PAKISTAN BACKS DIPLOMACY AS FEARS OF RENEWED MIDDLE EAST WAR GROW
i n g o u t p u t h a s r e m a i n e d u n d e r d i s c u ss i o n f o r s e v e r a l y e a r s I n d u s t r y s t a
The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research expressed dissatisfaction over the Ministry of Commerce s decision to extend the start of Pakistan s mango export season to June 1, 2026, from the earlier May 10 deadline The NA Standing Committee on National Food Security met on Thursday under the chairmanship of Syed Tariq Hussain and discussed matters related to the development of the agriculture sector in the country The committee noted the adverse impact of the Ministry of Commerce s move on early mango varieties such as Dussehri and Sonaro, which are ready for harvest and export during this period potentially causing financial losses to growers and exporters It directed that the Commerce Secretary attend the next meeting in person to enable on-the-spot decision-making On a point of order regarding the potato crop crisis, the committee expressed concern that despite its timely intervention the ministry failed to implement necessary measures to protect farmers who were compelled to sell their produce below production cost, resulting in financial losses
The committee cautioned that such persistent losses could discourage potato cultivation in the near future posing risks to agricultural sustainability and food security It further noted that the ministry had been directed three months earlier to take immediate actions, including exploring new trade opportunities, identifying alternative export routes, facilitating multiple-entry visas for exporters and improving transportation and logistics;
however no meaningful progress has been observed
In view of this, the committee directed the ministry to convene an urgent meeting on Monday at the Foreign Office with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant stakeholders including the Ministries of Commerce FBR and Customs to develop a coordinated strategy to enhance agricultural exports, particularly for potatoes and upcoming crops such as mangoes, maize, and rice
The committee also expressed concern over frequent transfers of the Secretary Ministry of National Food Security and Research and stressed the importance of continuity in leadership, directing that officials complete their tenure
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the committee of its readiness to facilitate engagements with importing countries while emphasising the need for sustained follow-up and inter-ministerial coordination The committee directed the ministry to provide an update in the next meeting on mango export MOUs, potential agreements, ongoing negotiations, alternate trade routes visa facilitation and transportation arrangements
It was also directed that representatives from NLC and the Ministry of Communications attend the next meeting
The Ministry of Commerce informed the committee that the ban on mango exports has been extended until May 30 2026 compared to the earlier date of May 10
The committee expressed dissatisfaction with this decision noting its adverse impact on early mango varieties such as Dussehri and Sonaro, which are ready for harvest and export during this period, potentially causing financial losses to growers and exporters
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Energy markets have meanwhile
of
and gas flows and triggering a sharp rally in crude prices
Iran has maintained control over key maritime chokepoints since the outbreak of the conflict, while the United States has imposed countermeasures targeting Iranian ports
US President Donald Trump said on Friday he was not satisfied with Iran s latest negotiating proposal as diplomatic efforts remain stalled despite the ongoing ceasefire Iran delivered its draft proposal to mediator Pakistan on Thursday evening according to the state-run IRNA news agency though details were not disclosed
At this moment I m not satisfied with what they re offering, Trump told reporters, adding: “They want to make a deal I’m not satisfied with it so we’ll see what happens ”
He said discussions have continued via telephone after cancelling an envoy visit to Pakistan last week
Meanwhile, concerns over renewed escalation briefly pushed global oil prices to a four-year high earlier this week amid reports of potential new military action
Two senior Iranian sources told Reuters that Tehran has activated air defences and is preparing a broader response in case of an attack, assessing the likelihood of a short but intense US strike possibly followed by Israeli operations
Separately Israel s military said its troops damaged a religious building in southern Lebanon, a claim that drew condemnation from a Catholic charity which identified it as a convent and alleged deliberate targeting of a place of worship
The Israeli military said forces operating in Yaroun damaged a structure inside a religious compound while dismantling what it described as “terrorist infrastructure”
“It was determined that during the forces’ operations to destroy terrorist infrastructure one of the houses located in a religious compound was damaged Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X He added: “There were no visible signs indicating this was a religious building ” The military said once identifying features were observed on an-
