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PAKISTAN, CHINA PLEDGE ENHANCED COOPERATION ACROSS MULTIPLE SECTORS TO REFLECT ‘UNIQUE BILATERAL TIES’
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Wednesday, 3 September, 2025 | 9 Rabiul Awal, 1447
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 57 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
PM MEETS PRESIDENT XI, LAUDS HIS VISIONARY g PM RENEWS ‘MOST CORDIAL’ INVITATION g XI ASSURES FULL CHINESE SUPPORT LEADERSHIP, PLEDGING SOLIDARITY ON FOR PAKISTAN’S ECONOMIC TO XI FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHINA’S MODERNIZATION JOURNEY GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT DIPLOMATIC TIES IN 2026 ENDORSES XI’S GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT, SECURITY, GOVERNANCE AND CIVILIZATION INITIATIVES, SAYING CPEC ENTERS NEXT PHASE WITH FIVE NEW CORRIDORS
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BEIJING
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BOTH LEADERS VOW CLOSER COORDINATION ON REGIONAL AND GLOBAL ISSUES, REAFFIRM UNIQUE AND UNPARALLELED STRATEGIC COOPERATIVE PARTNERSHIP
PM Shehbaz, President Putin agree to strengthen bilateral ties, deepen cooperation
staff report
AKISTAN and China on Tuesday reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen their “iron-clad, allweather strategic cooperative partnership,” pledging enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors to reflect their unique bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People, where both sides underscored that the Pakistan-China relationship was “unique and unparalleled” and must be further reinforced through practical cooperation. During their talks, the two leaders also reviewed regional and global developments, agreeing to maintain close coordination between Islamabad and Beijing on issues of mutual concern. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the next phase of the upgraded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), encompassing its five new corridors. He congratulated President Xi on the successful SCO Council of Heads of State Summit in Tianjin and extended felicitations on the 80th anniversary of the World’s Anti-Fascist War. Lauding President Xi’s visionary and transformational leadership, the prime minister said Pakistan took pride in China’s achievements on its path toward modernization and progress, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to stand shoulder to shoulder with China in this great journey. The prime minister expressed apprecia-
BEIJING, CHINA staff report
tion for China’s unwavering support to Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and socio-economic development, while highlighting the significance of CPEC as the flagship project of President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in building a stronger Pakistan-China community with a shared future. Shehbaz also commended President Xi’s leadership in promoting multilateralism, noting Pakistan’s full support for his landmark initiatives including the Global Governance Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. He said these would contribute to regional and global peace, stability, and development. President Xi, in response, assured that China would continue to support Pakistan in
Bahrain Defence Chief, Naval Chief pledge stronger maritime and defence cooperation ISLAMABAD
staff report
Chief of Staff Bahrain Defence Force Lt General Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf at Naval Headquarters, Islamabad, the military’s media wing reported on Tuesday. On arrival, the visiting dignitary was warmly received by the Naval Chief, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). During the meeting, both leaders exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, with a focus on regional maritime security and prospects for expanding cooperation in defence, training, and joint maritime security operations, the ISPR said. Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted Pakistan Navy’s efforts to promote maritime stability through initiatives such as Regional Maritime Security Patrols. Lt Gen Al Nuaimi praised Pakistan Navy’s professional competence and its commitment to collaborative efforts for ensuring maritime security in the region. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen and diversify the scope of the existing bilateral defence partnership, the statement said. Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy longstanding cordial ties, with robust naval collaboration, particularly in maritime security and professional training. The visit is expected to further deepen bilateral defence relations and enhance cooperation in regional security initiatives. Earlier, on Monday, Lt Gen Thiab Saqer Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Chief of Staff Bahrain Defence Force, paid an official visit to Air Headquarters Islamabad, where he met with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, the ISPR stated in a press release.
