TRUMP TOUTS ‘BETTER THAN OBAMA’ IRAN DEAL AS ISL AMABAD TALKS FACE UNCERTAINT Y
not submit to force ” Earlier Pezeshkian said Iran would seek to end the war imposed on the country by the US and the Israeli regime while preserving national honour
Pezeshkian made the remarks during a visit to a fire station, where he expressed gratitude for the efforts of firefighters and emergency personnel particularly during the 40day war
During the visit the president received a briefing on the services provided by firefighting units to the public throughout the war
islamabad locked down, offices,
Pezeshkian said,
Emphasising the importance of managing wartime conditions intelligently the president said “Today we are endeavouring to manage these difficult circumstances through prudence, wisdom, and the preservation of national honour, so that we may subsequently focus on reconstruction and problem-solving through precise planning ”
Referring to the economic and social consequences of the conflict Pezeshkian said It is natural that after the conclusion of hostilities the country will face challenges in reconstruction, securing financial resources, and market control
Naqvi meets Iran, US envoys to discuss preparations as ‘uncertainty clouds 2nd round of Islamabad Talks’
ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t
Pakistan on Monday intensified efforts to facilitate a second round of “Islamabad Talks” between the United States and Iran as Interior
Minister Mohsin Naqvi held separate meetings with the two countries envoys amid lingering uncertainty over whether the negotiations will proceed ” Uncertainty persisted over the planned second round with mixed signals emerging from Tehran even as Islamabad continued preparations to host the talks
Naqvi s stepped-up diplomatic engagement comes as Pakistan positions itself to host what officials describe as a “possible second round of negotiations following an inconclusive first round
According to separate statements issued by the Interior Min-
istry Naqvi met US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker and Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam to review arrangements and regional developments In his meeting with the Iranian envoy, Naqvi said Pakistan had completed preparations for the talks and ensured “foolproof” security arrangements for all foreign
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution in support of the Islamabad Talks reiterating its backing for peace and diplomacy and terming the US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad an
Pakistan s peace efforts, emphasising that only sustained diplomacy could help de-escalate tensions in the region Talks amid fragile momentum The diplomatic outreach comes after 40 days of airstrikes, following which US and Iranian negotiators opened talks in Islamabad earlier this month, focusing once again on the core trade-off between
PAKISTAN IN ADVANCED TALKS WITH QATAR FOR FOUR LNG CARGOES AMID POWER SHORTFALL
which
nal authorities were not required as the policy board holds statutory authority over such matters
The regulator also said information was shared with oversight bodies, including parliamentary committees, as required under relevant procedures On audit status, the SECP said the matter has not yet been taken up at the Departmental Accounts Committee level adding that audit observations are addressed through established mechanisms with the Auditor General of Pakistan
by Vice President JD Vance is expected to arrive in Pakistan Pakistan has emerged as a key facilitator in the sensitive diplomatic track, positioning itself as an “honest broker” amid sharply divided positions between Washington and Tehran
Naqvi meets Iran, US envoys to discuss preparations as ‘uncer taint y clouds 2nd round of Islamabad Talks’
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
“Pakistan-Iran relations span decades and we hold these brotherly ties in high esteem Naqvi said reiterating Islamabad s support for resolving the US-Iran conflict through dialogue A lasting solution is essential for regional peace and stability,” he added Senior Islamabad officials including Chief Commissioner Sohail Ashraf Inspector General of Police Ali Nasir Rizvi and Deputy Commissioner Irfan Memon attended the meeting Earlier Naqvi met Baker at the US Embassy in Islamabad s Diplomatic Enclave, where they discussed the regional situation and ways to strengthen Pakistan-US ties He briefed the US envoy on security arrangements stating that “special measures” had been put in place for visiting delegations US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that American representatives would arrive in Islamabad for talks with Iran, raising expectations despite the uncertainty
PAKISTAN SIGNS IFC DEAL FOR NATIONWIDE SMART METER ROLLOUT