other structure troops took steps to prevent further damage to the compound citing Hezbollah rocket activity launched from the area despite the ceasefire Lebanon s National News Agency also reported continued Israeli strikes in Burj Qalawiya and renewed shelling in Bint Jbeil along with arson attacks on homes in Khiam underscoring persistent cross-border tensions despite the ceasefire framework Iranian proposal rejected by Trump would open Hormuz strait before nuclear talks, Iran official says An Iranian proposal so far re-
proposal to shelve nuclear talks for a later stage was a significant shift aimed at facilitating an agreement
Under the proposal the war would end with a guarantee that Israel and the US would not attack again Iran would open the strait, and the US would lift its blockade Future talks would then be held on curbs to Iran’s nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions with Iran demanding Washington recognise its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes even if it agrees to suspend it Under this framework, negotiations over the more complicated nuclear issue have been moved to the final stage to create a more conducive atmosphere the official said U
2 9 2 0 2 6 t h e b o a r d a l l o w e d t h e c o m p a n y t o i d e n t i f y a n d e v a l u a t e g r o w t h a v e n u e s s u c h a s a cq u i s i t i o n s , i n v e s t m e n t s a n d b u s i n e s s c o m b i n at i o n s T h e c o m p a n y w i l l a l s o a s s e s s i n i t i a t i v e s a i m e d a t i m p r o v i n g o p e r a t i o n a l e ff i c i e n c y a n d a c h i e v i n g s y n e rg i e s a c r o s s i t s o p e r a t i o n s a n d a s s oc i a t e d e n t i t i e s A s p a r t o f t h i s p r o c e s s A G P w i l l c o n d u c t f e a s i b i l i t y c o m m e r c i a l a n d v a l u a t i o n a n a l y s e s b e f o r e p r e s e n t i n g p r o p o s a l s f o r b o a r d a pp r o v a l T h e c o m p a n y h a s a l s o b e e n a u t h o r i s e d t o a p p o i n t l e g a l , f i n a n c i a l a n d o t h e r a d v
COMMENT
US rejec tion of Iran’s latest proposal keeps the world on tenterhooks
IT is almost as if the world is witnessing a car accident, a collision between a truck and a car, say, in real time US President Donals Trump s rejection of the latest Iranian proposals have edged the USA and Iran closer to the point where they will have to engage in a second trial of strength Incidentally, this would support the contention that this ceasefire was merely a time for both sides to rest and recuperate, and to replenish munitions and equipment The problem is that US military power has not brought down the Iranian government, which means that Mr Trump has not been able to make Iran truckle under in a way that would allow him to crow (something he needs not just for himself psychologically but because of the impending mid-term elections The alternative to what he would see as the humiliation of accepting Iranian terms is to allow the ceasefire to continue and to break the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz Indeed the blockade by both Iran and the USA is about to destroy the world’s economies
One solution would be for the USA not to take humiliation for itself, nor force it on Iran, leave the ceasefire in place, and let life go on under the shadow of the possibility of conflict breaking out once again In fact, that seems to be behind the logic of saying that the Strait issue could be discussed first, and the nuclear issue could be left for future discussions Going simply by logic, that makes sense The closure of the Strait affects the whole world, while the Iranian nuclear programme does not conceivably affect the USA It does possibly affect Israel Because of US subservience to Israel there is US insistence on something that does not affect itself nor the rest of the world Pakistan is doing its best to act as an honest broker in the matter but it is itself experiencing some of the pain that the Hormuz Strait closure is inflicting on the rest of the world Despite the April 27 raise by 100 basis points of the interest rate benchmark to 11 5 percent, the first raise by the Monetary Policy Committee of the State Bank of Pakistan since June 2023, inflation April inflation rate clocked in at 7 4 percent, the highest since August 2024 Pakistan would agree that The Hormuz Strait must be reopened, whatever happens to Iran s nuclear programme
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor
M A Niazi Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
