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Wednesday, 7 January, 2026 | 17 Rajabul Murajjab, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 183 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
PM SHEHBAZ CALLS PRIVATIZATION OF LOSS-MAKING SOES TOP PRIORITY, ORDERS FAST-TRACK REFORMS IN PC
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ORDERS ACCELERATION OF PACE OF REFORMS WITHIN PRIVATISATION COMMISSION TO ENSURE EFFICIENCY, TRANSPARENCY AND CREDIBILITY IN PRIVATIZATION PROCESS
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CALLS FOR INDUCTION OF BEST AVAILABLE TALENT INTO PRIVATIZATION COMMISSION FROM PRIVATE SECTOR
PM DIRECTS FULL DIGITIZATION OF THE PRIVATIZATION COMMISSION ISLAMABAD Mian abrar
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated that the privatization of lossmaking state-owned enterprises (SOEs) remains one of the government’s foremost priorities, underscoring that the successful privatization of 75 percent shares of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) marked the first drop of rain in a broader reform agenda. Chairing a high-level meeting on the affairs of the Privatization Commission at the Prime Minister’s House, the prime minister directed that the pace of reforms within the Commission be further accelerated to ensure efficiency, transparency and credibility in the privatization process. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the Privatization Commission must be strengthened by inducting the best available talent from the private sector and the market. He categorically instructed that all appointments be carried out in a highly transparent manner. Stressing the need for modern governance practices, he also directed the complete digitization of the Privatization Commission. The prime minister further ordered that all privatization projects be subjected to third-party audits conducted by firms of international repute. He also called for significant improvement in the Commission’s public relations and marketing functions to ensure effective communication with stakeholders and the market. During the meeting, participants were briefed on the ongoing reform initiatives in the Privatization Commission. The briefing informed that advisers
from the market would be hired in key areas including finance, human resources, law, information technology and media management. In addition, consultants specializing in strategy, policy, transactions and the power sector would be engaged to support the Commission’s mandate. PM Shehbaz Sharif was apprised that the reforms are anchored in strategic discipline, strong governance, enhanced institutional capacity, and transparent engagement with stakeholders. The meeting was informed that the privatization of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) has been planned in two initial batches. In the first batch, Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO), Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) and Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) will be privatized. The second batch will include Hyderabad Electric
Senate delegation to visit US in January, marking new chapter in Pak–US parliamentary ties ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
A high-level Senate delegation, led by Deputy Chairman Senator Syedaal Khan, will undertake an official visit to the United States from January 20 to 25, 2026, the Senate Secretariat announced on Tuesday. The visit comes amid a notable thaw in Pakistan–US relations in 2025, a year characterised by increased high-level engagement, strategic recalibration, and evolving regional dynamics. The Secretariat described the upcoming visit as a “historic milestone” in bilateral parliamentary relations, signalling the start of a new institutional phase in Pak–US engagement. According to the statement, the visit has been organised under the auspices of the Pakistan Policy Institute USA and, for the first time, will include participation by the United States–Pakistan InterParliamentary Group. The Secretariat termed the initiative a major achievement in strategic and nontraditional parliamentary diplomacy, reflecting a shared commitment by both sides to strengthen democratic institutions through direct engagement between elected legislatures. The Secretariat said the visit was taking place at a critical juncture of global and regional transformation, particularly affecting South Asia and the Middle East. It added that the delegation would pursue clearly defined strategic objectives, including the establishment of a permanent institutional mechanism for sustained inter-parliamentary dialogue between the US Congress and Pakistan’s Senate.
Supply Company (HESCO) and Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO). The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization and Chairman of the Privatization Commission Muhammad Ali, along with senior government officials. PM directs for preparing comprehensive strategy to boost agri exports Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to formulate a comprehensive five-year strategy to boost agricultural exports. He emphasized that reforming the agriculture sector and educating farmers on international standards were top priorities of the government. The prime minister was chairing a meeting of a Working Group comprising private sector experts.
