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Deputy PM holds talks on Yemen peace process with Saudi, UAE counterparts ISLAMABAD
staff report
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BEIJING
saleeM jadoon
EPUTY Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Beijing on Saturday to co-chair the seventh round of the Pakistan–China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, scheduled for Sunday, signaling a fresh push to deepen the “all-weather” partnership between the two countries, the Foreign Office (FO) announced on X. According to the FO, Dar will be the
first foreign dignitary to visit China in 2026, at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with whom he will jointly lead the dialogue. The visit comes amid intensified high-level exchanges, reflecting the growing depth of strategic coordination between Islamabad and Beijing. In 2025, both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited China in succession, underscoring the momentum of bilateral engagement. In August, Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Commu-
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday held separate telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Türkiye, underscoring Pakistan’s active engagement in regional diplomacy and its commitment to supporting peace, stability, and dialogue in the Middle East, the Foreign Office said in separate X posts. According to the Foreign Office (FO), the discussions focused on recent developments and the evolving regional situation, with Dar appreciat-
nist Party of China Central Committee, visited Pakistan to co-chair the sixth round of the strategic dialogue. Less than a year later, Pakistan’s foreign minister is visiting China, highlighting the “ironclad friendship” between the two nations, CGTN reported. Dar was received at the airport by China’s Special Representative on
ing the efforts of all sides to resolve tensions amicably. DPM Dar discusses Yemen with Saudi counterpart In a post on X, the FO stated that Dar and the Saudi foreign minister “deliberated on the recent situation in the region.” This marked their second call this week, following an earlier conversation in which both leaders exchanged views on “the current regional situation and recent developments.” “The DPM/FM welcomed the Saudi foreign ministry’s statement regarding Yemen and appreciated the efforts of all sides to resolve the regional situation amicably,” the FO said.
Afghanistan, Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, and officials from the Pakistani Embassy. “DPM/FM will also attend events marking the 75th year of Pakistan– China diplomatic ties, with initiatives and commemorative activities planned throughout 2026,” the FO post added.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Pakistan rejects Jaishankar’s remarks, accuses India of deflecting from terror record Army Captain, soldier martyred in GB snow clearance operation RAWALPINDI
staff Correspondent
A Pakistan Army captain along with a soldier, and a civilian machine operator was martyred during a snow clearance operation in Gilgit-Baltistan after a snow avalanche struck Burzil Pass, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday. According to a statement by the military’s media wing, the operation was launched on the night between January 2 and 3 to clear heavy snow and reopen Burzil Pass to facilitate the operational movement of troops in the area. The mission was being carried out using heavy machinery and was led by Captain Asmad, 28. The ISPR said that at around 2am on January 3, a sudden snow slide occurred while the operation was underway, trapping Captain Asmad, two soldiers, and a civilian machine operator from the Public Works Department (PWD). After strenuous rescue efforts, all four were pulled out of the snow. However, Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan, 32, and machine operator Essa succumbed to their injuries and embraced martyrdom. “These individuals rendered the ultimate sacrifice while leading a challenging operation in extreme weather conditions to facilitate the movement of forces,” the ISPR said, paying tribute to their devotion and sacrifice. The statement added that the martyrdom of the fallen personnel reflects the resolve of the Pakistan Armed Forces to defend the country and fulfil their duties, even at the cost of their lives.
ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Foreign Office (FO) on Saturday strongly rejected what it termed “irresponsible assertions” by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, accusing New Delhi of attempting to deflect attention from its own record of promoting terrorism and fuelling regional instability. The FO’s response followed Indian media reports quoting Jaishankar as saying that India had the right to defend itself against terrorism while referring to “bad neighbours”, an apparent reference to Pakistan. He also linked the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) to alleged cross-border militancy, arguing that decades of terrorism undermined the spirit of good neighbourliness
underpinning the agreement. In a statement, the FO said Pakistan “firmly rejects” the Indian minister’s remarks, adding that India’s “documented involvement in promoting terrorist activities in the region, particularly in Pakistan, is well known”. It cited the case of Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav as a “stark example” of state-sponsored terrorism. Jadhav was arrested in Balochistan in March 2016 and later confessed to espionage and sabotage activities; he remains imprisoned in Pakistan. The FO further alleged that India has been involved in extraterritorial killings, proxy sabotage and covert support to militant networks, describing these actions as consistent with the Hindutva ideology. It also reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir, condemning
India’s “illegal and violent military occupation” and reaffirming support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination under UN Security Council resolutions. On the IWT, the FO stressed that the treaty was concluded in good faith and warned that any unilateral violation by India would undermine regional stability and its credibility under international law. It said Pakistan would take all necessary steps to safeguard its rights under the agreement. The statement comes days after National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Jaishankar briefly shook hands in Dhaka during the funeral of former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia, marking the first high-level contact between Pakistani and Indian officials since the military conflict in May 2025.
from very low altitudes ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has successfully conducted the test flight of the indigenously-developed Taimoor Weapon System, marking another milestone in the advancement of national aerospace and defence capabilities. According to a statement issued by the ISPR on Saturday, Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile is capable of engaging enemy land and sea targets with high precision at a range of 600 kilometers, carrying a conventional warhead. Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and guidance system, Taimoor is designed to fly at very low altitudes, enabling it to effectively evade hostile air and missile defence systems. Missile’s precision-strike capability significantly enhances the conventional deterrence and operational flexibility of Pakistan Air Force, further strengthening the country’s overall defence posture. The successful flight test underscores the technical maturity, innovation and self-reliance achieved by Pakistan’s defence industry. The launch was witnessed by senior officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces, along with distinguished scientists and engineers who played a pivotal role in the development of this advanced weapon system. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, heartily congratulated the scientists, engineers and the entire PAF team on this remarkable achievement. He lauded their professional excellence, dedication and unwavering commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s defence capabilities. The Air Chief reaffirmed that such accomplishments are a testament to the nation’s resolve to achieve technological self-sufficiency and maintain a credible conventional deterrent in the evolving regional security environment. The successful test of the Taimoor weapon system reflects Pakistan Air Force’s continued pursuit of operational readiness, technological superiority and national security objectives, the ISPR statement concluded.