IN an era defined by rapid technological transformation, economic uncertainty, and shifting social structures, women entrepreneurship has emerged not as a marginal trend but as one of the most powerful forces reshaping the global economy What was once considered peripheral in business discourse has now become central to innovation resilience and inclusive development Across continents women are no longer simply participants in economic systems They are becoming architects of new economic realities The story of women entrepreneurship is fundamentally a story of transformation It is not only about establishing businesses but about redefining what is possible It is about women entering spaces historically denied to them and reshaping those spaces through vision, determination, and creativity From global innovation hubs in major cities to small rural enterprises, women are building ventures that generate economic value while also creating social impact At its core women entrepreneurship refers to the process through which women identify opportunities mobilize resources launch enterprises and manage growth However, this definition is incomplete without understanding its deeper meaning It represents agency in environments where access to capital, networks and decision making has often been unequal It is an expression of ambition in contexts where ambition itself has frequently been constrained Above all it is a journey defined by resilience in the face of structural barriers Across the world, women entrepreneurs are active in diverse sectors including technology startups, fintech, healthcare innovation, sustainable energy, digital commerce and creative industries Their contribution extends beyond economic growth They are directly addressing global challenges such as financial exclusion climate change healthcare access and educational inequality In this way, entrepreneurship becomes both an economic and social instrument of change Despite significant progress, structural barriers continue to limit women entrepreneurs Access to finance remains one of the most persistent challenges Evidence consistently shows that women-led enterprises receive a disproportionately smaller share of venture capital and institutional funding Even when business ideas are equally innovative, unconscious bias often affects investment decisions Cultural and institutional constraints also continue to restrict opportunities in many regions Women in some societies still face limitations in mobility decision making autonomy and risk taking ability In addition limited access to professional networks and mentorship systems restricts exposure to growth opportunities Since entrepreneurship de-
pends heavily on connections and collaboration, exclusion from such ecosystems creates significant disadvantages However, women entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable resilience in response to these challenges Rather than being discouraged they have adapted Operating within constraints they have developed lean efficient and highly innovative business models In many cases, limitations have become drivers of creativity rather than barriers to success
One of the most important impacts of women entrepreneurship is its multiplier effect on society The benefits extend far beyond individual businesses Research shows that women tend to reinvest a larger portion of their income into their families and communities This leads to improved education outcomes, better healthcare access, and stronger household financial stability As a result, women entrepreneurship contributes to long term human development and intergenerational progress
Women entrepreneurs also bring a distinct leadership approach to business ecosystems Many integrate financial objectives with social responsibility They often prioritize ethical practices, environmental sustainability, and community welfare alongside profitability This balanced approach aligns with the growing global demand for responsible and sustainable business models The connection between women entrepreneurship and empowerment is both direct and powerful Economic independence enables women to make their own decisions, participate more actively in society, and shape their personal and professional futures It builds confidence strengthens leadership skills and challenges long standing gender stereotypes Each woman entrepreneur becomes a symbol of possibility showing that leadership is defined by capability rather than gender Technology has played a significant role in
What President Zardari’s China Visit Signals
infrastructure and more by industrial cooperation, technological exchange, and strategic alignment
While economic engagement formed an important pillar of the visit one of its most consequential outcomes lay in the domain of defence cooperation The President s presence at the commissioning of the Hangor-class submarines marked a major milestone in Pakistan–China naval collaboration Equipped with advanced systems and enhanced endurance capabilities, these submarines significantly strengthen Pakistan s underwater deterrence and maritime security framework
This development sits within the broader trajectory of deepening China–Pakistan defence cooperation, which has gained renewed operational relevance amid recent regional tensions The performance and deployment visibility of platforms such as the J-10C fighter aircraft and other Chinese defence technology have highlighted the growing interoperability and matu-