Trump touts ‘better than Obama’ Iran deal as Islamabad talks face uncer tainty
I have no problem meeting them he said If they want to meet and we have some very capable people, but I have no problem meeting them
At the centre of the negotiations, Trump said was a firm US demand that Iran abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons Get rid of their nuclear weapons That s all very simple he said There will be no nuclear weapon
He added that Iran could prosper if it complies with this condition
and
would be
be
to meet with
adding that
ers
if progress was made Anadolu and
Jazeera reported that Trump told Fox News that the Iran deal would be signed today in Pakistan It was not immediately clear what timeframe he was referring to Trump warned that if no deal was signed, he would "blow up every single power plant and bridge in Iran" Iran has neither confirmed the claim nor announced a decision to send a delegation to Islamabad However Pakistani sources told the New York Post that Tehran was willing for a second round but that "no decision has been taken about" it In an interview with the New York Post, Trump said that he would be willing to meet with Iranian leaders himself if progress was made Trump said negotiations with Iran were expected to proceed expressing confidence that talks would not collapse despite lingering uncertainty
“We’re supposed to have the talks,” Trump said in a brief interview, brushing aside doubts about whether negotiations would fall apart So I would assume at this point nobody s playing games
He confirmed that a high-level US delegation including JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner was already en route to Islamabad for the next round of negotiations
“They’re heading over now ” Trump said shortly after 9 am EST They ll be there tonight [Islamabad] time However, according to a source familiar with the matter, Vance is in the US and has not departed for Pakistan It was not clear when he might travel or whether other members of a US delegation were en route or already in Islamabad for talks
Trump also signalled openness to a potential face-to-face meeting with the Iranian leadership if an opportunity arose
“Otherwise, a wonderful country it truly could be ” Trump said However Trump declined to outline potential consequences if Tehran refused to comply or if talks collapsed particularly as the ceasefire deadline approached
Well, I don t want to get into that with you,” he said when asked whether the US would escalate measures such as seizing additional ships tied to Iran You can imagine It wouldn t be pretty Asked whether Washington was confident about its counterparts in Tehran, Trump said: We have pretty good ideas, and we think we’re dealing with the right people ” Later in a post on Truth Social Trump said Israel had not persuaded him to go to war with Iran stating that the results of October 7 added to my lifelong opinion that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon , were responsible for his decision "I watch and read the fake news pundits and polls in total disbelief Ninety per cent of what they say is lies and made-up stories and the polls are rigged much as the 2020 presidential election was rigged he wrote Just like the results in Venezuela which the media doesn't like talking about, the results in Iran will be amazing - and if Iran's new leaders (Regime Change!) are smart, Iran can have a great and prosperous future " he added
R: Iran s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tehran would not accept any terms beyond international law in its dealings with the US Speaking in an interview with state broadcaster IRIB Khatibzadeh said: Time should not place Iran under pressure He added that Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghaalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have already presented what he described as fair and practical
proposals within the framework of Iran s legal rights Khatibzadeh also said many statements by US officials were aimed at domestic audiences and influencing markets, rather than reflecting a consistent policy approach He stressed that Iran’s strategy was not shaped by US rhetoric whether positive or negative and reiterated that Tehran would not accept anything beyond international law The deputy minister also emphasised that diplomacy remained the only viable path to resolving crises, calling on the United States to abandon what he described as a “maximalist approach and engage with Iran on the basis of mutual respect
