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IAEA lauds Pakistan’s SUSTAINABLE PEACE HINGES ON JUSTICE, partnership, progress HUMAN RIGHTS AND ENDING INTOLERANCE: PM in civil nuclear energy 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
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HIGHLIGHTS HUMANITARIAN TRAGEDIES IN PALESTINE, IIOJ&K, STRESSING PEACEFUL RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES UNDER UN CHARTER
President Zardari urges dialogue and justice as cornerstones of global peace
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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
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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 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
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
Palestinian territory and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “Until the people of these regions are granted their right to self-determination
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 standing 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.
in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, lasting peace will remain a dream,” he remarked.
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LHC to hear PTI’s Ejaz Ch appeals against convictions in May 9 cases on Sept 25 LAHORE
Staff RepoRt
The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday fixed for September 25 the hearing of appeals filed by Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (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 40year 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.
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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 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, capacity-building, 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.