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not bullets, CABINET APPROVED PAKISTAN’S PARTICIPATION Education, builds nations, says IN TRUMP-LED BOARD OF PEACE FOR GAZA: PM Bilawal on World Sunday, 25 January, 2026 | 5 Sha’ban, 1447
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SIGNING CEREMONY HELD IN DAVOS WITH LEADERS FROM 19 COUNTRIES, INCLUDING PAKISTAN AMONG 8 MUSLIM COUNTRIES
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SAYS CONVEYED GOODWILL TO PRESIDENT TRUMP, CREDITING CEASEFIRE LAST MAY FOR SAVING MILLIONS OF LIVES
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ STRESSES URGENT HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT AND RECONSTRUCTION FOR GAZA
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 201 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
SAYS MEETINGS WITH IMF CHIEF KRISTALINA GEORGIEVA REINFORCE ECONOMIC ENGAGEMENT
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GOVERNMENT DEFENDS MOVE AS ‘DIPLOMATIC WIN,’ CRITICS CALL DECISION PREMATURE LONDON
staff report
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday announced that the federal cabinet had approved Pakistan’s joining of the Board of Peace, an initiative led by former US President Donald Trump, emphasizing the country’s hope for lasting peace in Gaza and the protection of Palestinian rights. Speaking to the media outside the Pakistan High Commission in London, the premier said Pakistan had received an invitation from Trump to join the Board of Peace, which he accepted following cabinet approval. A group of leaders and senior officials from 19 countries — including Pakistan — gathered on stage with Trump at a signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday to sign the founding charter of the board. Initially created to oversee peace in Gaza following Israel’s two-year bombardment of the Palestinian enclave, the charter envisions a broader role in resolving international conflicts. “We signed with the hope that there will be peace in Gaza, that Palestinians will receive the respect they deserve, and that Gaza will be reconstructed,” PM Shehbaz said. He stressed that the
humanitarian situation in Gaza required urgent international attention, reiterating Pakistan’s long-standing position in support of Palestinian rights. The premier also highlighted his meetings at Davos, describing a discussion with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva as positive, while noting that Pakistan would continue to engage constructively with international financial institutions as it works to stabilise its economy. PM Shehbaz further said that he met Trump during the visit, who conveyed goodwill towards Pakistan. He credited a ceasefire brokered
Defence Minister says neglect of local bodies has weakened civilian rule LAHORE
staff report
with Trump’s support last May during the conflict with India for saving “millions of lives” in South Asia. Pakistan is among eight Muslimmajority countries participating in the board, alongside Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Officials said the framework aims to take concrete steps towards a permanent ceasefire, enhanced humanitarian aid for Palestinians, and the reconstruction of Gaza. “Pakistan also hopes these efforts will lead to the realization of the right to self-determination for the Palestinian
Govt takes notice of ‘misleading’ claims regarding alleged ‘depopulation’ from Tirah Valley ISLAMABAD
staff report
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday said that despite their proven role in strengthening grassroots politics, local governments continue to be neglected by political parties, a neglect that has ultimately weakened civilian rule. “Political power must be rooted at the grassroots to gain constitutional and public legitimacy,” the defence minister remarked while addressing a panel session titled “Devolution for Revolution” at ThinkFest, a political and literary festival. Acknowledging historical lapses, Asif admitted that the failure to institutionalise local bodies was “a political failure on our part,” noting that local government elections, whenever held, have historically been far less controversial than national polls. “Yet we have continued to avoid them,” he regretted. Lahore University of Management Sciences’ (LUMS) Vice Chancellor Ali Cheema, former State Bank governor Dr Ishrat Hussain and former MPA Mary James Gill also delivered their keynote speeches on the topic. Highlighting the political impact of empowering local governments, Asif pointed out that three military rulers — Ayub Khan, Ziaul Haq, and Pervez Musharraf — remained in power longer than any civilian government largely because they introduced local government systems and drew political strength from them. He recalled that local bodies were included in the Charter of Democracy signed by the PPP and PML-N in 2006, but the provision failed to find adequate space in the 18th Constitutional Amendment, even though most other agreed reforms were incorporated. He added that resistance to empowering the grassroots tier mainly came from the bureaucracy, which feared losing authority to elected representatives. Highlighting international examples, Asif referred to a recent visit to Morocco, where he observed clean and well-managed neighbourhoods despite narrow streets in historic city centres.