O N': Pakistan is expecting positive development soon” regarding the Strait of Hormuz following a call from the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Force Field Marshal Asim Munir to Trump Pakistani government sources told Anadolu on Monday with the request of anonymity The intense diplomatic efforts by Islamabad come to smooth the way for the second round of talks between the US and Iran expected any time soon in the Pakistani capital We expect positive development soon sources said referring to a phone call by Field Marshal Munir with Trump during which they discussed the Pakistani mediation process and the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
Earlier, Pezeshkian said that every rational and diplomatic path should be used to reduce tensions with the US but added that vigilance and distrust in interactions with Washington were an undeniable necessity according to
The Karachi-to-Peshawar Khyber Mail was delayed by three hours although passengers continued to arrive in large numbers The Metro Bus Authority also announced the complete suspension of the Red Metro Bus Service from Saddar Station in Rawalpindi to Pak Secretariat Station in Islamabad until further notice S E C U R
Y: Authorities said the measures are part of comprehensive security arrangements for the expected diplomatic engagement, aimed at ensuring safety and maintaining order during high-level talks Security has been significantly tightened across the capital with Islamabad Police personnel barred from using mobile phones while on duty and instructed to wear anti-riot gear Islamabad Police, Pakistan Rangers, and the Frontier Corps will jointly
advised to strictly follow diversion plans and stay updated through official police channels
LY
L
S E D: Several motorways leading to Islamabad, including M1, M2, and M3, have been closed for public transport, though they remain open for private vehicles A spokesperson for the Lahore administration confirmed that the M2 Lahore–Islamabad motorway has been restricted for public transport only, following federal government instructions for “foolproof security arrangements ” Officials said similar restrictions apply to M1 and M3 motorways
Security arrangements have intensified ahead of the anticipated second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad Pakistan previously hosted the first round of direct US-Iran negotiations on April 11–12 which ended without agreement but without collapse, while the two-week ceasefire brokered earlier remains in place and set to expire on April 22 US President Donald Trump earlier signalled optimism over ongoing diplomatic efforts though tensions persist over key issues including maritime security and the Strait of Hormuz Iran has meanwhile maintained its position on regional maritime access and sanctions-related disputes
lamabad and Rawalpindi, including routes via Korang Road, Bani Gala, Murree Road and Rawal Road Heavy traffic between GT Road and Peshawar or Lahore will be diverted via Taxila Motorway Chakri Interchange, Chak Beli Road, and Rawat GT Road Citizens have been
COMMENT
Peace, not posturing
Dedicated
M A Niazi
Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
I q b a l i n
Toffered the choice of becoming the head of this state and of the writings of Allama Iqbal he would choose the latter Allama Iqbal is the only universal reformer among all those who got the highest modern education along with ancient learning As far as Allama Iqbal’s highest place in both the Islamic and non-Islamic worlds is concerned, it is based on his later poetry not his earlier That leads us to understand that his earlier poetry deals with and reflects his non-philosophical and traditional aspect though reflecting some new trends,, and of a non-Islamic, secular type In this early poetry, Allama Iqbal stands for the things others do Allama Iqbal’s early poetry and its thoughts belong to the period before he went abroad from his very beginning to 1905 This is the period to which belongs the first part of his first poetic collection, Bang-i Dara In his early poetry, Iqbal follows different traditional Western-cum-Eastern thoughts At that time we find, when Iqbal was born and grew up even at the time of his early poetry Europe had two thoughts at their extreme rationalism and nationalism Rationalism is totally based on nonreligious wisdom, even being anti-religion, nationalism is also anti-religious, being based on patriotism or secularism Patriotism, or we can say areawise nationalism was being implemented everywhere globally A country was not only a country but a nation
tion Programme (PSRP) and the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF), is being closely watched by educators, parents, and policy observers
Her approach appears to build
framework rather than discarding it
