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PM, TURKISH DEFENCE MINISTER REAFFIRM $5B TRADE GOAL, VOW CLOSER STRATEGIC TIES Wednesday, 10 September, 2025 | 16 Rabiul Awal, 1447
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ MEETS YASAR GÜLER, HAILS HISTORIC TIES AND DEFENCE COLLABORATION WITH TÜRKIYE
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 63 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
PREMIER DIRECTS FBR TO ENGAGE PRIVATE SECTOR AND INTERNATIONAL AUDITORS TO IDENTIFY TAX EVADERS AND BOOST REVENUE
EXPRESSES SATISFACTION OVER POSITIVE TRAJECTORY OF BILATERAL TIES, REAFFIRMING UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN COOPERATION IN DIVERSE FIELDS
pakistan, türkiye defense czars reaffirm defence partnership as ‘two countries, one nation’ ISLAMABAD
Staff report
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ISLAMABAD
Staff report
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday emphasized the need for working towards achieving the Pak-Turkiye mutually agreed bilateral trade target of USD 5 billion through concerted efforts and highlighted Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies, inviting Turkish companies to expand their investment footprint in Pakistan, state media reported. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was talking with Turkish Minister of National Defence Yasar Güler who called on the Prime Minister Muhammad at the Prime Minister House, said a statement issued from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Tukiye Minister of National Defence Yasar Güler is currently on a visit to Pakistan as co-chair of the Pakistan-Türkiye Joint Ministerial Commission.
While warmly welcoming the Turkish defense minister and members of his delegation, the prime minister underscored the historic and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, that are deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual respect, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said. He expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Turkiye in diverse fields including trade, investment, technology, and defence. Recalling his recent interaction with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of SCO Council of Heads of State meeting in China, the prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to build closer Pak-Turkiye relations through frequent engagement at all levels, including at the leadership level.
Turkish Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler and Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Tuesday reaffirmed the enduring strength of bilateral defence relations between Pakistan and Türkiye, describing the partnership as “two countries, one nation” and “heart to heart.” During a meeting held in Islamabad, Minister Guler called on Khawaja Asif to discuss matters of mutual interest and the evolving regional security landscape. Both sides emphasized deepening cooperation in defence and security, with particular focus on the defence industrial collaboration, the joint military training programs and regular bilateral military exercises. The Turkish minister praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and commended their critical role
Both sides reaffirmed their strong and abiding support for each other’s core national interests and agreed to continue working closely to further elevate the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye. The meeting was followed by a dinner hosted by the prime minister in honour of the Turkish defense minister and members of the Pak-Turk Joint Ministe-
in ensuring regional peace and stability. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, in turn, appreciated Türkiye’s consistent support for Pakistan and expressed satisfaction over the ongoing collaboration in security, counter-terrorism, and regional strategic cooperation. Bahraini Interior Minister Begins Three-Day Official Visit to Pakistan Meanwhile, Bahraini Interior Minister Lt Gen Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day official visit at the invitation of Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi. Upon arrival, the visiting dignitary was warmly received by Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, while a contingent of Islamabad Police presented a guard of honour. Lt. Gen. Al Khalifa began his visit with a stop at the Pakistan Monument, where he laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial and offered Fateha in tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan’s heroes.
rial Commission. PM Shehbaz instructs FBR to trace tax-evading individuals and firms Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to rely on its own staff and also involve the private sector to trace tax-evading individuals and firms.
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Bilawal demands agricultural emergency, urges relief for flood-hit farmers SUKKUR
Staff report
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called upon the federal government to declare a national agricultural emergency in the wake of devastating floods that have ravaged Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan. During his visit to the Sukkur Barrage in Sindh, as well as the flood-hit districts of Muzaffargarh and Multan, Bilawal expressed grave concern over the worsening flood situation, describing the destruction as “heartbreaking.” He pointed out that many families had lost their homes and livelihoods, while farmers remain the hardest hit by the disaster. “Flood conditions are more dangerous in Punjab, especially in areas like Multan, Kasur, and Jalalpur Pirwala, where many people have been severely affected,” he told reporters. He added that the federal government’s response had been slow, noting that victims in Punjab had been waiting for assistance for more than two weeks. In contrast, he claimed Sindh was better prepared to manage the crisis. The PPP chairman appealed to the government to disburse financial aid through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), both in Punjab and Sindh, calling it the most effective mechanism for reaching affected communities. “The immediate help we are requesting from the federal government, and which I have discussed with the prime minister, is to provide financial aid to the flood-hit areas through BISP,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had assured him of support. Bilawal urged residents of flood-prone riverine areas to evacuate, warning of the risk of sudden disasters. He also demanded that electricity bills be waived for flood-affected families, and pressed for a review of the government’s support price policy for farmers. Highlighting the economic impact of the floods, he said: “Farmers are already struggling, and the floods have made their situation even worse. Declaring an agricultural emergency would help the country avoid significant economic losses.” The PPP leader emphasized that natural disasters and climate change demand a complete rethink of policies and future planning. While voicing support for the construction of new dams to manage water resources, he rejected “rumours” about controversial projects on the Indus River, making clear that the PPP would not back initiatives that could harm Sindh’s interests. Bilawal also appealed to the foreign minister to formally request international assistance, noting that no single country can deal with such disasters alone.
