FINMIN, WB MD DISCUSS $20B CPF, DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES
g
g PAKISTAN AND SAUDI ARABIA COUNTERPARTS FOCUS ON INVESTMENTS, TRADE ENHANCEMENT, AND STRUCTURED TALENT PIPELINES
g BILATERAL TALKS WITH IRAN REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO BOOST TRADE, FACILITATE INVESTMENTS, AND REMOVE ECONOMIC BOTTLENECKS
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs
Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON and President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Engineer Amir Muqam here Sunday said that the wheel of the PTI founder s narrative has stalled, and the public has rejected calls for wheel-jam and shutter-down strikes of PTI "The people of KP have realized how long they can keep believing the false narrative that has been pushed for the last 13 years and saw backwardness of KP where they rejected sutter down strike today" he said addressing a large public gathering on Sunday in Peshawar under the banner of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Save Movement
A large number of people attended the rally and senior provincial leaders of Pakistan Muslim League (N) were also present
Thanking the large number participants, the federal minister said the people have rejected the anti-state narrative today in KP
The public has realized how long they can continue to believe a false narrative that has been promoted for 13 years and kept distance of today agitation strike
He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been turned into a testing ground for the last 13 years, where lies are used to mislead and deceive the public However, he said, this will no longer work and “your shop will not run anymore Engr Amir Muqam said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also want progress peace and development A large number of youth were present at the rally, who have realized why the same development projects that are taking place across Attock are
not happening here
Why are the facilities and privileges available to people across Attock not available here? Laptops and scholarships should also be provided here Hospitals should offer quality and free medicines, agriculture should be developed and youth can clearly see what is happening in Punjab and what is happening in KP
He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should compete with the Punjab government and with CM Maryam Nawaz in terms of development
Condemning the terrorist incident in Islamabad the federal minister claimed there is lawlessness in the province and people in the southern districts cannot leave their homes at night
The provincial government should focus on the law and order situation He thanked the Inspector General of Police for swiftly arresting those involved in the Islamabad suicide attack
He said this is the first time he has seen a provincial chief minister calling for businesses to be shut down When a female student showed the chief minister a mirror, he took offense For the first time, he said, a chief minister is talking about taking away the livelihoods of his own people and announcing the closure of his own province
The federal minister said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is delivering positive results, which is why the public stands with him The prime minister has always talked about dialogue and has prioritized national interest
He said people are not brought to PMLN rallies and they participate voluntarily and with passion "Very soon, a Pakistan Muslim League (N) government will be
Interior Ministr y versus the Mombay Bookies
to CoNtiNue DeveLoPMeNt PoLitiCs, DeCisive fight agaiNst terrorisM: raNa saNauLL
series of fabricated cases against opponents began in 2018 and he himself was arrested from the motorway and on the next day he was falsely implicated in a case of 20 kilograms heroin He said that Pak armed forces not only protected the country during Marka-e-Haq but also raised Pakistan’s stature across the world Referring to the Pahalgam incident, he said that India leveled baseless allegations against Pakistan despite Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clearly conveyed to the world that Pakistan was innocent in this regard
The Prime Minister also offered the formation of an international committee to prove its innocence, he added Rana Sanaullah said that India nonetheless attacked Pakistan and fired 100 missiles
However, Pak army responded effectively which was witnessed by the entire world He said that Pakistan was subsequently entrusted with the responsibility of Tahafuze-Haramain Sharifain which was a matter of great honor for the country Referring to a tragic incident in Islamabad, he said that a suicide bombing inside a mosque resulted in the martyrdom of 35 people and injuries to about 150 others After defeat in Marka-e-Haq India was using Afghanistan as a proxy to promote terrorism inside Pakistan, he added Rana Sanaullah said that India was sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan to block foreign investment He said that there was no justification for talks with terrorists as they had no acceptable demands rather they wanted to impose a flogging-style system similar to Afghanistan Such elements would be elim-
KP Governor lauds PRCS outstanding ser vices
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor and President of Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday lauded the outstanding services of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (Hilal-e-Ahmar) saying its role during natural disasters emergencies and population displacement was unforgettable and highly commendable