rity of this partnership at the military level Together with naval advancements like the Hangor-class submarines, these capabilities reflect a defence relationship that is increasingly integrated and strategically consequential In a region where maritime security is becoming increasingly contested particularly given instability in the wider Middle East and shifting dynamics along critical sea lanes Pakistan s ability to secure its maritime routes has taken on heightened importance For a country whose economy depends heavily on uninterrupted trade flows strengthening deterrence and maritime readiness has become a strategic necessity Another geopolitical layer ties these strands together The visit comes at a time when global supply chains are under stress In such an environment, alternative trade corridors are gaining immediate relevance Gwadar Port is already seeing increased activity as a potential transshipment hub with estimates suggesting it could contribute several billion dollars to Pakistan s economy As for the economic aspect, Pakistan s most immediate challenge is not political visibility but economic expansion Foreign investment remains constrained not due to a lack of opportunity but due to limited high-level engagement President Zardari s outreach operates precisely in that space leveraging personal diplomacy to open doors that formal channels often cannot On the economic side the visit also produced multiple Memorandums of Understanding across sectors including water management, agriculture industrial cooperation and technology These agreements reflect a practical expansion of bilateral engagement, with a growing focus on productivity structural resilience and long-term economic transformation The focus on the second phase of CPEC reinforces this shift Pakistan is moving from infrastructure build-out to economic activation industrialization agricultural modernization and digital connectivity Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are central to this transition The Khairpur Economic Zone developed by the Sindh Government already provides a working model, having been ranked among South Asia s best and third globally by The Financial Times
in 2025–2026 This is execution, not theory, and scaling it requires precisely the kind of engagement this visit represents Crucially President Zardari s outreach was not limited to traditional sectors One of the more under-discussed but strategically significant areas explored during the visit is the tea industry a sector that clearly illustrates Pakistan’s structural economic imbalance Pakistan is among the world’s largest consumers of tea yet remains almost entirely dependent on imports In 2024–2025 alone the country spent approximately $629 million importing over 246,000 metric tons of tea What makes this more concerning is that Pakistan has the capacity to change this equation, as multiple studies have identified nearly 270 000 hectares of land suitable for tea cultivation
China is not just a trading partner it is a global leader in agricultural scaling processing infrastructure, and value-chain integration Collaboration in this sector could help Pakistan move from import dependency to partial selfsufficiency while also creating rural employment and reducing pressure on the current account The message is simple: economic diplomacy today is not sector-specific it is system-wide
President Zardari s visit also reflects a calibrated balancing act Pakistan’s engagement with the USA, including its role in facilitating dialogue with Iran remains important However maintaining strategic depth with China ensures that Pakistan is not locked into a single axis This is not about choosing sides; it is about securing space in a multipolar world
The symbolic elements reinforce this depth
President Zardari’s visit to Changsha, the birthplace of the Chinese Communist Party reflects continuity in party-to-party relations particularly between the PPP and the CCP These relationships matter because they build trust and trust accelerates outcomes Ultimately, this visit was far from routine diplomacy It is a multilayered strategic move economic, geopolitical, and military From industrial zones to tea fields and from supply chains to submarines the direction is consistent: Pakistan is positioning itself to secure both its economic future and its strategic autonomy
The writer is Spokesperson Government of Sindh
Imay be pointed out that there has been a lot of friction between the parliament MPs as well as the administration as to where the country s foreign policy is going There have been nightmarish fears among the radical camp that the gains accrued on the battlefield by putting on hold the ‘regime change’ the stalemate over what the USA and IDF were contemplating which was a military rout will be compromised at the negotiating table Towards that end whispering within Iran and in the international media has been gaining strength if the supreme leader was to be actually ever able to take control of the things or not People were already taking the names of Vahidi as well as Qalibaf as the leaders of their respective sections of the IRGC Here one cannot help but say that the current situation faced by the Nezam is one of the greatest existential threats ever faced by it With the leadership regarded as dangerous has been decapitated by the ‘regime change brigade’ comprising the compromised assets as well as the foreign state actors; and