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PM SHEHBAZ SHARIF, TOP MINISTERS WELCOME IRANIAN PRESIDENT MASOUD PEZESHKIAN AFTER HE LANDED AT NUR KHAN AIR BASE
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PREMIER SAYS LOOKING FORWARD TO ‘SUBSTANTIVE ENGAGEMENTS DURING THIS IMPORTANT VISIT THAT WILL PAVE WAY FORWARD FOR STRONGER PAKISTAN-IRAN TIES’
PEZESHKIAN HOPEFUL OF ELEVATING BILATERAL TRADE EXCHANGES TO $10B OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
pakistan, iran defence czars reaffirm commitment to strengthening security ties
ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
RAN’s President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Islamabad on Saturday for a two-day visit, his first since assuming office, to reaffirm his commitment to elevate the deep-rooted brotherly relations and trade with Pakistan to new heights. President Pezeshkian is paying a twoday official visit to Pakistan over the weekend, making it his first trip to Islamabad in his current role, the Foreign Office said. Ahead of his trip, Pakistan yesterday pledged to help defuse tensions between Iran and the United States. Dr Pezeshkian arrived at Nur Khan Air Base, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar received him. PM Shehbaz said he was honoured to welcome the Iranian president and looked forward to “substantive engagements during this important visit that will pave the way forward for stronger Pakistan-Iran ties”. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited the Foreign Office, where he met FM Dar and the two held discussions. “The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Iran ties, with a focus on expanding cooperation in regional stability, trade, and economic collab-
ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
oration. They also discussed enhancing bilateral engagement across key areas of mutual interest,” the FO said. FM Dar said the two had productive discussions on all areas of mutual interest, including trade, economic cooperation, regional and international developments. “Looking forward to substantive talks at the leadership level tomorrow.” The FO said both held preliminary discussions on key substantive issues to be addressed at the leadership level, including
Imran’s sons applied for visas, new NICOPs after losing their old ones: Aleema RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, on Saturday rejected claims that the former prime minister stopped his children from visiting Pakistan, clarifying that they were unable to travel after losing their National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs). “This is a lie Imran Khan has stopped his children from coming to Pakistan. The only issue they are facing is that their NICOP cards have lost. His children have applied for new NICOPs and visas,” Aleema told reporters outside Adiala Jail on Saturday. A day earlier, In a statement shared on X, Aleema revealed that Sulaiman and Kasim had submitted their visa applications a few days ago. She said the High Commission had confirmed receipt of the applications and conveyed that their approval was pending with the Ministry of Interior. However, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has raised questions regarding the nationality status of former prime minister Imran Khan’s children, citing Aleema’s earlier statement that the children hold National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). Responding to her post on X, Chaudhry said, “You previously stated that the children hold NICOPs. If that is true, they do not require visas to enter Pakistan. If they do need visas, that means they are not ‘Pakistani Nationals.’ What is the real truth behind it all?” Further speaking on the matter outside Adiala Jail, Aleema added that she had the tracking numbers of the visa applications, contradicting embassy officials’ claims that no such requests were made. “It is surprising that the embassy says no applications were filed. A friend called the ambassador, who said permission was needed from the Interior Ministry. I told them to get it from Mohsin Naqvi if necessary. Later, they said the Foreign Ministry must issue the visas. Now the ambassador is not responding,” she noted, adding that in emergencies visas are usually granted within an hour. When asked about Mishal Yousafzai’s appointment as senator, Aleema said, “I don’t want to waste my time discussing such people.
regional developments, bilateral trade and connectivity, energy cooperation, and the need to strengthen mechanisms for regular consultation and coordination. “The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the longstanding and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran. They also emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue, enhanced cooperation on economic and security matters, and greater people-to-people exchanges.” Dr Pezeshkian arrived earlier in Lahore, where PML-N
Pakistan and Iran pledged to deepen defence cooperation and work together for regional peace and security during a highlevel meeting in Islamabad, state media reported on Saturday. Minister for Defence of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Brigadier General Aziz Nasir-Zadeh, who is part of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian delegation, discussed bilateral and regional issues during a crucial meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, Khawaja Muhammad Asif. During the talks, both sides reviewed matters of mutual interest, including regional security, counter-terrorism efforts, and opportunities to expand defense collaboration between the two neighbors. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties. “The Defence Minister of Pakistan expressed appreciation President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz received him. He visited the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal to pay tribute to his legacy with CM Maryam, Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and Punjab Information Minister
for Iran’s continued engagement and emphasized the importance of defense diplomacy in addressing shared security challenges,” the ministry said in a statement. Brigadier General Nasir-Zadeh thanked the Government of Pakistan for the warm reception, reiterating Iran’s intention to pursue stronger defense ties. He said Tehran sought cooperation “based on mutual respect, shared values, and trust.” The meeting concluded on an optimistic note, with both leaders voicing confidence about the future of Pakistan-Iran defence relations and pledging to continue working together for the region’s prosperity and security. DPM, Iranian FM reaffirm commitment to bolster ties Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar Saturday met with Foreign Minister of Iran Seyyed Abbas Araghchi here and discussed matters of mutual interest.
Azma Bokhari accompanying him. President Pezeshkian laid a wreath at the grave and offered prayers, led by Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.