people through a credible, time-bound political process, consistent with international legitimacy and UN resolutions, resulting in an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds AlSharif as its capital,” the Foreign Office had said in a statement. About Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ Trump first proposed the Board of Peace in September last year as a plan to end the Gaza conflict, later clarifying that the board would address other conflicts globally. He will serve as the inaugural chairman, with a mandate to promote peace and resolve disputes worldwide. The charter allows member states three-year terms unless they pay $1 billion each to fund the board, earning permanent membership. The founding Executive Board includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. ‘Federal cabinet had endorsed Pakistan’s participation’ Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah confirmed that the federal cabinet had endorsed Pakistan’s participation. “There was much discussion, and the cabinet endorsed it. Following cabinet approval, the prime minister accepted the invitation,” he said.
The government has taken notice of misleading claims in circulation regarding alleged “depopulation” from Tirah Valley on the orders of the Army. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Information, these assertions are baseless, malicious, and driven by ulterior motives aimed at creating alarm among the public, disinformation against security institutions and furthering vested political interest. “No directive has been issued for the depopulation of Tirah by the Federal Government and the Armed Forces. The Law Enforcement Agen-
cies are routinely conducting targeted, intelligence-based operations strictly against terrorist elements, with full care to avoid disruption to peaceful civilian life for which no depopulation or migration is needed or being undertaken. It may be noted that the local population is increasingly concerned over presence of Khwarij and desire peace and stability in Tirah,” the statement said. The statement said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Relief, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Department has issued a notification for the release of funds on 26 Dec 2025 (reportedly Rs 4 Billion) for ‘anticipated temporary and voluntary movement of population
from certain localities of Tirah (Bagh), and has requested facilitation of advance preparedness and relief-related arrangements including transportation, food support, cash assistance, and establishment and management of transit and registration points. “The document further states ”that the Deputy Commissioner, Khyber has further conveyed that the proposed voluntary movement reflects the views and preferences of the local population, articulated through a representative jirga convened at the district level, taking into account seasonal, logistical and contextual considerations, as well as a non-camp-based modality'”.
Education Day KARACHI
staff Correspondent
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on World Education Day described education as the most powerful force for dignity, equality, and hope, calling it the strongest weapon against poverty, extremism, and injustice. In a message marking the day, Bilawal said the PPP firmly believed that classrooms — not battlefields — shape destinies, and that books, not bullets, build nations. He extended greetings to all those associated with the education sector, paying tribute to the dedication and commitment of students and teachers across the country. He stressed that every child, regardless of gender, class or geography, had an equal right to quality education, calling it a fundamental right rather than charity. “When we educate a child, we empower a family, uplift a community, and strengthen the future of our nation,” he said. Bilawal said the vision of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was rooted in accessible and inclusive education for all Pakistanis. Reaffirming his party’s commitment, the PPP chairman said the party would continue to strive for equal educational opportunities, particularly for girls and marginalised communities. “On World Education Day, let us renew our promise to light every home with the lamp of knowledge, because an educated Pakistan is a strong, peaceful and progressive Pakistan,” he concluded.
Iran thanks Pakistan for backing Tehran at UNHRC amid rising US tensions ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday thanked Pakistan for what he described as its “strong support” and principled stance at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate. The remarks came a day after the UNHRC adopted a resolution — with 25 votes in favour, seven against and 14 abstentions — extending the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran for two years, alongside a one-year extension of the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran. The resolution also called for an urgent investigation into deadly nationwide protests that began in December. Pakistan, along with China and India, voted against the resolution. In a post on X, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, currently on a visit to Dubai, received a telephone call from Araghchi. During the conversation, the Iranian foreign minister thanked Dar for Pakistan’s role at the UNHRC in Geneva, including its call for a vote and its decision to oppose the resolution. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments, while Araghchi conveyed “deep appreciation” for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistani government and the people of Pakistan, the FO added. Separately, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam also expressed gratitude to Pakistan’s leadership for what he termed its “historic and unwavering support” at the UNHRC. In a statement posted on X, he thanked Pakistan for calling for a vote and casting a negative vote against what he described as an “unjustified resolution targeting Iran”. The Iranian envoy also praised the representatives of Pakistan’s Permanent Mission in Geneva for their “tireless efforts and dedication” in pursuing what he called justice and fairness.