PSRP which places underperforming public schools under the management of private partners has been both praised and criticised over the years Supporters argue that it injects efficiency and accountability into a system weighed down by bureaucratic inertia Critics however caution that it risks diluting the public character of education and may prioritise numbers over substance Within this debate Maryam Nawaz Sharif s stated emphasis on improving access and standards suggests a pragmatic rather than ideological stance Her public addresses have repeatedly highlighted the need to ensure that no child is left out of school due to poverty or geography In a province where millions of children remain out of school such a focus resonates with ground realities The role of PEF in this vision is central Established as a vehicle to promote public-private partnerships in education, the foundation has expanded its reach over the years, particularly in low-income communities Through programmes that subsidise tuition for students in private schools it has sought to bridge the affordability gap Under the current administration there are indications that this model may be further strengthened with an emphasis on expanding coverage and tightening oversight Observers note that one of the more significant aspects of this approach is its reliance on measurable outcomes Schools operating under PEFsupported schemes are required to meet certain performance benchmarks often assessed through standardised testing This has introduced a culture of evaluation that is not always present in traditional public schools For policymakers such data offers a way to track progress and identify gaps For teachers and students, however, it can sometimes translate into pressure to perform within narrow parameters Maryam Nawaz Sharif ’s challenge lies in balancing these competing considerations On one hand there is a clear need to raise standards and ensure accountability On the other education cannot be reduced to test scores alone Issues such as teacher training, curriculum relevance, and student well-being require
equal attention In her recent statements, there has been some recognition of this broader picture, with references to improving school infrastructure investing in teacher capacity and incorporating modern teaching methods Another dimension of her educational vision is its social context In many parts of Punjab particularly in rural and underserved urban areas, schools are not just centres of learning but also spaces of social mobility For families struggling with economic hardship, the availability of a functional school nearby can make a tangible difference By expanding programmes under PEF and refining initiatives like PSRP the government appears to be aiming for a model that combines reach with a degree of flexibility Yet, questions remain about sustainability Public-private partnerships can deliver results in the short to medium term, but they also require consistent funding and effective regulation Ensuring that partner schools adhere to agreed standards while also maintaining affordability for families is no small task Past experiences have shown that without robust monitoring, disparities can emerge between different regions and providers There is also the issue of perception For many, public education carries an expectation of state responsibility The increasing role of private actors even within a regulated framework can raise concerns about equity and long-term direction Maryam Nawaz Sharif
Grain gains matter
inefficient irrigation, imbalanced fertiliser use, delayed sowing, poor crop rotation, low seed quality, and limited adoption of climate-smart technologies
b e t t e r t h a n t h e w h o l e wo r l d ) c a n s k e t ch
a f u r t h e r p i c t u r e o f t h e c o n t e m p o r a r y a n d We s t e r n p a t r i o t i s m i n t h e m i n d o f I q b a l Ês e a r ly m i n d a n d e a r ly p o e t r y T h
Post-harvest losses and weak extension services further exacerbate the problem Addressing these challenges requires integrated researchbased interventions supported by strong institutional frame-works Proper land preparation is crucial for achieving the productive potential of wheat, influencing all growth stages from germination to grain formation Optimised tillage practices, such as a sequence of mouldboard ploughing, disc harrowing, rotavation and planking, can increase yields by 13-30 per cent Laser land-levelling is also important enhancing irrigation uniformity reducing runoff and improving water-use efficiency Research shows that laser levelling needs to be repeated every three years, which significantly increases net income and reduces water use by more than half compared to the traditional methods These improvements can really lay the foundation for better plant establishment and more sustainable wheat production
The sowing method plays a very decisive role in wheat productivity Conventional methods that are commonly used lead to poor germination and high water consumption In contrast modern sowing techniques, such as ridge planting, raised-bed planting, and drill sowing, can increase yields by 9-22pc while significantly improving water-use efficiency Each method requires specific tillage sequences and irrigation practices to maximise performance