all areas of economic growth and development, particularly as the two countries enter the second phase of CPEC, focused on Pakistan’s key economic sectors. Prime Minister Shehbaz renewed his “most cordial” invitation to President Xi to undertake an official visit to Pakistan next year, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. PM, Tajik President agree to enhance cooperation Also in Beijing, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met the President of Tajikistan, with both leaders expressing satisfaction over the ongoing bilateral cooperation. They agreed to expand collaboration in trade, investment, connectivity, energy, regional security, culture, and people-to-peo-
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cooperation across diverse sectors. The two leaders met in Beijing on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of States summit, which concluded a day earlier. Their engagement followed a series of high-level contacts in recent months aimed at expanding multi-sector collaboration between the two countries. Addressing the Russian president, Prime Minister Shehbaz said relations between Pakistan and Russia had improved in recent years due to Putin’s personal commitment and interest. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to enhance ties, noting that after their meeting in Astana last year, both countries had witnessed a flurry of high-level visits and signed protocols covering agriculture, iron and steel, energy, and transport sectors.
ple exchanges, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen Pakistan-
Parliament echoes with calls for dams as floods claim 874 lives nationwide ISLAMABAD
staff report
Voices in support of building water reservoirs echoed across party lines in the National Assembly, as lawmakers expressed alarm over the unprecedented floods wreaking havoc in the country. PTI MNA Ali Muhammad Khan called for a national policy on water reservoirs, while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif strongly advocated construction of both large and small dams, urging that the issue be kept above political differences. The lawmakers’ concern over inadequate water storage facilities follows widespread inundation in Punjab due to torrential rains and water re-
leases from India. Before Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir had already been battered by heavy rains, landslides and flash floods. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 874 people have lost their lives in rain and flood-related incidents since June 26. KP recorded the highest fatalities with 488 deaths, followed by Punjab’s 216, Sindh’s 58, Gilgit-Baltistan’s 41, AJK’s 37, Balochistan’s 26 and eight in Islamabad. Defence Minister Asif recalled that Pakistan’s two major dams were built under military regimes, which managed to build consensus, while politicians wasted years in
point-scoring. He stressed that construction of dams was essential, noting, “Raising bigger dams may take 10 to 15 years, but we can at least start with smaller dams to store water and control the situation.” Calling the crisis a “man-made disaster,” he said encroachments on riverbeds had worsened the devastation. “Do not call it a natural calamity. Nature and rivers are taking revenge for occupying waterways and riverbeds,” he remarked. He cited the example of hotels and houses constructed on riverbeds in Swat and elsewhere, which were later swept away. The National Assembly suspended its scheduled agenda, including question hour, to hold a debate on the floods.
The premier also highlighted the importance of a trade corridor connecting Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, stressing that the initiative would boost regional connectivity and prosperity. Expressing gratitude for Russia’s support, he termed it “a balancing act in the region.” PM Shehbaz underlined that Pakistan respected Russia’s relations with India but sought to establish strong and complementary ties of its own. He described President Putin as a “dynamic leader” and assured him of Pakistan’s commitment to work closely for mutually beneficial relations that would contribute to regional peace and development.
Tajikistan ties, rooted in shared cultural, historical, and religious bonds, and exchanged views on regional and global issues of common concern.
Magnitude 5.4 earthquake strikes Islamabad, KP ISLAMABAD
staff report
A 5.4-magnitude earthquake rattled Islamabad, Peshawar, Swat, and various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Seismic Network of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The earthquake’s epicenter was located in southeast Afghanistan at a depth of 22 kilometers. The seismic activity follows closely behind a stronger 6.0-magnitude earthquake that hit late Sunday night in the region near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, causing widespread devastation in remote mountainous areas. Despite the tremors felt in Pakistan, no immediate reports of damage have emerged. The earthquake comes amid ongoing recovery efforts from the deadly Sunday quake, which has claimed over 1,400 lives and left more than 3,100 people injured in Afghanistan’s Kunar province alone, as reported by Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.
