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Saturday, 27 September, 2025 | 3 Rabius Sani, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 80 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
PM URGES ‘PROACTIVE, NOT PROVOCATIVE’ LEADERSHIP AS HE RECALLS PAK-INDIA MAY CONFLICT AT UNGA
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ CREDITS PRESIDENT TRUMP FOR AVERTING SOUTH ASIA WAR, WARNS OF FRAGILE PEACE AFTER MAY’S FOUR-DAY ESCALATION WITH INDIA
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PRAISES PAKISTAN’S ARMED FORCES FOR REPELLING ‘UNPROVOKED AGGRESSION,’ THANKS PRESIDENT TRUMP, AND NOMINATES HIM FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE
EXPRESSES SOLIDARITY WITH PALESTINIANS, CALLS GAZA A ‘DARKEST CHAPTER OF HISTORY,’ REITERATES PAKISTAN’S STANCE ON KASHMIR AND INDUS WATERS TREATY
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URGES CLIMATE JUSTICE, REJECTS DEBT-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS FOR VULNERABLE NATIONS
pM, president trump vow stronger pak-uS ties in first oval office meeting WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD staff report
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ISLAMABAD/NEW YORK staff report
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday used his address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to call for “proactive rather than provocative leadership” in South Asia, warning that peace in the region remained fragile after May’s four-day military escalation between Pakistan and India. Recounting the confrontation, which erupted after New Delhi accused Islam-
abad of involvement in the April 22 Pahalgam attack, the premier said India’s “unprovoked aggression” through airstrikes on May 6–7 had targeted Pakistani cities and civilians, forcing Islamabad to respond under Article 51 of the UN Charter. He credited Pakistan’s armed forces and Air Force for repelling the assault with “stunning professionalism” and praised Field Marshal Asim Munir and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar Sidhu for their leadership. Shehbaz Sharif told the world body that Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire from “a position of strength” and acknowl-
KU revokes Justice Jahangiri’s LLB Degree, bars him for three years KARACHI
staff report
The University of Karachi has cancelled the LLB degree of Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri, an Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge, according to a notification issued by the varsity on Friday. The notification stated that in compliance with the approval of the competent authority, the university syndicate, in its meeting on August 31, 2024, endorsed Resolution No. 06 and upheld the recommendation of the Unfair Means Committee (UFM). “In pursuance of the Syndicate meeting held on 31.08.2024, his LLB enrolment number AIL-7124/87 and seat number 22857 are hereby withdrawn and cancelled,” the notification read. It added that Justice Jahangiri had been found guilty of using unfair means and was also barred for three years from seeking admission to any university or college, as well as from appearing in any university examination. Karachi University cancels Justice Tariq Jahangiris LLB degree The University further clarified that the IHC judge had never been a student of Islamia Law College, Karachi, in 1989, as was earlier claimed. The latest notification follows earlier legal proceedings where the Sindh High Court (SHC) had suspended the KU Syndicate’s declaration and the UFM committee’s recommendation regarding the invalidity of the judge’s degree. Justice Jahangiri had challenged the UFM committee’s August 17, 2024 decision, arguing that the degree cancellation was not in line with university regulations. His counsel contended that under the relevant university clauses, punishments under Regulation 14 could only be imposed by the Syndicate upon the recommendation of the UFM Committee.
Pak-Russia counter terrorism drills Druzhba-VIII underway RAWALPINDI
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday held his first formal meeting with US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office, where the two leaders discussed regional security, counterterrorism cooperation, trade, and prospects for strengthening Pakistan-US relations. The high-stakes meeting, lasted over an hour, was attended by top officials from both sides and marked a significant step forward “in what American officials described” as “gradually warming relations” between Washington and Islamabad. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir, while President Trump was joined by Vice President JD Vance and
The Joint Military Exercise Druzhba-VIII between Pakistan and Russia is under way from September 15 to 27, focusing on counter-terrorism operations, the InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday. The Vice Chief of General Staff attended the opening ceremony as Chief Guest from Pakistan, while senior Russian military officials were also present. Troops from both countries showcased high levels of professional skill and discipline during the drills. According to ISPR, the exercise is designed to refine standard operating procedures and operational techniques for counter-terrorism, with a special emphasis on drone warfare, combat in built-up areas, and countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The joint training also aims to deepen interoperability and strengthen the historic military-to-military relations between the two countries. Exercise Druzhba—which means “friendship” in Russian— was launched in 2016 as part of growing defense cooperation between Islamabad and Moscow. Since its inception, the exercise has expanded in scale and scope, covering specialized training in counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescue missions, and urban warfare.