Equally important is the alignment of suitable wheat varieties with appropriate row spacing and timely sowing Delayed sowing can reduce yields by 8-64pc while early sowing enables various varieties to escape heat stress and disease, resulting in higher productivity Poor weed control and disease manage-ment practices result in 1725pc losses in the wheat yield, which is also threatened by fungal diseases, including rust, loose smut, and root rot, that can reduce the yields by up to 50pc Early planting combined with balanced fertilisation can help mitigate rust infestation across various wheat varieties Balanced fertiliser use and efficient irrigation scheduling represent additional pillars of sustainable wheat production Excessive irrigation in conventional systems leads to nutrient leaching, shallow water tables, waterlogging, and ground-water deterioration Proper irrigation timing and depth ensure that nutrients remain within the
Today is Allama Iqbal’s 88th death anniversar y
In a televised interview, Iranian Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf who headed Iran’s negotiating delegation in Islamabad addressed ten key questions regarding the talks with the United states and other topics Here s a concise summary of the interview in a question-and-answer format
1 Why do you believe Iran is victorious in this war? Trump did not achieve his goals He faced a worse disaster in Isfahan than in Tabas [the ill-fated Operation eagle Claw in 1980] We are undoubtedly victorious
The recent conflict is the third imposed war, which started with america’s cunning in the middle of negotiations In the 12-day war [in June 2025] there was a 14-hour delay in our reaction But in the third imposed war despite the martyrdom of the commander-in-chief [of the armed forces, ayatollah seyyed ali Kamenei], the IrGC commander-in-chief, and the chief of general staff of the armed forces our reaction was carried out in the shortest possible time and with precision The F-35 incident was not an accident It was the result of a laborious and operational effort With the missile that exploded near the aircraft, the enemy understood our capabilities Iran has become more formidable in its offensive capabilities and [military] design than in the past The adversaries could not believe it until they saw it proven in the field For nearly 50 nights, [the Iranian] people have remained on the streets Iran hit about 180 [enemy] drones a capability it did not have in the previous war
2 Do you say that Iran is stronger than the US militarily? The americans possess more wealth, equipment, and military facilities, and the Zionist regime also holds great power We did not destroy them [nevertheless,] we are the winners in this war We fought an asymmetric war and repelled the enemy with our own design and preparation The enemy had money and facilities but did not act correctly
3 Why has Trump called for a ceasefire? The Us government claims “america First ” but in practice it demonstrates that
chains despite the political rhetoric of decoupling heard in Western capitals Geopolitically we are witnessing a profound diversification of trade routes The era of over-reliance on a few Western markets is giving way to a more multipolar trade map In the first quarter, trade with Belt and
r. T h i s i s a c r i t i c a l m e t r i c b e c a u s e i t c o u n t e r s t h e f r e q u e n t
We s t e r n n a r r a t i v e t h a t C h i n a Ês e c o n o my i s b e c o m i n g a s t a g n a n t m o n o l i t h o f s t a t e -
l e d a c t i
The idea that we destroyed the enemy s military is not true even though we did not destroy them, we are still the winners; that is a different matter Whether in the field, in the streets, or in diplomacy, it is we who command the position of strength The enemy cannot impose its will on us negotiation is simply another form of struggle There will be no compromise in diplomacy If the enemy makes a mistake at any moment, we are ready We have no trust in the enemy The armed forces are fully prepared On approximately the 36th or 37th day of the conflict a 15-point proposal was conveyed to Iran through Pakistani intermediaries, specifically the Prime Minister and the Chief of army staff [This is after] Trump had threatened to hit [our] infrastructure after review, Iran formulated ten points that outlined the nation’s demands We informed Pakistan that we did not accept the original fifteen points but that our ten points were acceptable We stated that if the Us had input on these ten points, they were negotiable The americans later proposed nine points, but Iran insisted on its original ten eventually the Us requested a temporary ceasefire to begin the negotiations
