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Friday, 6 February, 2026 | 17 Sha’ban, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 213 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
PAK-UZBEKISTAN SEAL ‘HISTORIC $2B TRADE DEAL,’ 29 MOUS AS PRESIDENT MIRZIYOYEV ARRIVES IN ISLAMABAD
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PM SHEHBAZ, PRESIDENT MIRZIYOYEV INK PROTOCOL AND 28 AGREEMENTS TO STRENGTHEN TRADE, INVESTMENT, AND REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY
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PM LAUDS MIRZIYOYEV AS ‘MAN OF ACTION,’ DESCRIBING SIGNING OF PROTOCOL AS ‘GREAT MANIFESTATION OF COMMITMENT TO ENHANCE ECONOMIC RELATIONS’
JOINT WORKING GROUP TO BE ESTABLISHED TO FORMULATE FIVE-YEAR ROADMAP FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND INDUSTRIAL COLLABORATION g
TWO LEADERS DUB UZBEKISTAN, AFGHANISTAN–PAKISTAN RAIL PROJECT ‘GAME CHANGER’ FOR CENTRAL ASIA, PAKISTAN TRADE AND CONNECTIVITY
Uzbek President visits GIDS to deepen collaboration in defence, tech and industrial sectors RAWALPINDI
staff report
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ISLAMABAD
salem Jadoon
AKISTAN and Uzbekistan on Thursday agreed to elevate bilateral trade to $2 billion over the next five years, signing 29 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements on the first day of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s two-day state visit to Islamabad. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Mirziyoyev signed a protocol along with 28 other MoUs and agreements, aimed at enhancing trade, investment, regional cooperation, education,
and cultural exchanges, said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Of the 29 documents, 20 were formally exchanged at a ceremony attended by top officials from both sides. ‘Delight at welcoming President Mirziyoyev’ Taking to X, PM Shehbaz expressed delight at welcoming President Mirziyoyev, calling the visit “warm and productive.” He said the discussions covered the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with a special focus on trade, investment, regional connectivity, education, and cultural exchanges.
Pakistan asks UN Security Council for swift terrorist designation of BLA UNITED NATIONS staff report
Pakistan on Wednesday called on the UN Security Council to expedite action on a pending proposal to place the banned Balochistan Liberation Army on its sanctions list under the 1267 framework. Addressing a council briefing on threats to international peace arising from terrorism, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said the designation request was already before the body and expressed hope for early action. He thanked council members for condemning recent attacks in Balochistan through a press statement and acknowledged what he described as international expressions of support for Pakistan. He said the country remained determined to counter what he termed externally backed militant activity and to identify those providing assistance from outside its borders. The envoy said Pakistan had borne significant human and economic costs in global counterterrorism efforts, citing more than 90,000 casualties over the years. He recalled Pakistan’s role in earlier campaigns against Al Qaeda and in efforts against the regional affiliate of the militant Islamic State group. However, he said the regional security climate had worsened after the change of government in Afghanistan, claiming that groups such as Tehreek-iTaliban Pakistan and the BLA had gained operational space. He alleged that these groups were using Afghan territory and receiving backing from across Pakistan’s eastern border to carry out attacks. Referring to recent incidents in Balochistan, the ambassador said the BLA had claimed responsibility for coordinated assaults in which 48 civilians were killed, including women and children. He added that security forces had responded by killing 145 militants.
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President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, along with senior ministers, also visited the Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS) as part of his official visit to Pakistan. Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir “warmly received the president and the delegation and conducted them during the visit to the facility”, a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. During the visit, the President was briefed on the diverse portfolio of GIDS encompassing advanced defence solutions, industrial capabilities, and technological innovations. The delegation toured key facilities and witnessed various defence products, reflecting Pakistan’s growing expertise in indigenous defence production and industrial development, according to the military’s media wing. The visit underscored the shared
commitment of Pakistan and Uzbekistan to deepen collaboration in defence, technology, and industrial sectors. Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing partnerships, knowledge exchange and joint ventures. The visit marked a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties and exploring multifarious avenues of cooperation between Pakistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. “The visit underscored the shared commitment of Pakistan and Uzbekistan to deepen collaboration in defence, technology, and industrial sectors. Both sides emphasised the importance of enhancing partnerships, knowledge exchange and joint ventures,” the ISPR said. s“The visit marked a significant step toward strengthening bilateral ties and exploring multifarious avenues of cooperation between Pakistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan,” it added.