edged the role of US President Donald Trump in mediating an end to hostilities. “President Trump’s timely and decisive efforts helped avert a full-scale war in South Asia,” he said, adding that Pakistan had nominated him for the Nobel
Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The two delegations exchanged views in what was described as a candid yet cordial setting, underscoring the renewed willingness on both sides to work together on areas of common concern. Focus on Counterterrorism and Regional Peace PM Shehbaz placed special emphasis on Pakistan’s longstanding sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, thanking Trump for his “public endorsement of Pakistan’s role in counterterrorism” and stressing the importance of enhancing cooperation in intelligence-sharing and security. Calling the US president a “man of peace,” Shehbaz lauded Trump’s “sincere efforts” to defuse global conflicts, particularly highlighting his intervention in May when tensions between India and Pakistan escalated into a four-day military confrontation.
Peace Prize. The premier also thanked China, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran, Azerbaijan, the UAE, and the UN secretary-general for standing by Pakistan during the crisis.
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Pak-Saudi defence pact formalises decades long ties, not linked to regional conflict: Kh Asif NEW YORK/ISLAMABAD staff report
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has clarified that Pakistan’s recently signed defence agreement with Saudi Arabia is not linked to Israel’s attack on Qatar, but rather the culmination of decades of military cooperation between Islamabad and Riyadh. He said the pact formalises a long-standing security relationship, while also underscoring Pakistan’s nuclear restraint and evolving hybrid governance model. In an interview with Britishborn American journalist Mehdi Hasan, Khawaja Asif explained that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s
defence ties stretch back five to six decades, with Pakistani troops historically stationed in the Kingdom. At one point, he noted, nearly 4,000 to 5,000 personnel were deployed on Saudi soil, many of whom remain in advisory and training roles. “The purpose of the recent agreement was to shape this partnership into a regular structure rather than to forge something entirely new,” Asif said. He added that the pact “only practicalised defensive relations that have been established for a long time,” which had previously operated on a transaction-by-transaction basis. On the subject of nuclear weapons, the defence minister re-
iterated Pakistan’s long-standing stance on restraint. “After Hiroshima and Nagasaki, no nuclear power is in favour of using these weapons,” he said, affirming Pakistan’s commitment to tolerancebased global values on non-proliferation. Turning to domestic issues, Khawaja Asif reflected on Pakistan’s political journey, admitting that “our democracy has not reached its peak, but we are on the path.” Sharing his own experience, he recalled spending six months in jail without any crime, framing it as part of the country’s evolving democratic struggle.
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SC upholds president’s power to transfer judges, warns against ‘political misuse’ ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Supreme Court has upheld the president’s authority to transfer judges from one high court to another under specific conditions, while stressing that such transfers must only be made in the public interest and not as punitive or politically motivated measures. The apex court’s constitutional bench (CB) on Thursday released a detailed 55-page verdict on peti-
tions filed against the February transfer of three judges to the Islamabad High Court (IHC). On February 1, the Ministry of Law issued a notification transferring Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar from the Lahore High Court, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro from the Sindh High Court, and Justice Muhammad Asif from the Balochistan High Court — to the IHC. The notification was endorsed by the president. Following the transfers, the
IHC issued a new seniority list, ranking Justice Dogar as the senior puisne judge. Five IHC judges filed representations against the revised list, but the then IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq dismissed their objections. Subsequently, the judges and other petitioners, including PTI founder Imran Khan, challenged the notification and seniority list before the Supreme Court.