mad Hanif (Sitara-e-Imtiaz), General Secretary Mehboob Qadir, Suhail Jahangir Dr Ashraf Nizami Abid Rehman Farzand Ali Agha faculty members doctors students and paramedical staff
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi particularly appreciated the services of PRCS Punjab and thanked its management for providing full support to displaced people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during
Addressing a ceremony at the Pakistan Red Crescent Medical and Dental College Dina Nath the governor said Hilal-e-Ahmar had set a remarkable example of humanitarian service by extending timely assistance to affected people in the most challenging circumstances He said the organization’s commitment to humanity reflected the true spirit of selfless service The ceremony was attended by Chairman PRCS Punjab Mian Muham-
Pakistan to attend inaugural US -led Board of Peace meeting on Gaza amid ‘c autious diplomac y ’
Trump at the White House on February 18, a day before the planned board meeting Trump who will chair the BoP has said the board will aim to resolve global conflicts a claim that has alarmed many experts who fear the initiative could undermine the United Nations and existing multilateral mechanisms While several Middle Eastern allies have joined the board many of Washington’s traditional Western allies have stayed away reflecting unease over both its structure and mandate
PA K I S TA N’S D I P L O M AT I C
A L I N I T I AT I V E: The White House has proposed holding the first BoP meeting at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, Axios reported, citing a US official and diplomats from four participating countries The plans which include a fundraising component for Gaza s reconstruction remain at an early stage and could still change Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President
C A L C U L U S: For Pakistan, participation reflects a cautious but deliberate choice As a long-standing supporter of Palestinian rights Islamabad seeks to remain engaged in international discussions on Gaza while avoiding initiatives that could legitimise external control over the territory A UN Security Council resolution adopted in mid-November authorised the board and cooperating states to establish an international stabilisation force in Gaza following a ceasefire that began in October under a Trump-backed plan accepted by Israel and Hamas However, the ceasefire remains fragile, with repeated violations Since October more than 550 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers have been killed Israel s assaults on Gaza since Oc-
tober 2023 have killed over 71,000 Palestinians, displaced the entire population and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis Multiple rights organisations scholars and a UN inquiry have described the campaign as genocide an allegation Israel denies Under Trump s Gaza plan unveiled late last year, the Board of Peace was originally intended to supervise Gaza’s temporary governance before being expanded to address global conflicts Rights experts and scholars have criticised the concept, arguing that a US-led board overseeing a foreign territory resembles a colonial structure The absence of Palestinian representation on the board has further deepened these concerns For Pakistan attendance at the inaugural meeting does not imply endorsement of the board s broader vision Officials suggest Islamabad sees value in remaining present at a forum that could influence Gaza’s future, while reserving its position on key issues such as governance accountability and any potential military role As the Board of Peace takes shape Pakistan faces the challenge of balancing diplomatic engagement with its commitment to Palestinian self-determination and international law a balance likely to come under increasing pressure as the initiative moves from concept to implementation
Banga says 30 million jobs are needed over the nex t decade
President Sanjay Singh
O R L D B A N K
WBanga, on a visit to Pakistan last week to review the Country Framework Agreement signed last year gave a hint that Washington consensus institutions might relent, and allow progrowth policies to be put in place Mr Banga said that 30 million jobs must be created in the next decade if Pakistan is to accommodate the youth bulge and turn it into an economic dividend It was not rocket science to realize that the kind of job creation he spoke of could not be possible without growth, and substantial growth at that
Mr Banga was only stating the obvious when he said that job creation would be a primary goal, not a secondary policy goal
It may also be noted that State Bank of Pakistan
Governor Jameel Ahmad said that the SBP is now focused on economic growth The last two meetings of the Monetary Policy Committee did not cut interest rates mentioning as a reason healthy growth Clearly, the SBP thinks it is doing something right However, it appears to have realized that the growth which will result will not create enough jobs to accommodate the youth bulge Mr Banga noted that infrastructure, primary healthcare, tourism and smallscale agriculture were all labour-intensive, and thus needed capital and support so as to set up jobcreating businesses The alternative has already started taking place Migration is how young people are solving the lack of jobs at home, with 4000 doctors leaving in 2025 the highest outflow on record While those who migrate are lost to the country, at least they are the problem of the country they move to Those who remain behind, jobless, probably futureless are going to cause unrest destabilizing society