that done with impunity it has been a next to impossible task for the surviving leadership, despite being able to walk on his own feet, even with a limp, to come out casually for the sake of the support base, the section of society in Iran which still resonates with what Ayatollah Khomeini thought of for the Iranian society For a third party observer it looks like a crisis-time reenactment of the Passion play or Rowda , part and parcel of the Iranian society, being an adherent of particular school of thought; where a very important person was been narrated as a silent participant at his father s funeral which is regarded as a security imperative; coupled with need for him to be ‘elusive’ or like a ‘ghost’, present yet invisible However that mode of leadership seems to resonate with the people who populate the almost daily nocturnal gatherings of the Nezam supporters not just in the capital Tehran or for that matter in the major cities like Shiraz or Mashhad, rather across the country With the confusion generated in the first week of April when there was so much optimism though artificial that a deal will break through in Islamabad the situation now seems more matter of fact It may be pointed out that much of the optimism was encrypted in the buzzword not mentioned too often by the international media; in how much time the Iranians are going to capitulate to what the world (read Trump and Israel) want Iran to do The four foreign ministers of Pakistan Türkiye Egypt and Saudi Arabia, clearly form the United States camp of following talking about ushering in peace in the Middle East were certainly knowing that in all the circumstances Iran will have to give in to what the world is saying
r a
e n d e r d o c u m e n t u n d e r t h e g a r b o f n e g o t i a t i o n s , w h i ch i s n o t ava i l a bl e n ow T h e r e fo r m i s t a d m i n i s t r a t i o n w a s cl u e l e s s
a n d w a s bl u r t i n g n a t i o n a l i s t s t a t e m e n t s t o c o n fo r m t o
t h e m o o d i n t h e s t r e e t s . T h e s t a t e m e n t by t h e  e l u s i
The
states Iran and the USA; as there was no war the theatres where both were present like the Afghan war the Iraq war the Daesh war were arenas of potential d-ooperation despite the fact that the USA was after the Iran supported-system of the Syrian Baath under the Assad clan, wishing that system to collapse in one way or another the wish it got realized in December 2024
The progress of talks between the highest echelons of power in the power structure of the USA and Iran in Islamabad was generally felt to be clear conversation, where the responses will be bare Obviously, the first such meeting in 11 years after the successful finalization of JCPOA in 2015 was itself a miracle but a non-starter from the onset The positivity generated in Pakistani power circles and also among the general public was so much that many Pakistanis did not waste time to invest in Iranian rial or toman in the hope to get some quick profit As market sources point out their investments might be in vain The reason for investing was a false ray of hope which was not there in the first place
Here it is pertinent to note that the reformist administration in place in Tehran suffered from a serious disconnect from the man in the street The 2015 JCPOA was the follow-up of a time of peace between the two
The lack of empathy in the minds of Reformists after a month and half of relentless aggression, if on one hand was the misplaced optimism, behaving as if it was 2015, or 2020, was the cause of what has transpired; now with the Supreme Leader taking the centrestage and removing doubts in the minds of the Iranians in the street and those who are just watching where does the situation lead to?
As the non-starter Islamabad talks did not create any follow-up point for further work upon; which should have been the case if the negotiations were conducted in the pattern followed by the then Obama administration under the stewardship of Senator Kerry The Trump Administration was simply not in that frame of mind to painstakingly get into the minute details Neither was the P+1, the other stakeholder state framework adopted this time
Practically, there was an intellectual disconnect between the aggressive Trump Administration and the compliant Reformist administration The occasion was wrong as
between
Opec - where it hurts Even if greater oil revenues do not materialise leaving Opec could still benefit Abu Dhabi if doing so gives it an edge in its budding rivalry with Riyadh By abandoning production quotas, the UAE will undermine Saudi Arabia's oil price management approach, which involves enforcing limited oil production across the Opec group As Opec s de facto leader Saudi Arabia has long dictated a policy aimed at limiting oil production in order to keep prices higher The Emirates' departure immediately weakens Opec, which will now have less control over oil production and less power to manage supply and influence global oil prices If the UAE significantly increases output over time it could push oil prices down - something that would directly undercut the Saudi economic model The UAE s exit may also trigger a "domino effect" of additional departures, potentially leading to the breakdown of the entire cartel BEYOND ECONOMICS