pakistan condemns israeli airstrikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar as ‘heinous and unlawful’ ISLAMABAD/DOHA Staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, describing the attack as a “heinous and unlawful” act, a grave provocation, and a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty. The strike marks an expansion of Israel’s military operations across the Middle East, reaching the Gulf Arab state, where Hamas has maintained its political base for years. On Tuesday, Israel launched an airstrike against senior Hamas figures in Qatar, a country that has played a pivotal role as mediator alongside Egypt in ceasefire negotiations for the nearly two-year-old Gaza conflict. Qatar denounced the attack as “cowardly” and a flagrant breach of interna-
tional law. In an official statement, the Israeli military claimed that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency conducted a “precise strike” targeting the senior leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization, without disclosing the exact location of the strike. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound outrage on social media, condemning the attack, which reportedly hit a residential area and endangered civilian lives. “On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, I strongly condemn the unlawful and heinous bombing in Doha by Israeli forces, targeting a residential area and endangering the lives of innocent civilians,” he said. The Prime Minister extended Pakistan’s “deepest sympathies and solidarity” to the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim
Pakistan, Kazakhstan ink ‘Action Plan’ to strengthen bilateral ties, regional connectivity ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Pakistan and Kazakhstan on Tuesday signed an Action Plan of Cooperation aimed at enhancing bilateral ties, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office. The agreement was formalized following high-level talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Kazakh counterpart, Murat Nurtleu, who is currently on a two-day official visit to Pakistan. During their meeting in Islamabad, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen political and economic relations and emphasized the importance of regional connectivity. They also agreed to maintain close coordination ahead of the upcoming visit of Kazakh President KassymJomart Tokayev to Pakistan, scheduled for November this year. The delegation-level discussions, co-chaired by Dar and Nurtleu, covered a wide range of cooperative areas including trade and investment, agriculture, information technology, education, culture, tourism, security, and logistics connectivity. The roadmap for the presidential visit was finalized during these talks, which culminated in the signing of the Action Plan of Cooperation between the foreign ministries of both countries. Accompanying Foreign Minister Nurtleu was a highlevel 13-member delegation, and he is also expected to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his visit. Kazakhstan remains Pakistan’s leading export destination in Central Asia, with bilateral trade having surged to $239 million, as highlighted by Kazakh Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin. Earlier this year, both countries agreed to sign a transit trade agreement facilitating the movement of goods through Pakistan’s Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar ports, while also aiming to open additional trade corridors for landlocked regional countries.
bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatari Royal Family, and the people of Qatar during this challenging period. He described the strike as “totally unjustified,” calling it “a brazen violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar” and warned that such actions threaten regional peace and stability. “Pakistan stands firmly with the State of Qatar, as well as with the people of Palestine, against Israel’s aggression,” PM Shehbaz emphasized. Following the attack, Hamas officials confirmed casualties, with Suhail al-Hindi, a Hamas political official, telling Qatar’s Al Jazeera that the son and aide of top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya were among those killed, though senior Hamas leaders survived the assassination attempt. Two Hamas sources informed Reuters
that members of the ceasefire negotiating team escaped harm. The strike followed an evacuation order in Gaza City, where Israeli forces continue their offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities. A senior Hamas source noted that the targeted leaders were reportedly discussing U.S. President Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal when the strike occurred. An Israeli military official confirmed the operation, naming it “Summit of Fire,” describing it as airstrikes coordinated by the IDF and Shin Bet. Despite media speculation about U.S. involvement, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office stated, “Today’s action against the top terrorist chieftains of Hamas was a wholly independent Israeli operation. Israel initiated it, Israel conducted it, and Israel takes full
responsibility.” PM Shehbaz phones Sheikh Tamim of Qatar after Israeli attack on Doha Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also held a telephone conversation with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, amir of the State of Qatar, earlier tonight, the prime minister's office said in a press release. According to the press release, the prime minister strongly condemned the unlawful and heinous bombing in Doha by Israeli forces today, that resulted in the loss of precious lives and damage to civilian property. He conveyed his deepest sympathies and expressed solidarity with His Highness the Amir, the Qatari Royal Family, as well as with the people of Qatar.
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