The working group was established to align the agriculture sector with the international requirements and to increase the country’s agriculture exports. “The federal government, within its own jurisdiction, is undertaking reforms in the agriculture sector and, in collaboration with provincial governments, is taking measures to promote agricultural development,” the prime minister said adding that the government was taking measures to increase the per acre yield of the crops by providing farmers with standard seeds, fertilizers and pesticides timely and at affordable prices. PM Shehbaz Sharif pointed out that the government was also taking policylevel steps aimed at processing of the agriculture produce to make them exportready goods. Recently, he said the 1000 Pakistani students had been sent to China at government expenses to train them on the modern agriculture technology. Pakistan has great potential in the agriculture sector, the prime minister said, adding that, within available resources, investment was being made in research for agricultural development in order to increase per-acre yield. He also emphasized that the government was taking measures to increase the export of the fisheries and horticulture products. He directed the relevant authorities to present the policy measures to produce palm oil along the coastal belt. The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Dr Musadik Malik, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, and senior government officials.
Bangladesh eyes JF-17 deal with Pakistan as defence ties deepen ISLAMABAD
staff report
Bangladesh is in discussions with Pakistan to procure JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, signalling a potential defence deal as Islamabad capitalises on rising international interest in its combat aircraft following the May 2025 conflict with India. The possible acquisition was discussed during a visit by a highlevel Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) delegation led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, who called on Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The visiting air chief was accorded a Guard of Honour on arrival. During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on strengthening operational cooperation, training, capacity building, and collaboration in aerospace and emerging technologies. Air Chief Marshal Sidhu briefed the Bangladeshi delegation on the PAF’s recent operational advancements and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the BAF through a comprehensive training and support framework. The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by Pakistan and China,
Rana Sanaullah claims PM’s multiple talks offers met with PTI founder’s refusal ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah said on Tuesday that the PTI founder and his wife must strictly abide by court decisions, stressing that no individual is above the law. Speaking to the media, Rana Sanaullah said that the IHC had clearly defined the procedure for meetings with the PTI founder. He added that during the most recent meeting, the PTI founder and his wife were present together, and there should be no doubts regarding the government’s intentions in this matter. He stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had repeatedly offered dialogue to PTI, including from the floor of the National Assembly on two occasions, followed by another invitation during a cabinet meeting. According to Rana Sanaullah, despite these offers, PTI leaders claim they lack the authority to engage in negotiations. Rana Sanaullah said the prime minister makes such offers only after consulting the establishment and party leadership. He criticised PTI’s stance, saying that whenever the party announces a protest movement, it accuses the government of proposing talks to avoid pressure. He remarked that PTI was free to proceed with its planned “wheel-jam” protest in February if it wished. He further said that PTI has again demanded meetings before considering talks, despite the prime minister already extending an offer for negotiations. Rana Sanaullah claimed the PTI founder has consistently avoided dialogue and is unwilling to sit at the negotiation table. Recalling past events, he said the PTI founder showed a similar attitude during his tenure as prime minister, often rejecting dialogue and refusing to engage with political opponents. He warned that pursuing a policy of confrontation with the state would only harm the PTI founder, adding that such an approach could not be supported.
Sindh govt assures provision of full security, protocol to KP CM Afridi on Jan 9 KARACHI
staff Correspondent
has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most successful defence exports. International interest in the aircraft surged after reports that the PAF shot down multiple Indian combat aircraft — including French-made Rafale jets — during the May 2025 conflict. Following those reports, shares of China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), which manufactures the jet, reportedly rose by more than 17%. Pakistan’s growing footprint in the global arms market was further underscored in December 2025, when Islamabad and Tripoli concluded a multi-billion-dollar defence export deal, including the sale of 16 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and 12 Super Mushshak
trainer aircraft to Libya — one of the largest weapons export agreements in Pakistan’s history. During the talks, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu also assured the visiting delegation of fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support ecosystem. The Super Mushshak is a Pakistani-manufactured basic trainer widely used for pilot training. The Bangladeshi Air Chief praised the PAF’s combat performance and sought Pakistan’s assistance in maintenance support for BAF’s aging fleet, as well as in the integration of air defence radar systems to enhance air surveillance capabilities.