4 What role did you expect Trump to play in announcing the ceasefire?
We informed Pakistan: if the Us wants a ceasefire, Trump must announce the request on his [Truth social] account This ensures everyone knows the request originated with them This is the diplomacy of authority Hezbollah launched its recent operations to support Iran; the resistance Front came to our aid Therefore, the ceasefire had to include them a primary condition from Iran was a region-wide ceasefire, including both Iran and the resistance Front
5 Who currently controls the Strait of Hormuz? The Iranian armed Forces control the strait of Hormuz Our intent is for those who did not align with the enemy to pass through without difficulty We have no desire to increase insecurity; not now and never after the talks in Islamabad started the Us attempted to send a minesweeper after discovering a mine [in the strait of Hormuz] but we did not back down We warned that it would be a violation of the ceasefire and that we would strike We moved to the brink of conflict and they retreated
6 What exactly did you tell the American delegation about their minesweeper? In Islamabad, I warned the american delegation: If your minesweeper advances even a small distance, we will shoot ” They requested 15 minutes to issue a command to turn back They gave the order and it returned
7 What is your response to the US blockade of Iran?
The americans have been trying to impose a blockade for days This supposed siege means that while others pass freely, Iran is blocked! It is a decision rooted in clumsiness and ignorance
8 What will happen if the US does not lift the blockade?
If the U s refuses to lift its blockade the strait of Hormuz will be restricted If we are prevented from passing, then we will ensure no one [connected to the adversaries] passes I have no trust in the enemy Building trust is their first task Trump posted [on Truth social] that the negotiators were alive to negotiate but if no decision is made within 24 hours, it is unknown if they will stay alive This is your behavior We will stand until the end
9 When did negotiations with the US actually begin? We did not hold any negotiations until 48 hours before the ceasefire Trump is a master of lying and psychological warfare Yesterday [on april 17], he posted eight tweets, seven of which were false
The negotiations began when Trump posted a request for a ceasefire We summarized our position in 10 points and the leader of the Islamic revolution [ayatollah seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei] accepted the underlying basis and the specific conditions [to start the negotiations] We were in Pakistan for thirty hours, arriving at midnight on saturday There were no prior negotiations with the U s before this; there were only exchanges of messages [through mediators ] We view negotiation as a method of struggle, a way to complete the work of the field and assert the rights of our people on the streets rest assured we are pursuing these issues one step at a time
10 How would you describe your personal readiness for what lies ahead?
Whether it is a matter of negotiation papers or war plans, my resolve
TEHRAN TIMES
POLICY ANALYSIS
CHINA'S XI CALLS FOR STRAIT OF HORMUZ TO REMAIN OPEN IN CALL WITH SAUDI CROWN PRINCE
incident, in which two other people were injured, occurred during routine water trucking operations with no changes in movement or procedures it said adding that the point was used multiple times a day by Unicef and its humanitarian partners Following the incident all activities at the filling point had been suspended, it said, urging the Israeli authorities to “immediately investigate” the incident and ensure those responsible be held accountable Humanitarian workers essential service providers and civilian infrastructure, including critical water facilities, must never be targeted The protection of civilians and those delivering life-saving assistance is an obligation under international humanitarian law
Unicef said Earlier on Saturday Gaza s health ministry which operates under Hamas authority, reported an overall death toll of 72,549 since October 2023 That number includes 773 Palestinians killed since the Gaza ceasefire came into effect on Oct 10 2025 Israeli army claims
On Saturday, the Israeli army said troops had opened fire in two incidents in the Gaza Strip’s north and south eliminating “two infiltrators who crossed the Yellow Line and approached the forces posing an immediate threat
FBI D irec tor K ash Patel files defamation suit against The Atlantic
WASHINGTON
AG E N C I E S
FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick over an article that alleged he had a drinking problem and was frequently absent from work claims Patel has denied According to Reuters the lawsuit was filed after The Atlantic published a report on Friday that said Patel s alleged conduct could pose a national security risk The article was initially published under the headline Kash Patel’s Erratic Behavior Could Cost Him His Job and cited more than two dozen anonymous sources who voiced concern over what it described as Patel s visible intoxication and unexplained absences, which it said had worried officials at the FBI and the Department of Justice The online version of the article was later retitled The FBI Director Is MIA Reuters said it could not independ-