Illegal immigration to US down 47pc as Pakistan launches joint crackdown on fake visa networks ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday said illegal immigration, particularly towards the United States, had declined by 47 per cent following a large-scale government crackdown, describing the issue as a serious challenge requiring zero tolerance. He made the remarks during a meet-
ing with US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Natalie Baker in Islamabad, where both sides discussed measures to curb illegal immigration and strengthen the pre-immigration clearance system. The two officials agreed to launch a joint operation under comprehensive standard operating procedures against fake and fraudulent visa networks. Naqvi said those involved in forged documents and illegal visa operations would be
shown no leniency, adding that he was personally supervising the crackdown. “There is zero tolerance against the agent mafia,” the interior minister said, welcoming US cooperation in action against those facilitating illegal immigration. He also informed the US official that Pakistani passports were being made more secure through the use of latest technology. Natalie Baker said the United States attached great importance to its relations
with Pakistan, noting that both countries shared common priorities. She said enhanced bilateral cooperation would further strengthen ties between the two sides. The meeting also covered broader PakUS relations and ways to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. It was agreed that both countries would increase collaboration at all levels, including training for lawenforcement personnel such as the police, to effectively counter illegal immigration.
Imaan Mazari, husband handed 17-year jail terms over ‘anti-state’ social media posts ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
A district and sessions court in Islamabad on Saturday convicted human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha, in a case linked to controversial social media posts, sentencing both to 17 years in prison. The case stems from alleged “anti-state” posts and reposts on X (formerly Twitter). The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had registered the case in August last year under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, claiming the content was aimed at creating divisions and maligning state institutions. Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka announced the verdict. Mazari and Chattha appeared before the court via video link, during which Mazari
alleged mistreatment in custody and announced a boycott of the proceedings. No defence lawyers were present at the time of the verdict, while special prosecutors Barrister Fahad and Rana Usman attended the hearing. In its detailed written order, the court said the accused had described Pakistan as a “terrorist state,” termed detentions under anti-terror laws illegal, praised proscribed organisations and individuals, and accused the judiciary of bias. The court held that while criticism of the state is protected in a democracy, the accused crossed the permissible limits of dissent and entered the realm of subversion, thereby committing offences under Sections 9, 10 and 26-A of Peca. However, the court acquitted both of the charge under Section 11 of Peca, noting that none of the witnesses testified that the posts promoted sectarian, racial, or interfaith hatred.
Under the verdict, both were sentenced to five years’ rigorous imprisonment under Section 9 with a fine of Rs5 million each, 10 years under Section 10 with a fine of Rs30 million each, and five years under Section 26-A with a fine of Rs1 million each. In case of default, additional jail terms were imposed. The order did not specify whether the sentences would run concurrently. The court directed that the convicts remain in jail to serve their sentences while extending them the benefit of Section 382-B of the Criminal Procedure Code, allowing their period of detention to be counted towards the sentence. During the hearing, Mazari accused authorities of denying food and water in custody and questioned the presence of media in court. She later announced a boycott, after which both she and her husband stood up and left their seats during the video-link proceedings.
Lawyers to observe strike on Monday to protest ‘unfair treatment’ of police ISLAMABAD
staff report
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Bar Association has announced a strike for Monday, January 26, to protest the allegedly unfair treatment and unprofessional attitude of the police. The decision was reached during a joint session of the Islamabad Bar Council and the IHC Bar held at the Bar office here on Saturday. The meeting participants strongly condemned the police’s behavior toward President and Secretary of the IHC Bar. They
also denounced the move to bar lawyers from attending the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) and demanded an immediate end to the harassment of the legal community. Leadership appealed to the legal fraternity to abstain from appearing in court on January 26. They reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law and expressed their determination to maintain lawyer unity. Earlier in the day, the District and Sessions Court of Islamabad sentenced activists Imaan Zainab Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha to 17 years’ imprisonment each in an offensive, misleading, and anti-state tweets case.