The Sindh government has decided to provide full protocol and security to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi during his upcoming visit to the province. According to the report, following the decision, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has extended an invitation to Sohail Afridi for a formal luncheon meeting. The KP chief minister is scheduled to arrive in Karachi on January 9 for a three-day visit and will meet Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi. Sources said that apart from Karachi, full security arrangements will also be provided to the KP chief minister in other cities of Sindh during his stay. Sindh Minister for Local Government Nasir Hussain Shah has formally contacted CM Sohail Afridi and conveyed the invitation of the Sindh chief minister. The announcement was made by KP government’s Adviser on Information, Shafi Jan, who said the visit aims to strengthen political and institutional engagement between the provinces. During the visit, Chief Minister Afridi is scheduled to meet representatives of civil society and party leadership and will also address members of the Sindh Bar Association, focusing on key political and governance-related issues. The Sindh visit follows Afridi’s recent tour of Punjab. On December 26, 2025, the KP chief minister arrived in Lahore on a three-day visit, during which he held meetings with party leaders, addressed the media, and visited the Punjab Assembly.
KP terror surge linked to political-militant nexus, says DG ISPR RAWALPINDI Mian abrar
Director-General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt. General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Tuesday said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) emerged as the epicenter of terrorism in Pakistan in 2025, accounting for 71% of all attacks nationwide, warning that a politically permissive environment in the province had enabled militants to operate and build networks. Addressing a press conference here at the ISPR, Gen Chaudhry highlighted increasing wave of terrorism as an “unprecedented security challenge,” citing foreign-backed support from India and terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan. The military chief also strongly criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership over counterterrorism narratives and stressed that the fight against terrorism was a national struggle requiring unity, not political interference.
The DG ISPR said that the fight against terrorism is a collective struggle of the entire nation and that Pakistan remains fully determined to eradicate this menace. He said the purpose of the briefing was to provide a comprehensive overview of the counter-terrorism measures undertaken over the past year. Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif said that the past year witnessed an “unprecedented intensity in counter-terrorism efforts.” In 2025, both the state and the people of Pakistan achieved complete clarity regarding the threat of terrorism, he added. Sharing details, the DG ISPR said that a total of 75,175 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were conducted in 2025. Of these, 14,658 operations were carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 58,778 in Balochistan, and 1,739 in other parts of the country. He said that 2,597 terrorists were killed during the year, including 1,800 in KP, 784 in Balochistan, and 10 in other areas. Moreover, he said that 1,235 law enforcement personnel and civilians embraced martyrdom in
the war against terrorism during 2025. Regarding suicide bombing, Ahmed Sharif said that a total of 27 took placed in 2025. Of them, 16 took place in KP, 10 in Balochistan and one in Islamabad, at the judicial complex. He said 3,811 terrorism-related incidents occurred in KPK, raising the critical question of why 80 percent of terrorist incidents are happening in the province. Recalling past developments, the DG ISPR warned that similar political rhetoric in the past had led to the army’s withdrawal from Swat, with grave consequences. “What followed was not a small price — hundreds, even thousands of children and civilians in Swat, Matta and across KP paid with their lives, along with soldiers,” he said, questioning whether there was now an attempt to once again oppose operations and allow militant control, thereby enabling the spread of a terrorism nexus across the region. He accused terrorist groups operating from Afghanistan and alleged Indian support
of fuelling terrorism inside Pakistan, saying the country faced an unprecedented security challenge in 2025. DG ISPR said militant or-
ganisations were using Afghan territory as their operational base, while funding and support were coming from India.