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SUSTAINABLE PEACE HINGES ON JUSTICE, HUMAN RIGHTS AND ENDING INTOLERANCE: PM Sunday, 21 September, 2025 | 27 Rabiul Awal, 1447
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ CALLS FOR ADDRESSING POVERTY, RIGHTS DENIAL AND INTOLERANCE AS ROOT CAUSES OF CONFLICT RECALLS PAKISTAN’S DECADESLONG ROLE IN UN PEACEKEEPING AND HUMANITARIAN MISSIONS
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 74 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
HIGHLIGHTS HUMANITARIAN TRAGEDIES IN PALESTINE, IIOJ&K, STRESSING PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES UNDER UN CHARTER
URGES GLOBAL COMMUNITY TO ‘SILENCE WEAPONS, RESTORE DIPLOMACY AND UPHOLD HUMANITY’
President Zardari urges dialogue and justice as cornerstones of global peace ISLAMABAD
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ISLAMABAD
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RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that sustainable global peace will remain elusive unless the root causes of conflict — including poverty, denial of human rights, and rising intolerance — are effectively addressed. In a message issued on the occasion of the International Day of Peace, observed worldwide on September 21, the Prime Minister cautioned that today’s conflicts and injustices threaten the future of humanity. He said the day served
as a sobering reminder that “every individual and every nation must play their role, individually and collectively, in promoting peace.” Reiterating Pakistan’s stance, the premier said, “On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, Pakistan reiterates its unwavering commitment to the lofty principles of peace and justice.” The Prime Minister stressed that peace cannot be maintained in isolation but must be anchored in strong international institutions. He called upon the global community to reaffirm its commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance
President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the international community to prioritize dialogue, cooperation, and development over weapons and conflict, emphasizing that Pakistan stands ready to play its constructive role in advancing global peace. In his message on the occasion of the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21, the President said that peace must not be defined merely as the absence of war but as the promotion of justice, equality, and sustainable development. “Today, when a battle is going on in the world between the rule of law and might is right, Pakistan is not only stand-
with the Charter of the United Nations. Turning to regions facing long-standing crises, Shehbaz Sharif underscored that genuine peace could not be achieved without addressing the humanitarian tragedies unfolding in the occupied Palestinian territory and Indian Illegally
ing on the right side of history but is also playing its full role in ensuring regional and global stability,” he remarked. He noted that Pakistan’s balanced relations with even warring global powers had earned it recognition as a partner in problem-solving. “The world is appreciating Pakistan’s role in regional and global peace today,” he added. Highlighting Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to peace and justice, the President recalled the contributions of national leaders who championed these ideals. “Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto took a bold stand for the rights of developing countries and for world peace, while Shaheed Benazir Bhutto dedicated her life to peace, democracy, women’s rights, and the eradication of extremism across the globe.
Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “Until the people of these regions are granted their right to self-determination in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, lasting peace will remain a dream,” he remarked.
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IAEA lauds Pakistan’s partnership, progress in civil nuclear energy ISLAMABAD
Pakistan will respond strongly if Israel attacks Saudi Arabia: Rana Sanaullah ISLAMABAD
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Pakistan will consider any Indian assault on its territory as an attack on Saudi Arabia, and any Israeli strike on Saudi Arabia will be met with full force, Prime Minister’s political adviser Rana Sanaullah said, pointing out the tactical importance of the new defense pact. Rana Sanaullah speaking to a private TV channel, explained, “If India attacks Pakistan, it will be seen as an attack on Saudi Arabia. Similarly, Israel knows that an assault on Saudi Arabia will be treated as an attack on Pakistan, and Pakistan will respond strongly.” He described the agreement as “historic and rare between two powerful nations,” noting that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are both Islamic countries, with one being a major military power. Highlighting Pakistan’s record, he said the country had proven in the past that it could prevail against larger adversaries. He added that the defence pact would serve as a strong deterrent against aggression, warning hostile nations not to miscalculate. Rana Sanaullah also emphasised Pakistan’s indigenous defence capabilities, stating, “Our missile system is among the best in the world and entirely our own creation. With further development, others may even have to purchase from us in the future.” He concluded that the Pakistan-Saudi defence agreement was “encouraging, historic, and vital for the future,” adding that further work on various aspects of the pact would strengthen both nations’ security.
Shireen Mazari cries foul at ‘late-night police’ raid for daughter Imaan, son-in-law ISLAMABAD
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LHC to hear PTI’s Ejaz Ch appeals against convictions in May 9 cases on Sept 25 g
KHADIJA SHAH ALSO APPEALS FIVE-YEAR SENTENCE IN JINNAH HOUSE ATTACK CASE, URGING COURT TO DECLARE ATC JUDGMENT NULL AND VOID LAHORE
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The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday fixed for September 25 the hearing of appeals filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ejaz Ahmed Chaudhry against his multiple convictions in cases linked to the May 9 riots. According to the LHC registrar’s office, a two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi and Justice Tariq Mehmood Bajwa will take up the petitions on Wednesday. Chaudhry, a former PTI senator, has challenged the sentences handed down by an anti-terrorism court (ATC), which convicted him in four separate cases stemming from the violent protests that erupted nationwide following PTI founder Imran Khan’s arrest from the Islamabad High Court on May 9, 2023. The ATC had sentenced him to 10 years in each case, amounting to a cumulative 40-year jail term. In his appeal, Chaudhry termed the punishments “excessive” and argued that the convictions were based on “insufficient evidence.” His case is being closely watched as its outcome may have wider implications for dozens of other PTI leaders and workers facing similar proceedings. In a related development, PTI leader Khadija Shah also moved the LHC against the five-year jail term awarded to her by an ATC in the Jinnah House attack case. Challenging the verdict announced on September 9, 2025, Shah maintained in her petition that she had no connection to the attack and described the charges as “baseless and politically motivated.” She pointed out that her trial, along with other accused, was conducted inside Kot Lakhpat Jail, where 51 individuals had been nominated in the case. Of them, 12 were declared proclaimed offenders, while 18 were convicted. Shah was sentenced to five years in prison and fined Rs100,000. She urged the court to set aside the conviction and declare the ATC judgment null and void.
