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Tuesday, 12 May, 2026 | 15 Dhul-Qadah, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 47 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
COALITION TALKS INTENSIFY AS 27TH CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT EMERGES AS KEY POLITICAL FLASHPOINT
g HIGH-LEVEL MEETING FOCUSES ON REGIONAL g PM SEEKS PPP'S SUPPORT FOR UPCOMING
STABILITY AND ECONOMIC PRESSURES
g PRESIDENT SEEKS TIME FOR INTRA-PARTY
CONSULTATIONS AND CALCULATIONS
27TH CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
g COALITION UNITY TESTED AS
CONSTITUTIONAL DEBATE INTENSIFIES
ISLAMABAD
One Constitution Avenue scandal probe report to be 'submitted' to PM this week
Mian abrar
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the presidency to discuss the ongoing political situation and matters pertaining to the upcoming finance bill and other legislative business likely to be tabled in the upcoming sessions of both Houses of the Parliament. While the official readout focused on regional security, Afghanistan, economic pressures and relief measures for the public, political sources say the meeting also reflected growing coordination — and subtle tensions — within the ruling coalition as the government seeks support of all the stakeholders for a major constitutional package still under deliberation. The meeting was attended by key federal figures including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, and senior political figure Dr Asim Hussain. The high-level meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the President’s Office has taken on added political significance amid emerging behind-thescenes consultations over the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment and its implications for the country’s power structure and coalition stability. According to sources familiar with the discussion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is said to have formally sought President Zardari’s political facilitation in mobilising support from the Pakistan Peoples Party for the proposed 27th Constitutional
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Amendment, which is being positioned by the government as part of broader institutional and governance reforms. The amendment, still under internal consultation, is understood to include provisions related to constitutional restructuring, federal-provincial coordination, judicial reforms, and administrative efficiency. However, the exact contours of the draft have not yet been officially shared with all coalition partners, fueling speculation and political caution within allied ranks. Sources suggest that President Zardari did not commit to an unconditional endorsement of the proposal during the meeting. Instead, he reportedly adopted a measured stance, emphasising internal party consultation and broader political consensus before any final decision. Within political circles, this cautious approach is being interpreted as part of a broader strategy by the PPP leadership to retain lever-
Ishaq Dar lauds US for helping repatriate seafarers, reaffirms Pakistan's role in Iran-US diplomacy ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday appreciated the United States’ assistance in facilitating the repatriation of Pakistani and Iranian seafarers via Singapore during a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Natalie Baker called on Dar in Islamabad, where both sides discussed the evolving regional situation and broader Pakistan-US bilateral relations. During the meeting, Dar highlighted Pakistan’s role in facilitating communication between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts would contribute to peace and stability in the region and beyond. Last week, Dar had sought Singapore’s assistance to facilitate the welfare and repatriation of 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian seafarers aboard vessels seized by US authorities near Singaporean waters. He had also spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, reaffirming Pakistan’s close coordination with Tehran on the matter and offering to facilitate the safe return of Iranian nationals through Pakistan. The foreign minister had thanked Singapore for its cooperation, noting that Pakistan’s Foreign Office and other relevant authorities were working closely with US officials and stakeholders to ensure the safety and timely repatriation of those involved.
age in ongoing coalition negotiations. Some insiders claim that the PPP is increasingly viewing its parliamentary strength as a key bargaining chip in shaping future political arrangements. According to these sources, discussions within elite political circles have also revolved around the party’s desire to secure a more influential role in the next phase of the government, including speculation about a possible understanding regarding the future leadership structure. In this context, some political observers suggest — though without official confirmation — that President Zardari may be seeking assurances regarding a strengthened political future for PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, including the possibility of his elevation to a senior executive position within a power-sharing framework during the remaining term of the National Assembly.
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The inquiry committee investigating the One Constitution Avenue scandal is expected to submit its report to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later this week. The committee, headed by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, has already begun compiling its findings, the sources having knowledge about the matter told ARY News. Sources further said the committee has recorded statements from the chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other relevant officials involved in the One Constitution Avenue scandal. Statements from residents currently living at One Constitution Avenue have also been recorded as part of the investigation. The committee has reviewed earlier investigations conducted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), and the Public Accounts Committee. It is also examining the FIA case registered in 2017 and will incorporate its findings into the final recommendations.
Pakistan extends austerity measures until June 13 amid US-Iran impasse ISLAMABAD
staff report
The federal government has prolonged its austerity and fuel conservation measures until June 13 as uncertainty persists over the Middle East conflict and diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran remains stalled. The Cabinet Division issued a formal notification after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the extension on the recommendation of the implementation committee. Under the notification, the government will continue a 50% cut in fuel supply for official vehicles during the extended period. It has also decided to keep 60% of official vehicles off the roads as part of the ongoing cost-saving steps. The austerity plan was first announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on March 9 in a televised address, shortly after the government raised petrol and diesel prices by 20%. Fuel prices in Pakistan had risen sharply after oil supplies were disrupted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil and gas shipments. According to the report, Iran shut the strait in response to
joint attacks by the United States and Israel that began on February 28 and ended on April 8 after a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire. Although the ceasefire was extended, the two sides have remained divided over proposals aimed at permanently ending the conflict, particularly on the issue of their respective blockades of Hormuz. Measures remain in force across government institutions In his March 9 address, the prime minister said the wider region was in the grip of conflict in the Middle East and said Pakistan was making diplomatic efforts to help ease the crisis. The austerity package applies across federal government institu-
tions, including ministries, departments, autonomous bodies, stateowned enterprises, the legislature, defence organisations and the judiciary. Besides the reduction in fuel use, the plan had cut government office operations to a fourday workweek, with the banking sector and essential services exempted from the arrangement. Federal and provincial departments were also directed to reduce non-essential spending by 20% during the final quarter of the current fiscal year. The measures further included a ban on official foreign travel by ministers, parliamentarians and government officials, except for obligatory visits.