This may seem like the expression of the fears of the West, which is faced by a rising tide of migrants from the Third World However it is also a danger for Pakistan If there is insufficient economic growth the necessary jobs will not be created It should also be noted that Mr Banga did not mentio any export industry This probably reflects a realization that any economic plan based on demand from abroad is unwise More important than the government taking his words to heart, it is the IMF which needs to shift its position
Dedicated to the legac y of
Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
H E term
“neoliberalism” suggests a system of principles that is both new and based on classical liberal ideas
The doctrinal system is also known as the Washington consensus, which suggests something about global order A closer look shows that the suggestion about global order is fairly accurate but not the rest The doctrines are not new and the basic assumptions are far from those that have animated the liberal tradition since the Enlightenment – An excerpt from the (1999) book Profit over people: neoliberalism and global order by renowned linguist and philosopher Noam Chomsky
One of the important lessons of the Great Depression of the 1930s was the important role of government in directing markets and one of the main manifestations of that in the aftermath of that was the development of industrial policies for making a concerted effort to raise living standards in a concerted way, and to overall close the gap between the rich, advanced countries, and those that belonged to the developing world Yet, with the onslaught of neoliberalism and the related austerity policies around 1980s especially in the wake of major flagbearers of these policies in the shape of US President Ronald Reagan and UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during that time, with emphasis on the core principles of austerity, market fundamentalism, privatization, deregulation, and liberalization In the same book, Noam Chomsky pointed out with regard to neoliberalism for instance as ‘The neoliberal Washington consensus is an array of market oriented principles often as stringent structural adjustment programs The basic rules in brief are: liberalize trade and finance, let market set price ( get prices right ), and inflation ( macroeconomic stability”), privatize The government “should get out of the way” – hence the population too insofar as the government is democratic though the conclusion is implicit Hence neoliberalism in principle undercuts democracy and perpetuates elite capture or politico-economic extractive institutional design
To better understand neoliberalism, it is first important to dig deep into the roots of capitalism to bring greater clarity of its deeper shades, as pointed out by a 2024 book Invisible doctrine: the secret history of neoliberalism co-authored by renowned Guardian columnist George Monbiot as follows: Neoliberalism is often described as capitalism on steroids If we are to understand neoliberalism, we must first understand capitalism Capitalism is an economic system founded on colonial looting It operates on a constantly shifting and self-
consuming frontier on which both state and powerful private interests use their laws backed by the threat of violence to turn shared resources into exclusive property, and to transform natural wealth, labor, and money into commodities that can be accumulated Related to neoliberalism is the concept of austerity which renowned economist Clara Mattei in her noted 2022 book The capital order: how economists invented austerity and paved the way to fascism identifies as a tool used to perpetuate this capital order She points out in this regard While austerity policies may not be identified by name, they underscore the most common tropes of contemporary politics: budget cuts (especially in welfare expenditures such as public education health care housing and unemployment benefits) regressive taxation deflation privatization wage repression and employment deregulation Taken together this suite of policies entrenches existing wealth and the primacy of the private sector But to the extent that we stop perceiving austerity as a sincere toolbox for managing an economy, and when we consider its history through the lens of class it becomes clear that austerity preserves something foundational to our capitalist society economic growth presupposes a certain sociopolitical order or capital order Austerity, viewed as a set of fiscal, monetary, and industrial guardrails on an economy, ensures the sanctity of
i n d u s t r i a l p o l i c i e s , e s p e c i a l ly i n t e r m s o f t h e d i m i n i s h i n g ro l e o f p u bl i c s e c t o r t h ro u g h a c t i v e p r i va t i z a t i o n p ro g r a m m e s
Shariah finance blocked
dealing with digital logins where are those people going to? The Hidden Risks of Technology and then there is the practical aspect of things We speak of digitization as if everyone has high-speed internet and the newest iPad But that s just not true For millions of people, a physical library is