PM reaffirms unwavering support for Kashmiris’ struggle, unveils mega development package for AJK MUZAFFARABAD staff report
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmir cause, vowing that the Kashmiri people’s struggle for the right to selfdetermination will continue until its logical conclusion in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions. He also announced a special development package for the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Addressing a special session of the AJK Legislative Assembly on Kashmir Solidarity Day, the prime minister paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, underlining that history bears witness to their resolve: Kashmiris can sacrifice lives and children, but will never compromise on freedom. Earlier, PM Shehbaz Sharif and AJK Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore laid a wreath at the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Yadgar-e-Shuhada on the occasion. Expressing profound grief over the demise of former AJK President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, the prime
Naqvi, Chinese envoy reaffirm enduring Pak-China strategic partnership, joint counter-terror measures ISLAMABAD
staff report
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong on Thursday reaffirmed the enduring Pakistan-China strategic partnership, with the Chinese envoy reiterating China’s firm stance against terrorism in all its forms and assuring continued cooperation in Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts. The high-level meeting took place at the Ministry of Interior, where Minister Naqvi briefed the ambassador on the security situation in Balochistan, according to a press release issued by the Interior Ministry. Minister Naqvi welcomed Ambassador Zaidong upon his arrival, while the Chinese side strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks targeting civilians and security forces in Balochistan. The ambassador expressed deep sympathy for the affected families, emphasizing that China “stands in complete solidarity” with Pakistan during this challenging period. The interior minister assured the envoy that providing maximum security to Chinese nationals was Pakistan’s top priority. Briefing the ambassador, Naqvi described the attacks in Balochistan as “organized and premeditated,” noting that security forces responded swiftly and effectively. He highlighted ongoing counter-terrorism operations and enhanced protective measures for Chinese citizens and projects across the country. “A Special Protection Unit is being established exclusively for the security of Chinese nationals,” the minister said, adding that modern Chinese technology will further strengthen coordinated counterterrorism efforts. Minister Naqvi also apprised Ambassador Zaidong of his recent visit to China, noting progress in security and development cooperation. Both sides held detailed discussions on counter-terrorism, internal security, and cybercrime, agreeing to deepen collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing. Reaffirming their commitment to the long-standing strategic partnership, both officials stressed that no adversary could undermine Pakistan-China friendship. Ambassador Zaidong thanked Pakistan for its security measures, while Minister Naqvi expressed gratitude for China’s consistent support.
PTI, TTAP vow no compromise on Imran Khan’s health, urge nation to make Feb 8 strike successful ISLAMABAD
staff report
minister recalled the late leader’s lifelong dedication to the Kashmir freedom movement. He also acknowledged the political services of Chaudhry Noor Hussain, a founding political figure of AJK. The assembly observed Fateha for the departed soul. PM Shehbaz Sharif saluted martyrs of the Kashmir struggle, from Burhan Wani to veteran leader Syed Ali Geelani, paying homage to leaders, activists, journalists, women, and children, including Asiya Andrabi, Yasin Malik, and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. He said the blood of innocent Kashmiris had exposed India’s narrative before the world. Highlighting the historical
significance of Kashmir, the prime minister recalled Quaid-eAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s declaration that Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein, stating it continues to form the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He stressed that lasting peace in South Asia is impossible unless India abandons its hegemonic ambitions and respects the fundamental rights of Kashmiris. Linking Kashmir with Palestine, the prime minister said granting oppressed peoples the right to live according to their will is a test of the international community’s commitment to democracy, justice, and international law.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) on Thursday declared that no compromise would be made on the health of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, urging the nation to participate in the nationwide shutter-down strike scheduled for February 8 (Sunday). The announcement came during a meeting of PTI’s joint parliamentary committee held at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad. The closed-door session was attended by senior political leaders, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, and PTI stalwarts Asad Qaiser and Taimoor Saleem Jhagra, among others. Addressing the participants, Asad Qaiser said the meeting was convened specifically to discuss the health of Imran Khan. He noted that representatives of 40 million people were in attendance and unanimously resolved that they would not compromise on the ex-premier’s well-being. “Don’t push us against the wall; otherwise, all options are open,” Qaiser warned the ‘powers that be,’ emphasizing the seriousness of their stance.
Any aggression to draw swift response: CDF Munir on Kashmir frontlines MUZAFFARABAD staff report
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Thursday warned that any act of aggression against Pakistan would be met with a “swift and befitting response,” asserting that the armed forces remain fully prepared to counter both conventional and hybrid threats in an evolving security environment. The remarks came during his visit to forward positions along the Line of Control in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Kashmir Solidarity Day, observed across Pakistan to express support for the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and their right to self-determination. According to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Munir visited a forward post in AJK,
where he interacted with troops deployed on the frontlines. “He reiterated that any act of aggression would be instantaneously met with a swift and befitting response and underscored that the armed forces remain fully prepared to counter both conventional and hybrid threats,” the ISPR said. Later, the CDF visited Muzaffarabad and paid homage to the martyrs of the Kashmir freedom struggle by laying a wreath at the Jammu and Kashmir Martyrs Monument. He offered tributes to their sacrifices, acknowledging their enduring legacy of valour. Interacting with local notables and veterans, Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering political, moral and diplomatic support” for the people of IIOJK. He said Indian atrocities, continued human rights violations and what he described as Hindutva-driven excesses had failed to suppress the legitimate struggle and aspirations
of the Kashmiri people. Reiterating Pakistan’s principled stance on the Kashmir dispute, the army chief said the region would “soon witness the dawn of freedom, in accordance with the will and destiny of the people of Kashmir.” He added that Pakistan would continue to raise the issue at all relevant international forums until a just resolution is achieved in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions. The ISPR said the CDF praised the professionalism, morale and combat readiness of officers and soldiers deployed in AJK despite challenging operational conditions. He emphasised the need for peak operational preparedness, heightened vigilance and seamless coordination across all domains to effectively deter and respond to any hostile provocation. Earlier, upon his arrival in Muzaffarabad, Field Marshal Munir was received by the Commander Rawalpindi Corps.