR stated. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Zaidong expressed his sincere gratitude to the army chief for hosting the event commemorating the PLA’s 98th anniversary. He acknowledged the steadfast role of the armed forces in the “fight against terrorism and reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for and commitment to its strategic partnership with Pakistan”, according to the ISPR. The renewed affirmation of the strong bilateral ties comes just a week after COAS Munir paid an official visit to China, where he met with Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During the visit, the Chinese leadership hailed the Pakistan Army as a “cornerstone of resilience and a vital contributor” for peace in the region. Earlier this month, Foreign
Minister Ishaq Dar and his Chinese counterpart reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting regional peace, stability, and development.
In recent weeks, both countries have strengthened their cooperation in maritime, agriculture, media, disaster management, and various other fields.