Pakistan, Azerbaijan move closer to $2b investment deal PROFIT
staff report
Pakistan and Azerbaijan have advanced towards securing $2 billion in Azerbaijani investment, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar holding talks on Friday with Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister, Mikayil Jabbarov. The discussions centered around finalising a framework that would facilitate Azerbaijani capital flowing into key sectors of Pakistan’s economy, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office. Both sides agreed to expedite a mechanism to direct investment into identified priority areas. This proposed investment is expected to significantly bolster Pakistan’s efforts to attract foreign capital for economic stabilisation and growth. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations and committed to enhancing cooperation, particularly through high-level engagements. Dar emphasised the role of such engagements in strengthening Pakistan-Azerbaijan ties in areas of mutual interest. While the specific sectors targeted for investment were not disclosed, Pakistan has been actively seeking foreign investment in energy, mining, infrastructure, transport, and industrial development. Azerbaijan, a key energy producer and an emerging investor in the region, has shown increasing interest in expanding its economic presence in South Asia.
Sanaullah terms Imran Khan biggest obstacle to govt–PTI parley ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah said that the biggest impediment to negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is PTI founder Imran Khan himself, asserting that repeated claims of willingness for dialogue from lower-tier PTI leaders lack credibility without clear authorization
from the party’s top leadership. Speaking to a private TV channel, Sanaullah said it was impossible that the prime minister would have extended an offer for dialogue without taking former prime minister Nawaz Sharif or the establishment into confidence. He said second- or third-tier PTI leaders continue to speak about talks, but unless the PTI founder has a clear and declared policy on negotiations, such meetings would remain futile. He added
that Imran Khan has not authorized anyone to negotiate and even his sister Aleema Khan has publicly stated that whoever engages in talks will not be considered part of the PTI. The adviser further said that PTI has announced a wheel-jam strike, reiterating that the PTI founder remains the main obstacle to negotiations. He claimed that from 2011 to the present day, Imran Khan has consistently blocked dialogue and shown no willing-
ness to negotiate. “We are completely clear about talks, but there is ambiguity on the other side,” he said. Sanaullah said PTI repeatedly claims it has given permission to certain individuals for negotiations, but the final decision always remains with the PTI founder. “Speak plainly—say you are not in favor of dialogue and want confrontation,” he remarked, questioning whether any benefit resulted from the PTI founder’s previous meeting.
Trump says US to run Venezuela until ‘safe, judicious transition’ after Maduro capture FLORIDA
agenCies
United States President Donald Trump on Saturday said the US will “run” Venezuela until a political transition can occur, after the spectacular US military operation to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro from the country. “We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump told a press conference, adding that US forces were ready to conduct a second, “much bigger” wave of strikes if necessary. Trump said he would allow American oil companies to head into Venezuela to tap its massive crude reserves after a US military operation to seize Maduro. “We’re going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country,” Trump added. The US president said that the military
caused a blackout in the Venezuelan capital Caracas so it could carry out a stunning operation to seize Maduro. “It was dark. The lights of Caracas were largely turned off due to a certain expertise that we have,” Trump added. Shortly before his presser, Trump posted a photo of the Venezuelan leader in custody on a US naval ship and wearing both a blindfold and handcuffs. “Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, along with a picture showing Maduro hours after he was snatched by US forces. The Venezuelan leader had on what appeared to be noise-canceling ear muffs and grey Nike-branded sweatpants and a jacket. Earlier today, US forces captured Maduro and his wife after launching a “largescale strike” on the South American country. “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the
Country,” Trump said on Truth Social. US Attorney General Pamela Bondi later said that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were indicted in the Southern District of New York. “Nicolas Maduro has been charged with Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States,” she wrote in a post on X. The couple, she said, would soon “face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts”. ‘Like a television show’: Trump revels in Maduro capture President Donald Trump struck a triumphant note over the capture of Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, saying he had watched live as US forces seized the Venezuelan leader from a “fortress.” “I’ve never seen anything like this. I was able to watch it in real time,” the 79-year-old Republican said in a telephone interview with Fox News.
China, Russia denounce blatant use of force against Venezuela ISLAMABAD Mian abrar
China and Russia Saturday denounced the U.S. blatant use of force against sovereign state of Venezuela and action against its president. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Saturday said China is deeply shocked by and strongly condemns the U.S. blatant use of force against a sovereign state and action against its president. It’s reported that the U.S. launched military strikes on Venezuela and President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. has “successfully” carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, have been taken and “flown out of the country.”
In response, the spokesperson said such hegemonic acts of the U.S. seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region. “China firmly opposes it,” said the spokesperson, urging the U.S. to abide by international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and stop violating other countries’ sovereignty and security. Russia Condemns US Strikes on Venezuela, Backs UNSC Emergency Meeting The Russian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the US military strikes against Venezuela, calling them an “act of armed aggression” lacking credible justification.