own stuff we have to ask ourselves: do we just want to make it easier to find or are we just making it easier to learn? Being fast is great but it shouldn t be at the expense of thinking deeply We owe it to human beings yet to come to provide for them the fast tools of the future and the stilled sanctuaries easy to walk through of the past
The author is a graduate of Economics from BUITEMS and a researcher at BTTN Quetta
I t Ês n o t a c h o i c e o f o n e ov e r t h e o t h e r T h a t Ês a t r a p T h e f u t u r e o f t h e l i b r a r y n e e d s t o b e a n a m a l g a m o f t h e t wo We n e e d t h e d i g i t a l s i d e b e c a u s e i t Ês e f f i c i e n t , a n d a l s o i t Ês n o t p u t t i n g t h a t r a r e b o o k a t r i s k o f f a l l i n g a p a r t B u t w e d e s p e r a t e ly n e e d t h e p hy s i c a l s i d e fo r o u r fo c u s , o u r m e n t a l h e a l t h a n d o u r c o m mu n i t i e s
Hamza Nasir
SE V E R A L methods exist for capturing the gas from garbage dumps and converting it into line-grade gas (also termed as pipeline quality purified gas), offering avenues for clean energy The Lahore Lakhodher garbage
ered, but what is being done most often is that all the things are buried in land, even though some items should otherwise be supplied to other industries Soil contamination poses a risk of longterm damage to the environment and can affect the safety of the food supply chain due to the presence of heavy metals in water, vegetables, food, and milk In some areas, untreated water is used for irrigation which increases these risks Addressing groundwater pollution and air emissions is crucial to ensuring a safe food supply and a healthy environment Appropriate solutions need to be implemented to mitigate these hazards International agencies are monitoring Lahore air emissions, as there are great hazards of methane gas which can pose a danger to human health and may cause respiratory diseases Improper waste management may increase the risk of other health problems Around the world, waste-to-energy plants are being used to convert garbage into electricity But in Pakistan large-scale implementation can be costly and challenging At an international scale around 35 countries have successfully implemented this technology Estimates suggest that processing one ton of garbage in such a plant can cost between $80 and $150 If engineered properly, this remains one of the safest and most economical methods for waste disposal Any such facility should meet international standards including US EPA and EU environmental specifications to minimize harmful emissions But initially, it may be cost-intensive for us Large-scale waste-to-energy projects may
OUR GARBAGE IS OUR RESPONSI-
BILITY: Forums either in print or in media, can acquaint people with the dangers for our coming generations because of improper waste disposal Discussions should be centered on identifying practical remedies for these problems We should know what our responsibilities are in this connection Many urban areas in Pakistan have dump sites where waste management practices can be improved to reduce health and environmental risks There is a minimal organized recycling system, although in the informal sector many people do recycling yet they do not separate the items Cardboard and other such things must be recov-
It is repeatedly emphasized that underground water on all dump sites has a higher chance of being polluted with heavy metals. These are extremely dangerous for human health. When crops are irrigated with such water, they also get polluted. If this continues, then for our animals, there will be unhealthy fodder Already, hundreds of deaths annually are linked to waterborne diseases caused by hepatitis The more we procrastinate, the more financial, technical, and technological resources we will have to employ
Democracy dies in broad daylight
The cautionar y tale of gold and silver
rooms are hollowed out through layoffs and cost-cutting as the Washington Post s just-announced 30% staff reduction illustrates, they lose the ability to be consequential Single scoops are easily dismissed or waited out Repeated, rigorously documented reporting over time is harder to ignore Downsizing a newsroom lowers the pressure that serious reporting can bring to bear
Another part of the strategy concerns public media where the target is not just investigative capacity but services that cut across state borders, demographics, and ideology Defunding National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting System (PBS), as Trump has done, is not merely about cultural grievance The point is to apply structural pressure eroding the shared facts on which democratic argument depends But distribution is perhaps the most underappreciated front For more than a decade, Twitter functioned as the central circulatory system for American public discourse Journalists, academics, public officials, business leaders, and engaged citizens all argued in the same place Reporting and research could travel quickly face criticism and correction and translate directly – and sometimes immediately – into agenda-setting pressure Then Elon Musk bought the platform gutted its staff and renamed it X Soon enough, it stopped functioning as a shared civic distribution system for verified information It now prioritizes engagement over verification, weakens credibility cues and makes reach less predictable Today fewer journalists and academics bother