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17 terrorists killed in major Karak operation, three security men injured KARAK
staff report
Security forces carried out a major operation on Friday in Darshakhel area of Shah Saleem police precincts, killing 17 militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-eTaliban Pakistan (TTP) and slightly injuring three security personnel, the police said. “The operation, launched on the basis of a reliable tipoff about the presence of fighters from the TTP Mullah Nazir Group, involved several hours of intense clashes before the cadres were neutralized,” District Police Officer Shahbaz Elahi informed. DPO Shahbaz Elahi told reporters that the raid targeted a concentrated group of Khawarij operating in and around Darshakhel. “Following credible intelligence about militant movement, security forces moved in and engaged the terrorists. After several hours of fierce firefights, 17 TTP Khawarij were killed,” he said, adding that three members of the security forces sustained minor injuries and received immediate medical attention. “Around 22 Khawarij started moving towards the population after evening, but security forces surrounded them from all sides and took action, resulting in the killing of more than 17 khawaij belonging to the banned TTP,” he stated. The security forces taken the bodies of 17 terrorists into custody and shifted to Abbasia Khattak Post. According to the DPO, the operation is still ongoing as forces continue to clear the area and verify the identities of the deceased. He warned that authorities will not allow anyone to disturb public order: “Police and security forces will jointly eliminate enemies of peace and elements hostile to the stability of the area. Such people will not find a place to hide,” he declared. Officials said the action followed actionable intelligence about the presence of militants linked to the Mullah Nazir faction — a group blamed for a series of insurgent attacks in the region. Security personnel coordinated the operation to minimise collateral damage while ensuring the dismantling of the militant cell. Local emergency services and medical teams were placed on alert to treat the injured and assist in post-operation procedures. Residents of Darshakhel and neighbouring localities reported heightened security presence, with checkpoints and patrols established to prevent any retaliatory movements. Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and to cooperate with law enforcement during the clearance and investigation phase.
11 of same family killed in DI Khan road crash, three injured DERA ISMAIL KHAN staff report
Eleven members of a family lost their lives on Friday in a devastating road accident after their vehicle’s brakes failed while travelling towards Danasar, officials confirmed. The victims, originally from Khanozai in Balochistan, were en route to Dera Ismail Khan when tragedy struck. Rescue 1122 teams reached the site and recovered seven bodies, including five women, one man and a child. The remaining bodies were later retrieved and shifted to a nearby hospital. Three others — 27year-old Darya Khan, 25-year-old Ahmad and 10-year-old Yousaf — sustained injuries. They received first aid at the scene before being transferred to District Headquarters Hospital, Dera Ismail Khan. District Emergency Officer Engineer Faseehullah expressed sorrow over the loss of lives, offering condolences to the bereaved family. Road accidents remain alarmingly frequent across Pakistan, attributed to poor road conditions, reckless driving, and lax enforcement of traffic laws. Earlier this year, at least 12 people were killed and 13 injured when a 22-wheeler lost control due to brake failure and rammed into several vehicles at Ambiri Kala Chowk on the Indus Highway in Karak.
Every Pakistani owes Rs318,252 as per capita debt jumps up from a decade ago: Report ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan is facing a dangerous debt trap as its national debt has surged to 70.2 per cent of GDP, well above the 60 per cent ceiling set under the Fiscal Responsibility Act, according to a new report released by the Economic Policy and Business Development (EPBD) think tank. The report paints a grim picture of the debt burden, revealing that every Pakistani now owes Rs318,252, compared to just Rs90,047 a decade ago — more than a threefold increase in ten years. On average, national debt has been growing by 13 per cent annually, effectively doubling every six years. The debt crisis is not limited to the stock of liabilities. Debt servicing costs have soared, with interest payments now consuming 7.7 per cent of the economy. The steep depreciation of the rupee — a 71 per cent drop
since 2020 — has further worsened the outlook, driving up external debt by 88 per cent in local currency terms, the EPBD study noted. Comparisons with regional peers highlight Pak-
istan’s precarious position. While India’s debt-to-GDP ratio stands at 57.1 per cent and Bangladesh’s at 36.4 per cent, Sri Lanka faces the highest burden in the region at 96.8 per cent. The report also cautioned that Pakistan’s limited fiscal space leaves little room for development or infrastructure investment. It argued that simply imposing more taxes on an already overburdened population would not resolve the crisis. Instead, the think tank recommended broadening the tax net and lowering the policy rate from 11 per cent to 9 per cent. Such a move, it estimated, could save the government Rs1.2 trillion in interest payments, creating fiscal space while also improving the competitiveness of businesses. The EPBD underscored the urgent need for fiscal discipline and structural reforms, warning that unless Pakistan reduces its cost of borrowing, the country risks sliding into an even deeper economic crisis.