ently verify the claims made in The Atlantic s report or determine why the headline was changed The article alleged that early meetings at the FBI had to be rescheduled because of Patel’s latenight drinking and that he was often away or unreachable slowing decisions needed to move investigations forward Reuters reported that the White House, the Department of Justice and Patel all denied the allegations in The Atlantic’s story The report also carried a statement from the FBI attributed to Patel which said: Print it all false I ll see you in court, bring your checkbook Patel repeated his denial in an interview with Reuters, saying: The Atlantic’s story is a lie They were given the truth before they published and they chose to print falsehoods anyway After Patel threatened legal action during an appearance on Fox News on Sunday, The Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg told CNBC:
We stand by our reporting on Kash Patel Lawsuit seeks $250 million The complaint, filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, seeks $250 million in damages It argues that while The Atlantic was entitled to criticise the FBI s leadership it crossed a legal boundary by publishing an article replete with false and obviously fabricated allegations designed to destroy Director Patel’s reputation and drive him from office The lawsuit further alleges that The Atlantic ignored denials issued by the FBI and did not respond to a Friday letter from Patel s lawyer, Jesse Binnall, sent to senior editors and the magazine’s legal department According to the complaint the letter requested more time to rebut 19 allegations that the reporter had told the FBI press office
CORPORATE CORNER
ATIR GRANTS TA X RELIEF TO IT EXPORTER, REMANDS RS51.2 MILLION CASE
to the media after receiving a detailed briefing on development projects and the law and order situation at the Deputy Commissioner ’s Office in Sheikhupura Azma Bokhari revealed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a historic development package worth Rs 48 billion for Sheikhupura Under this package, extensive work is underway across the district, including the construction of new roads modern sewerage systems water tanks and city beautification projects
She emphasized that unlike in the past, development is no longer limited to selected areas but is now reaching every town and village across Punjab An amount exceeding Rs 12 5 billion has been allocated specifically for WASA-related projects
Sharing a major development for the city she announced that ecofriendly electric green buses will
begin operating between Lahore and Sheikhupura within the next 10 days
This service will particularly benefit female students, working women, and elderly citizens by providing safe and dignified transportation
She directed the administration to complete the construction of modern depots and charging stations on an emergency basis
Speaking about sanitation and rural uplift, Azma Bokhari said that the flagship programs “Suthra Punjab and Model Village are transforming rural areas Under these initiatives projects worth Rs 809 million are being implemented to provide sewerage systems and basic facilities
She added that, for the first time in 74 years a structured waste management system has been established which is being closely monitored
On administrative discipline she made it clear that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has issued strict instructions that no delays in development projects or compromises on safety measures will be tolerated She directed the Deputy Commissioner to display project details and visuals at excavation sites so that the public remains informed about the benefits following temporary inconvenience Highlighting improvements in law and order she appreciated the performance of the Punjab Police stating that in line with the Chief Minister s vision significant progress has been achieved, including up to a 40% reduction in rape cases She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to intensifying crackdowns against drug trafficking and child abuse
ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t
Following the special directives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, Islamabad Police has taken effective measures to ensure foolproof security and efficient traffic management in the federal capital In this regard Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Islamabad Muhammad
Sarfraz Virk, accompanied by SSP Operations Islamabad Qazi Ali Raza, visited various duty points in the city They met with police officers and officials present on duty
On this occasion while reviewing the checking process, they directed the concerned
GOVT WORKING TO STABILISE FUEL PRICES AMID GLOBAL TENSIONS, SAYS PETROLEUM MINISTER
Egypt conclude
and Egypt have wrapped up a two-week joint military exercise centred on counterterrorism operations at Cherat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) In a statement issued on Monday, the military s media wing said the Pakistan-Egypt Joint Exercise Thunder-II was held at the Special Operations School in Cherat, described as the military’s premier Special Operations School The ISPR said the exercise was designed to improve interoperability between the