to post on X and even when they do verified information no longer translates reliably into agenda-setting or yields any consequence at all The results are far-reaching, because when the infrastructure for elite information exchange no longer reliably rewards accuracy or sustained explanation the entire accountability system starts to crumble And the same dynamic extends beyond platforms into ownership When a major newsroom sits inside a conglomerate that is navigating mergers regulatory scrutiny and political exposure, independence can narrow without the need for an explicit instruction from the top That is why it matters that Skydance – headed by David Ellison, Larry Ellison’s son – took over Paramount, which controls CBS Direct censorship is not required when everyone can see which stories will cost the parent company money or jeopardize its deals Under such conditions self-censorship becomes rational It is implicit in the stories that never run, the investigations that are dropped because they might invite lawsuits or regulatory retaliation, and kid-glove coverage of politicians or corporate figures who could make the parent company’s life difficult Once editors understand that certain fights have become corporate liabilities risk avoidance becomes the new normal Taken together, these moves form a system Journalism and facts still exist, but the chain that once ran from reporting to shared reality to institutional response begins to break apart Accurate reporting no longer compels action because facts can be published verified and still fail to trigger a response When information loses its force impunity follows Disinformation once aimed to make people believe false things The new objective is to make the powerful immune to truths that previously would have harmed their interests or forced them to change their behavior We are witnessing a systemic attack on American institutions and the American public’s ability to hold power to account Democracy does not die only when speech is banned It also dies when truthful speech ceases to matter Carla Norrlöf is Professor of Political Science at the University of Toronto
GHAzALA AmBREEN
PALESTINE CHR ONICLE STAFF
IRAN INSISTS ON RIGHT TO ENRICHMENT,
QUDRAT ULLAH
Across the avenues and bylanes of Punjab s urban and peri urban landscapes a notable shift is underway: the hum of petrol scooters is increasingly matched and often overtaken by the quiet acceleration of electric two wheelers driven by girls What might seem a simple transport trend is in fact a social and mobility revolution symbolising new independence, economic access and cultural agency for women in Pakistan’s most populous province This transformation is rooted in a deliberate public policy intervention under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif which becomes fully intelligible only when examined through transport-sector metrics, behavioural economics and global mobility discourse
At its core is the Chief Minister ’s e-Bikes Scheme a forwardlooking initiative that promotes green affordable and student-centred mobility By providing subsidised access to electric bikes for enrolled students, the Punjab government has lowered traditional financial barriers to owning a private vehicle In its initial phase 19 000 vehicles were allocated of which 8 179 have already been absorbed by beneficiaries, predominantly female students The scheme ensures equal quota allocation for male and female students at the divisional level with proportional quotas elsewhere Where demand exceeds supply e balloting by domicile ensures procedural fairness, reflecting global best practices in public allocation
From a transport economics perspective the scheme represents more than vehicle distribution; it signals a modal shift a fundamental change in how individuals access daily mobility Traditional
public transport in big cities is characterised by fixed routes, variable reliability and high time costs
Informal paratransit and ride-hailing services add price volatility and safety concerns particularly for women Against this backdrop private two-wheelers especially e bikes, offer predictable travel times, lower operational costs and greater control over personal schedules
E bikes reduce acquisition and operating costs by 60–70 percent compared to petrol motorcycles and cut energy costs by over 80 percent For students who previously spent significant portions of money on fluctuating fuel prices e bikes provide stable lowcost energy inputs tightening the gap between mobility and economic participation
Beyond cost, the transition enables independent mobility, a key predictor of labour market engagement educational continuity and social participation Being able to move autonomously without dependence on siblings male relatives or erratic public vehicles, translates into real opportunity In transport research, this phenomenon is framed as a reduction in mobility poverty where individuals lack affordable reliable and physically accessible transport options Punjab s e-bike scheme is mitigating mobility poverty among female students by creating new travel opportunities aligned with safety, dignity and participation
Globally transport planning increasingly recognises gender-responsive transport policies as essential In many low and middleincome countries, women s access to education and employment is constrained by poor transport infrastructure and safety risks Punjab’s approach linking subsidies to edu-