Five killed, 29 injured as blast rips through BNP-M rally in Quetta QUETTA
staff report
At least five people were killed and 29 injured in an explosion at a Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNPM) rally at Quetta’s Shahwani Stadium on Tuesday night. According to the Balochistan Health Department, the injured were shifted to Civil Hospital Quetta, where they received first aid before being admitted to the trauma centre. Hospital spokesperson Dr. Waseem Baig confirmed the toll. BNP-M acting president Advocate Sajid Tareen,
however, claimed in a media talk that 13 party workers had lost their lives and several others were injured. He said the blast occurred in the parking lot after a rally marking the death anniversary of party founder Attaullah Mengal. Former MPA Ahmed Nawaz and party leader Musa Baloch were among the injured, he added. Tareen said the party had earlier expressed apprehensions about such an incident and had contacted the district administration to demand enhanced security. The Balochistan Home Department said rescue teams rushed to the scene, while security forces cordoned off the area
and began collecting evidence. A high-level investigation was ordered, with the public urged not to heed rumours and to cooperate with authorities. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of the enemies of humanity.” He said “malicious elements” were targeting innocent citizens but vowed that terrorists’ “evil intentions” would be thwarted at all costs. He directed hospital administrations and medical staff to remain on high alert and ensure the best possible care for the injured. A special committee was tasked with submitting its report soon, while security agencies were instructed to apprehend the perpetrators.
6 soldiers martyred, five terrorists killed as attack on FC Bannu HQ thwarted: ISPR BANNU
staff report
Six soldiers were martyred and five terrorists were killed as security forces thwarted an attack on the Federal Constabulary (FC) Headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district on Tuesday, the military’s media wing said late on Tuesday. According to a statement issued tonight by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “During the early hours of September 2, 2025, in a cowardly terrorist attack, khwarij belonging to the Indian proxy Fitnaal-Khwarij targeted FC Headquarters in Bannu district.” “The Indian-sponsored kharjis attempted to breach the perimeter security. However, their nefarious designs were swiftly foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of our own troops. In their desperation, the kharjis rammed an explosive-laden
vehicle into the perimeter wall. The suicide blast resulted in the partial collapse of the perimeter wall and damage to adjacent civilian infrastructure, inflicting injuries on three innocent civilians.” The ISPR statement said that in a display of “unwavering courage and professional excellence,” troops engaged the terrorists with precision and eliminated all five of them. The ISPR said six soldiers belonging to the FC and Pakistan Army were martyred in the intense exchange of fire after “putting up a heroic fight.” The ISPR said the clearance operation in the area would continue and the perpetrators of the “heinous and cowardly act” would be brought to justice. “The security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain steadfast in their resolve to eradicate Indiansponsored terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave sol-
diers and innocent civilians further strengthen our unwavering commitment of safeguarding our nation at all costs,” it concluded. Over the past few months, multiple areas of KP—including Bannu, Peshawar, Karak, Lakki Marwat and Bajaur—have seen a series of attacks, particularly targeting police personnel in Bannu. Earlier in the day, Bannu Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan informed the media that five policemen were injured during the operation that was led by Bannu District Police Officer Saleem Abbas inside the FC lines. On the other hand, KP Inspector General of Police (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed told a media briefing that police, army and FC personnel swiftly responded to the attack and killed four terrorists within an hour of the attack and later the fifth was also eliminated. The KP IG said that a clearance
and search operation was carried out at the site. The operation’s conclusion was later confirmed by RPO Khan. Pakistan has been grappling with an alarming surge in terrorism, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, since the TTP ended its ceasefire deal with the government in November 2022. Last month, police in a joint operation with security forces in Hoveed and Wazirabad areas of Bannu arrested “14 terrorist facilitators” and destroyed their hideouts. On August 3, a police constable was martyred in a terrorist attack on a checkpoint in Bannu, where an exchange of fire also left three terrorists dead and three policemen injured. In July, terrorists used a quadcopter to attack a police station in Miryan, Bannu, making it the fifth such attack at the installation in a month. According to data released by the Islamabad-based think tank Pak-
istan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the country witnessed an alarming spike in militant violence in August this year,
registering a 74 percent increase in militant attacks compared to July, becoming the “deadliest month in over a decade“.