Pakistan’s nuclear programme has received recognition from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its steady progress and expanding cooperation, with the agency highlighting the country’s achievements in civil nuclear energy and peaceful applications of nuclear technology. In a post on X after meeting Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Chairman Raja Ali Raza Anwar on the sidelines of the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi praised Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen energy security through clean and sustainable nuclear power. He noted that Pakistan’s nuclear power programme was advancing “at a good pace,” citing the ongoing construction of Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit-5 (C-5) as a major milestone. Grossi recalled witnessing the first concrete pouring at the site in February, which he described as a significant step in Pakistan’s pursuit of low-carbon energy solutions. The IAEA DG and PAEC chairman reviewed cooperation under key agency initiatives, including Atoms4Food, which applies nuclear technology to
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improve crop yields, food safety, and pest control, and Rays of Hope, which seeks to expand access to nuclear medicine and radiotherapy for cancer care across the Asia-Pacific region. Grossi also appreciated Pakistan’s active engagement in training, capacitybuilding, and socio-economic applications of nuclear knowledge. Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful uses of nuclear technology, the PAEC chairman stressed that the country’s nuclear power plants operate under the highest safety standards and contribute significantly to the national energy mix. He underlined that the PAEC’s activities align with the IAEA’s vision of
promoting nuclear technology for peace, health, and prosperity. The meeting also reviewed Pakistan’s role in regional initiatives under the IAEA, with its expertise in nuclear applications being shared with other member states in the Asia-Pacific. The Pakistani delegation reiterated its resolve to continue advancing peaceful nuclear cooperation, sustainable development, and improved quality of life across the region. On the sidelines of the conference, Pakistan and the IAEA signed the fifth Country Programme Framework (CPF) for 2026–2031, a roadmap for nuclear cooperation over the next three technical cycles.
Former minister Shireen Mazari on Saturday claimed that a “heavily armed raiding party” of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) police surrounded her residence at 1am and sought the whereabouts of her daughter, lawyer and rights activist Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir, and her son-in-law, lawyer Hadi Ali Chattha. In a post on X, Mazari wrote, “At 1am this morning, a heavily armed raiding party of ICT police from Secretariat thana surrounded my home and asked for Imaan and Hadi. They were not there, and we informed them of the same. Cops said they had an FIR against them and they should report to the thana. Eventually, they left.” Her statement came a day after a protest was staged at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in support of judicial independence, following the suspension of Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri from judicial work. Among the demonstrators were Imaan Mazari, Islamabad Bar Council member Aleem Abbasi, and former IHC Bar Association president Riasat Ali. The protest later turned confrontational when PTI-linked lawyers—including Intizar Hussain Panjotha, Naeem Panjotha, and Fatehullah Barki—clashed with IHCBA President Wajid Ali Gilani. Witnesses said Gilani was pushed, sparking a scuffle until IHCBA Secretary Manzoor Ahmed Jaja and other lawyers intervened. Gilani, accompanied by Jaja and IBC Vice Chairman Naseer Ahmed Kayani, later alleged that Imaan and others physically assaulted him, dragged him, and branded him a traitor, claiming they were armed and pressuring him to support filing cases against PTI founder Imran Khan—demands he refused. He announced that a reference would be filed with the bar council, seeking terrorism charges and cancellation of the lawyers’ licences.
Pakistan urges UN to look for diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear issue UNITED NATIONS staff report
Pakistan, which voted for a UN Security Council resolution aimed at preventing the reimposition of economic sanctions on Iran, has strongly advocated diplomacy over coercion to find a solution to Tehran’s nuclear program dispute. The resolution, tabled by the 15member Council president—South Korea—however, failed, and sanctions are expected to “snap back” into effect on September 27, 2025. Four countries—Pakistan, Russia, China, and Algeria—had backed the resolution, failing to secure the nine required for adoption. Nine members voted against sanctions relief, while two countries abstained. “Diplomacy and intimidation do not go together,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said after the vote, which he warned risked insta-
bility in the region. “As an immediate neighbour and friend of Iran, we do not favour any action that risks destabilizing a region that is already mired in multiple crises. This region cannot afford further tensions,” he said. Last month, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom moved to trigger the “snapback mechanism,” which automatically reimposes all UN sanctions that were in effect before the nuclear deal. Those penalties included a conventional arms embargo, restrictions on ballistic missile development, asset freezes, travel bans, and a ban on producing nuclear-related technology. Iran is already reeling from a 12-day war with Israel and a decades-long financial crisis. Iran’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement on Friday, emphasized its commitment to safeguarding its interests and rights, including through diplomacy, and said it reserves the right to respond appropriately to any unlawful action. In his remarks, the Pakistani envoy
stressed the need to continue diplomatic engagement with Iran to address any outstanding issues in a “cooperative manner, in accordance with the rights, obliga-
tions, and responsibilities of the parties. “We must prioritize this approach and never give up on a peaceful negotiated settlement,” he added.