cation, ensuring quota equity and simplifying procedural access, aligns with international frameworks, such as the World Bank’s Gender and Transport Toolkit Guaranteeing accessible personal vehicles to women has been shown elsewhere to measurably increase female labour force participation, an outcome now emerging in Punjab
The environmental dimension is equally critical Under Pakistan’s National Electric Vehicle Policy electrification of two- and threewheelers is prioritised to reduce urban emissions and accelerate climate-friendly transport E-bikes, as zero-tailpipe emission vehicles, directly reduce particulate matter and greenhouse gas output per kilometre In cities like Lahore broader emobility adoption can meaningfully contribute to air pollution mitigation, a goal often achieved in high-income countries but rarely operationalised at scale in South Asia
E-bikes also improve last-mile connectivity facilitating access from transit hubs to homes campuses or workplaces Inefficient last-mile options historically forced reliance on private cars or informal modes By bridging this gap, e-bikes enhance network efficiency without heavy infrastructure expansion
The behavioural impact is visible on Punjab s roads During peak hours, clusters of women riders navigate 5–15 kilometres daily for education, jobs or other activities These patterns align with transport planners’ definitions of routine commuting and as more women enter regular travel streams the province s modal share shifts from buses, rickshaws or walking toward electrified two-wheelers
(The writer is a Lahore-based public policy analyst and can be reached at qudratu@gmail com)
‘Plan
MOSCOW AG E N C I E S Four Indian students were seriously injured in a knife attack in Ufa Russia in what comes amid rising tensions following India s alignment with the US against Russian energy interests, according to reports from the Indian Embassy in Moscow
The Embassy confirmed the attack on X stating: “An unfortunate incident of attack has occurred in Ufa Several persons including four Indian students have been injured Officials from the Indian Consulate in Kazan were dispatched to Ufa to assist the victims
Details regarding the attackers and motive remain unclear but the timing raises concerns of possible backlash linked to India s recent hawkish stance against Russia in the global energy market
Since 2025 New Delhi has been actively discouraging Russian oil purchases under US pressure a policy that has drawn criticism in Moscow Analysts warn that such policies may have contributed to an increasingly hostile environment for Indian nationals in Russia
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has stressed the safety of Indian students abroad citing data presented to Parliament this week: from 2018 to 2025, 17 stu-
dents died in Canada 9 in the USA and 3 in Australia due to violent attacks The government maintains that all violent incidents are immediately reported to Indian Missions/Posts abroad and coordinated with local authorities to ensure investigations and punishment of perpetrators
Observers note that while India projects concern for its students, its foreign policy choices, particularly in pressuring global allies and targeting Russia economically, may inadvertently endanger its citizens overseas The Ufa attack has intensified scrutiny of New Delhi s approach to its diaspora amid growing geopolitical tensions
German envoy pledges suppor t for Pakistan’s apparel expor ts, urges diversification, innovation
brace innovation to enhance competitiveness
supporting Pakistan’s apparel industry, stressing the need to deepen Pakistan–Germany collaboration to unlock the sector s full export potential as apparel exports have remained largely stagnant for more than a decade
The Ambassador noted that Pakistan’s export figures have shown little progress over the last ten years observing that the export volume today is nearly the same as when she last visited the country a decade ago This stagnation she said underscores the urgent need for Pakistan to diversify its export portfolio, move up the value chain and em-
The session was attended by senior industry leaders including PRGMEA North Zone Chairman
Rizwan Zubair, PHMA North Zone Chairman Abdul Hameed and PRGMEA former Chairman Ijaz Khokhar Participants highlighted the immense potential of Pakistan s apparel sector which plays a vital role
Increasing cooperation, trade volume between Austria, Pakistan top priority: Envoy
Austria On the occasion, the ambassador said that increasing the trade volume between Austria and Pakistan will be a top priority
DUBAI/ISLAMABAD
s ta f f r e p o r t
Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani was the Chief Guest at a prestigious ceremony marking the appointment of Syed Kashif Ali as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Moldova in Pakistan In his keynote address, Chairman Gilani congratulated Syed Kashif Ali on his appointment and described the opening of the Honorary Consulate as a significant milestone in Pakistan–Moldova relations reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and institutional ties between the two countries As a renowned international leader in diplomacy Chairman Gilani emphasized Pakistan's growing role in parliamentary diplomacy highlighting the importance of parliaments in fostering
Punjab Informat on Minister Azma Bokhari with Actress Amna I yas
FOREIGN DIPLOMATS, SHOWBIZ CELEBS FLOCK TO L AHORE AS BASANT LIGHTS UP HISTORIC DELHI GATE