The closing ceremony was attended by the General Officer Commanding SSG Commander of Egyptian Paratroopers Major General Mohamed Saad Abdel Razik and Egypt’s defence attaché were also present at the event, the ISPR said The military’s media wing said the exercise also contributed to deepening defence ties between the two countries The exercise also served to further strengthen the longstanding and historic military-to-military relations between the two friendly nations it stated Pakistan and Egypt maintain long-standing bilateral relations According to the reports, the joint exercise had commenced on April 6 at the Special Operations School in Cherat Last year Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir during a meeting with Egyptian defence officials in October reaffirmed Pakistan s commitment to enhanced defence and military cooperation with Egypt PTI warns of looming food crisis, slams govt over ‘anti-farmer’ policies
ISLAMABAD s ta f f r e p o r t Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram on Monday launched a scathing attack on the government accusing it of pursuing flawed short-sighted and agenda-driven policies that have crippled key sectors of the economy, which he claimed had performed significantly better under the leadership of Imran Khan In a strongly worded statement, the PTI leader said the government’s “anti-people and anti-farmer policies” had brought economic activity to a near standstill pushing Pakistan s agricultural backbone into deep distress and paralysing the broader economy He
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal told
that
allocations
in
weigh
This (cut in development budget) will have a negative impact and, coupled with international oil prices and inflation, will result in economic slowdown and affect our growth target of 4 2pc” for the current year His remarks marked the first official acknowledgement that growth may fall short of the target although international lenders had already projected Pakistan s
growth rate in the range of 3 2pc to 3 5pc Development spending reduced Responding to a question the minister said the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the current fiscal year had been cut by Rs173 billion, bringing it down to Rs837bn from the budgeted Rs1 01 trillion
He said the reduction was made to help finance the Prime Minister s Austerity Fund which was set up to subsidise fuel prices, especially diesel, during the harvesting season
Iqbal said Pakistan’s gross domestic product grew by 3 8pc in the first two quarters from July to December compared to 1 9pc in the same period last year before what he described as an external shock from the Middle East crisis affected Pakistan and other economies He said the impact on the growth outlook would be smaller in the current fiscal year because the crisis emerged after
three quarters had already passed, but warned that the effect would be more pronounced in the first six months of the next fiscal year even if the war ended immediately He added that global supply chains and markets usually required six to nine months to return to normal Oil prices, inflation and subsidies
The planning minister said oil prices and uninterrupted supply were critical for the global economy and that higher prices had raised export costs internationally He said Pakistan had avoided disruptions in oil supplies through proactive decisions, but added that consumption had to be controlled through price adjustments to prevent domestic and external deficits from widening Under that approach, he said, the government first raised diesel and petrol prices by Rs55 per litre and then kept them unchanged for the next two weeks by providing a Rs129bn subsidy through a Rs100bn reduction in development spending
LAHORE s a l e e M J a d o o n
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday reaffirmed her commitment to transforming barren lands across the province into productive economic zones under the Blue Economy Programme, saying the promotion of aquaculture and shrimp farming on international standards would generate employment rehabilitate unused land and boost exports, according to a DGPR handout
“Significant progress has been achieved in developing infrastructure for shrimp farming projects in Sargodha Estate Ali Wala and Shah Garh the chief minister said commending the team for ex-
pediting work according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister s Office (CMO) At the Sargodha shrimp farming project, excavation of 118 ponds has been completed, alongside the boring of 116 tube wells and 100 percent land clearing and
survey over 365 acres Construction of the warehouse is 90 percent complete, while work on the administration block and feed store is progressing rapidly The project spans a total area of 500 acres In the Ali Wala shrimp estate 90 percent of the allocated 1 267 acres has been cleared Excavation of 642 out of 737 ponds has been completed, while 91 percent work on the drainage system and 100 percent excavation of MDC drains have been finalised Survey and clearing of a 9 000-metre road network have been completed along with 80 percent of earth-filling work Foundations for the administration office, hostel, warehouse and labour residences have also been laid