NA unanimously adopts resolution praising military response to India in May conflict ISLAMABAD
staff report
The National Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution paying tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces for what it described as a befitting response to India’s unprovoked military aggression during last year’s May conflict. The resolution was moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. It said the lower house paid rich tributes to the gallant armed forces of Pakistan and stated that, under the leadership and command of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, they launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos on May 10, 2025. The conflict, spanning from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the end of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos with a ceasefire between Pakistan and India on May 10, has been termed Marka-i-Haq by the state. Resolution’s key points The resolution said that after the Pahalgam terrorist incident on April 22, 2025, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government launched what it called a malicious campaign, amplified by state-sponsored media, to blame Pakistan without evidence or investigation. It also noted that Pakistan had categorically condemned the incident. It further said that despite Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s sincere and generous offer to join any neutral, transparent and credible investigation into what the resolution called an overt false-flag operation, India went on to carry out an unprovoked airstrike on Pakistan on May 6, 2025, targeting civilians. Any misadventure against Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will not be tolerated and Pakistan’s defence forces will hit back with all their might and main. The House praised the Pakistan Air Force for what it described as bravery and operational excellence, saying it quickly established air superiority and shot down multiple Indian aircraft, including Rafale jets. It also expressed gratitude to officers, soldiers, airmen and sailors for making Operation Bunyanum Marsoos successful through their courage, professionalism and sacrifice. According to the resolution, Pakistan’s armed forces destroyed an Indian brigade headquarters as well as Brahmos facilities that had fired missiles into Pakistan. It also said PAF’s JF-17 Thunder jets destroyed India’s $1.5 billion S-400 air defence asset. Tribute to armed forces and national support The resolution also commended the Pakistan Navy for its strategic preparedness and for giving what it called a robust response with remarkable agility, while successfully thwarting intrusion attempts aimed at attacking Pakistan. It added that the enemy was consequently forced to retreat. The House honoured the martyrs of the armed forces for sacrificing their lives in the line of duty and for inflicting what it termed a humiliating defeat on a numerically superior enemy across land, air, sea and cyber domains. It also acknowledged the contribution and technical expertise of Pakistan’s cyber warfare experts in countering numerous cyber-attacks by what it called notorious Indian hackers. The resolution added that, in response, a large number of India’s strategic infrastructure was rendered dysfunctional and paralysed. The National Assembly also recognised the support of the wider public, including elected representatives from both treasury and opposition benches. In its concluding remarks, the House said Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness. It reaffirmed what it described as the nation’s unwavering resolve to stand with the armed forces in defending the country’s geographical and ideological frontiers.
Pakistan summons Afghan envoy over Bannu attack, warns of decisive response ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan on Monday summoned the Afghan chargé d’affaires and delivered what the Foreign Office described as a strong demarche over the vehicle-borne IED attack on the Fateh Khel police post in Bannu, saying the country reserved the right to act decisively against those responsible. In an official statement, the Foreign Office said the May 9 assault was carried out by terrorists of Fitna al Khawarij and resulted in the martyrdom of 15 police personnel. Geo reported that four others, including a civilian, were injured, while Dawn reported that three police personnel were wounded. The Foreign Office said a detailed investigation, supported by evidence collected from the scene and technical intelligence, indicated that the attack had been planned by terrorists residing in Afghanistan. The Afghan chargé d’affaires was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today to deliver a strong demarche regarding the cowardly vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) attack carried out by
terrorists of Fitna al Khawarij on the Fateh Khel police post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu District on May 9. The statement said Pakistan conveyed its grave concern over the continued use of Afghan territory for attacks against Pakistan and told the Afghan side that it must prevent militant groups from operating from its soil. The ministry conveyed that a detailed investigation into the incident, along with evidence collected and technical intelligence, indicates that the attack was masterminded by terrorists residing in Afghanistan. The Foreign Office further said the continued presence of various militant organisations in Afghanistan, and what it called a permissive environment for their operations, had been documented in reports by the United Nations Monitoring Team and other international organisations. According to the statement, Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban to take concrete and verifiable action against Fitna al Khawarij, Fitna al Hindustan, and ISKP/Daesh elements operating from Afghan soil. It added that Pakistan had also engaged the Afghan Taliban through several rounds of
talks mediated by brotherly and friendly countries, but said the Afghan Taliban had failed to commit to or deliver meaningful and verifiable action against these groups. The fight against terrorism is a common cause, and the Afghan Taliban must honour their commitment not to allow their territory to be used for terrorism against other countries. The Foreign Office said the Afghan Taliban regime had also been informed in categorical terms that if it continued to harbour such organisations, Pakistan would not compromise on its national security or on the safety and protection of its citizens. Reiterating Pakistan’s grave concern over the continued use of Afghan soil for terrorist attacks against Pakistan, it was impressed upon the Afghan side that Pakistan reserves the right to respond decisively against the perpetrators of this barbaric act. Separately, details of the attack were shared by police and administrative officials. Dawn reported that the assault took place late on Saturday night when terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the Fateh Khel police post and then launched attacks from multiple directions using heavy
weapons and drones. Bannu Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan said 18 police personnel were on duty at the post when it came under attack. He said the initial strike began with a vehicle packed with explosives, after which mili-
tants opened heavy fire and mounted a multipronged ground assault. Fifteen were martyred and three sustained injuries, the RPO said. A senior administration official in Bannu also told AFP that the attackers used quadcopters during the assault.