e m J a d o o n
The revival of Basant once again turned Lahore into a vibrant tapestry of colour culture and celebration as the historic Delhi Gate became the focal point of festivities that drew Lahoris, foreign diplomats and leading figures from the entertainment industry Dressed in a yellow shirt in keeping with the festive spirit Natalie Baker thanked the Punjab government for allowing the revival of Basant and appreciated the warm hospitality extended to her She was also treated to traditional Lahori cuisine, adding to the cultural immersion of the occasion Prominent showbiz personalities from Karachi and abroad also joined the celebrations including actors Yasir Hussain, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Adeel, Mohib Mirza, Juggun Kazim, Ali Zarghoon, Faryal Khan, actress Gauhar and actress Aamna The artists lauded the vibrant atmosphere of
Nawaz for reviving Basant
as
and
had
Mikaal Zulfiqar remarked
and
of the festival Actor Adeel said he had become an admirer of Maryam Nawaz crediting the chief minister entirely for the revival of Basant and noting that the festival generated approximately Rs350 million in revenue Actor Yasir Hussain thanked Minister Azma Bokhari for organising a memorable cultural programme stating that Lahore truly lives up to its reputation as a city of lively and warm-hearted people Actor Mohib Mirza shared that wherever he travelled in Lahore, he witnessed the colourful excitement and enthusiasm of Basant celebrations Throughout the event local and international guests along with artists actively participated in the festivities and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting Lahore s rich cultural heritage on the global stage, underscoring Basant s enduring significance as a symbol of the city’s identity and collective joy
Organization (PEDO) have reached an agreement to construct a 22-kilometer transmission line in Swat Construction work on the project is set to begin in the coming days which is expected to save the province billions of rupees and generate significant annual revenue A high-level meeting chaired by Secretary Energy and Power Nisar Ahmed was held to review the project The session was attended by Chief Executive PEDO Engineer Anwar ul Haq, Additional Secretary Power/Admin Anwar Khan Sherani, Chief Engineer Habibullah Shah, Director General MIRAD PESCO Atif Jawad Chief Engineer Development Habibur Rehman and other senior officials During the meeting officials were briefed on the completion status of ongoing hydropower projects in the Swat corridor being executed by PEDO, and the ongoing 40kilometer transmission line project from Matiltan, Swat, to Bahrain, including its technical specifications It was decided to construct a 22-kilometer transmission line from Madin Grid Station to Khawaza Khela Grid Station in Swat district The line will ensure efficient transmission of electricity from PEDO s upcoming hydropower projects, scheduled for completion within the next two to five years Various technical proposals were also presented to ensure the project’s optimal design and performance At the occasion Secretary Energy and Power Nisar Ahmed described the province-owned transmission lines as a game changer for KP s upcoming energy projects He highlighted that the network would provide the province with its own transmission infrastructure and represent a key milestone for regional economic
Extending the previously announced deadline, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday declared that Basant festivities in Lahore could continue until 5am on Monday Earlier the Punjab government had approved Basant celebrations in the provincial capital for three days from February 6 to 8 Announcing the extension in a post on social media platform X, the provincial chief executive
China, turkiye condemn Islamabad bombing, reaffirm support for Pakistan
ISLAMABAD
s ta f f r e p o r t
China on Sunday strongly condemned the deadly suicide bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad earlier this week reaffirming its firm support for Pakistan in safeguarding national security and stability China is deeply shocked by the deadly explosion in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad and the heavy casualties it has inflicted China mourns the lives lost and our hearts go out to the injured and to those who have lost their loved ones, the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement
“China strongly condemns the attack opposes all forms of terrorism and firmly supports the Pakistani government in safeguarding national security and stability and in protecting the safety of the people, it added Turkiye FM offers condolences over loss of life
Separately Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conveyed heartfelt condolences over the loss of life during a telephone call with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Office (FO) said
According to the FO, Fidan extended condolences on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan himself and the brotherly people of Turkiye following the attack
Foreign Minister Dar thanked the Turkish leadership for its solidarity and reaffirmed Pakistan s unshaken resolve to combat terrorism and ensure the protection of civilians “Both leaders also exchanged views on bilateral relations matters of mutual interest and key regional and international developments, the FO added Suicide bombing during Jumma prayers