‘Clear message’ conveyed to gandapur not 5 kids killed, 12 injured ‘toy mortar shell’ to allow any operation in Kp: imran Khan as goes off in Lakki Marwat: police
ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan has conveyed a “clear message” to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, asking him not to allow any military operation in the province or its tribal areas, it appeared on Saturday. In a message from Imran posted today on his X account, which is not operated by him, the former prime minister said, “I convey a clear message to Ali Amin that the federation must not be allowed to conduct another military operation in KP and the tribal areas.” Earlier this week, security forces launched ‘Operation Sarbakaf’ against terrorists in Bajaur’s Lowi Mamund tehsil and imposed a three-day curfew in the region. However, a day later, the PK government, led by Ali Gandapur and his party strongly opposed any military operation, terming the move as an overstepping of the constitutional limits. But the next day, CM Gandapur appeared to have thrown full weight behind a “targeted operation” against militants. His statement came in complete contrast to the one issued on Tuesday night following a PTI parliamentary meeting, in which he vowed to take stringent measures, such as the withdrawal of the Action in Aid of Civil Power Regulations 2011. Though CM Gandapur took a U-turn, his party, the ruling PTI, had denounced the Bajaur operation, alleging that the decision bypassed the constitutionally elected government and it was nothing but a “dangerous replay of past mistakes.” “Confrontation between the
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LAKKI MARWAT Staff RepoRt
army and the people destroys the institution of the army. Operations are not a solution to any problem. Issues should be resolved through dialogue in accordance with the system there. Afghanistan is our Muslim neighbouring country. Relations with them should also be improved, and issues should be addressed through discussions.” Responding to the party founder’s instruction from his personal account, Gandapur said that keeping in mind Imran’s thinking, he had hosted today the first of several jirgas on restoring law and order in the province. Similarly, media reports claimed that PTI founder Imran Khan has criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, suggesting that he should resign if he fails to maintain law and order in the province, according to sources. “If Ali Amin Gandapur cannot restore peace, he should step down,” reports quoted the PTI founder as saying. He further remarked that if
Gandapur is unable to resolve governance issues, someone else should be given a chance. Privileges reinstated Meanwhile, sources added that the PTI founder’s jail privileges have been reinstated, including access to books and newspapers. Additionally, he was allowed a one-hour phone conversation with his children on the previous day. He reportedly told prison officials that his children are welcome to visit him. However, he learned during the phone call that their National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOPs) had expired. Imran, as per sources, said he had never asked his children to come to Pakistan for political protests. Pakistan witnessed a surge in terror activities, particularly in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces, since the return of Taliban rulers in Afghanistan in 2021. At least 476 incidents of terrorism were reported across KP during the first seven months of 2025, according to a police report.
Five children were killed and 12 others were injured when a mortar shell they mistook for a toy exploded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lakki Marwat area, the police confirmed on Saturday. “The children found the mortar shell in the field and took it to their village, Sorband. However, it went off with a bang when they started playing with it…mistaking it for a toy,” Aamir Khan, spokesperson for the Bannu region police, informed the media. “As a result of the explosion, five children died and 12 others sustained injuries, some of them critical,” he said. The spokesperson said the dead bodies and injured children were transported to Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital, where the condition of the injured children is stated to be stable. Later, a statement said that Bannu Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan visited the hospital to inquire about the condition of the injured. “He checked on their condition, encouraged them, and met with hospital administration to review the provision of treatment, availability of medicines, and other medical facilities in detail.” It added that the Bomb Disposal Squad arrived at the scene, collected evidence, and initiated an investigation. According to the statement, the RPO vowed that all possible assistance would be provided to the affected families and those responsible would soon be brought to justice. RPO Khan also met with the relatives of the injured and assured them of full support. Children playing with explosives, thinking they are toys, is not a new phenomenon. In October 2023, a child lost his life while eight others were injured when a hand grenade exploded in the Zarchain area of Balochistan’s Wadh city. The month before, nine people, including four children, lost their lives while a woman was injured when a “rocket launcher’s” ordnance exploded in a house in Sindh’s Kashmore district.
CoaS stresses ‘civil-military synergy’ as army inducts Z-10Me attack helicopters g
FIELD MARSHAL ASIM MUNIR PRESIDES OVER INDUCTION CEREMONY DURING A VISIT TO MULTAN GARRISON RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir presided over the induction ceremony of the Z-10ME attack helicopter into Pakistan Army Aviation during a visit to the Multan Garrison, the military’s media wing reported on Saturday. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “This state-of-the-art, all-weather platform is capable of precision strike operations day and night. Equipped with advanced radar systems and cuttingedge electronic warfare suites, the Z-10ME significantly enhances the Army’s capability
to engage diverse aerial and ground threats.” During his visit, the army chief also witnessed a firepower demonstration by the newly inducted Z-10ME helicopters at the Muzaffargarh Field Firing Ranges. “The induction of this potent system marks a major leap in the modernization of Army Aviation, reinforcing its integrated battlefield response and capacity to deliver decisive effects against potential adversaries,” the ISPR statement said. Interacting with troops, the COAS lauded their exceptional morale, professionalism, and combat proficiency. He appreciated the successful demonstration of combined arms tactics, reflecting the Army’s
firm resolve to maintain a decisive edge in the evolving character of warfare. Furthermore, Field Marshal Munir was also briefed on the formation’s operational preparedness and ongoing training activities, where he expressed satisfaction over the high standards of readiness. The COAS engaged with members of academia and civil society in an interactive session, where he underscored the significance of national unity, civil-military synergy, and a whole-ofnation approach in countering hybrid threats and fostering societal cohesion. Earlier, upon arrival at Multan Garrison, the COAS was warmly received by the Corps Commander Multan.