The suicide bombing occurred on Friday inside the mosque at Imambargah Qasr-i-Khadijatul Kubra located in the Tarlai area of what is considered rural Islamabad , off Lehtrar Road The attack left over 30 people dead and more than 100 injured Police officials said the blast took place after Friday prayers when the attacker was intercepted at the gate of the mosque where he detonated his explosive payload
Footage and photographs from the scene showed several bodies lying near the mosque’s main en-
trance, while debris and bloodstains were scattered across the red-carpeted prayer hall
Dozens of wounded worshippers were also seen lying in the garden outside the mosque as frantic calls for help echoed through the area The brazen attack triggered an outpouring of grief nationwide and drew condemnations from world capitals as well as from local political and religious groups Investigation and arrests
As investigations continue authorities have pointed fingers at Afghanistan and India Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday that four facilitators behind the suicide bombing including the mastermind had been arrested during overnight raids in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
He said multiple agencies launched investigations immediately after the blast and conducted coordinated operations overnight I want to praise our agencies and the Counter-Terrorism Department in KP that all the people linked to the blast, including the masterminds, were arrested before 3am ” Naqvi said
Pakistan navy chief visits Malaysia to deepen maritime security cooperation
ISLAMABAD
s ta f f r e p o r t
Underscoring Pakistan Navy s commitment to cooperative maritime security and proactive naval diplomacy, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf paid an official visit to Malaysia and held highlevel engagements with the leadership of the Royal Malaysian Navy according to the military s media wing on Sunday In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, The visit began at the Royal Malaysian Navy Headquarters, where Admiral Naveed Ashraf was received by the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy Admiral Tan Sri (Dr ) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain and was accorded a Guard of Honour reflecting the strong professional ties between the two services During the engagement, the two naval chiefs exchanged views on aligning strategic outlooks amid an increasingly complex and evolving maritime
security environment Both sides reviewed avenues for enhanced operational collaboration, capacity building, and coordinated responses to emerging maritime challenges Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted Pakistan Navy’s active con-
to regional stability through sustained Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) and its consistent participation in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), reinforcing Pakistan’s role as a responsible and dependable
maritime stakeholder, the ISPR said As part of the visit, the Chief of the Naval Staff also called on Malaysia’s National Hydrographic Centre (NHC) where he was briefed on its technical capabilities and its role in promoting maritime safety
destabilizing the
country These terrorist incidents are a continued attempt to undermine Pakistan’s peace and stability and to reverse its economic recovery and growing international profile But we will tackle them effectively Ahmad said He identified the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) as the primary groups attempting to create instability “Over the years, Pakistan has successfully countered terrorist and militant networks he said adding that the Taliban s return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021 has allowed these groups to regroup train, and plan attacks across the border Pakistan has raised the issue both bilaterally and at multilateral forums, including the UN Security Council citing monitoring reports that highlight the presence of TTP elements and the permissive environment in Afghanistan We have the capability to address this threat Many of these elements have already been neutralized, Ahmad said, noting that billions of dollars worth of abandoned military equipment left behind by international forces has fallen into the hands
of terrorist groups Economic progress under attack Ahmad stressed that Pakistan’s economy has improved significantly through reforms IMF-linked measures and bilateral engagement Macroeconomic indicators are pointing in the right direction, and we are actively improving the investment climate China remains engaged through the CPEC, Saudi Arabia is exploring major investments, and we are expanding relations with the UAE Qatar Turkey and the US he said He linked recent militant attacks directly to Pakistan s rising economic and diplomatic profile These incidents are a deliberate attempt to undermine Pakistan s progress, its growing role at the UN, and the enhanced profile following the recent conflict with India ” he said Gaza and international diplomacy On Gaza Ahmad reiterated Pakistan s firm condemnation of Israel s repeated violations of the ceasefire and international law Our position is clear in the Security Council, the General Assembly, and from our leadership We are deeply concerned by these continuing violations, he said He recalled Pakistan’s role alongside the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab partners