Since normalising relations with Israel in 2020 the UAE has moved closer to both Tel Aviv and Washington Both Israel and US President Donald Trump are likely overjoyed at the UAE's decision to leave Opec Trump has long complained that Opec is
ripping off the world and will almost certainly view the development as a political victory - not only because oil prices may fall, but also because the US energy market stands to benefit Israel, which actively seeks to both fragment and weaken the Arab region will be hopeful that the UAE's decision helps accomplish both aims
Importantly following years of postArab Spring coordination and cooperation, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have split on a number of key regional issues, including Yemen, Sudan, Somalia and the US-Israel war on Iran Riyadh has opposed Abu Dhabi s cosying up to Israel and Saudi influencers have undertaken a campaign lambasting the UAE for allegedly serving as "Israel s Trojan horse" in the region Saudi Arabia also opposes Emirati attempts to reshape the regional political order by supporting secessionist militias in Yemen Sudan and Somalia Riyadh in contrast has supported central governments across the region against non-state actors In late 2025 and early 2026, Saudi Arabia directly targeted the Emirati-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) in Yemen - a rare open escalation between two longstanding allies The Saudis have also opposed the UAE's support for Somaliland authorities and Sudan s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) In recent weeks during the US-Israel war on Iran, the UAE has reportedly received Israeli military assistance, while also pushing Israel and the United States to con-
tinue their campaign against Iran The Saudis meanwhile have quietly worked diplomatic channels to end the war
The timing of the UAE's Opec announcement is also worth highlighting The decision was revealed just as Gulf leaders were gathering in Jeddah for a high-level summit designed to show a unified Gulf stance towards the US-Israel war on Iran FUTURE IMPLICATIONS
The fallout from the UAE's decision to leave Opec will be far-reaching Beyond the weakening of Opec and its effects on both the Emirati and Saudi economies the UAE will continue to move politically and economically closer to Israel with which it has already established strong business military and tourism ties
The emerging Israel-UAE axis could pose significant challenges not only for Saudi interests but also for human rights causes in Palestine Sudan and beyond The Saudis meanwhile will almost certainly move further in the other direction away from Israel In September 2023, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had been close to a normalisation deal with Israel The Gaza genocide changed the Saudi calculation however making such a deal much less likely at least in the short term The UAE s exit from Opec combined with the country s increased alignment with Israel and the now full-blown Saudi-Emirati rift, almost certainly renders normalisation with Israel out of the question for bin Salman The growing
and Saudi Arabia will force countries in
region to take sides Egypt and Jordan - both heavily dependent on Gulf financial support - may find themselves in particularly difficult positions Since 2013 Egypt has received substantial backing from both Abu Dhabi and Riyadh with the UAE investing heavily in infrastructure and development projects while Saudi Arabia has provided critical financial support and energy
DONALD TRUMP HINTS AT NEXT MILITARY TARGET AFTER IRAN AMID ONGOING TENSIONS
War with US will ‘likely ’ resume: Iranian armed forces
Cow
Saudi Arabia lifts Hajj age restriction, restores eligibility for children 12 and above
s ta f f r e
batch departing from Karachi Under the official
scheme around 119 000 Pakistani pilgrims are expected to travel to Madinah and Makkah According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, 67,230 male and 51 846 female pilgrims will perform Hajj under the government programme this year
CORPORATE
CM MARYAM APPROVES DESIGN,
Governor Nehal Hashmi Applauds Karachi’s Hospitality at High-Profile Diplomatic Gathering
s ta f f r e p o
ing the festivities Public safety remains the foremost consideration guiding the decision he added On the horticultural front the PHA has directed newly established agencies to expedite their operations to beautify cities and expand the province s green cover In addition to the plantation of seasonal flowers to enhance the aesthetic appeal of public parks and greenbelts agencies are actively undertaking tree plantation drives in their respective jurisdictions District agencies across major cities have also been directed to establish dedicated biodiversity corridors to help protect the climate and natural habitats These corridors comprising interconnected green patches and native vegetation are designed to support local ecosystems facilitate the movement of wildlife and pollinators, and help protect natural habitats
r t International Vesak Day was observed in Pakistan on Saturday with great reverence, respect and spiritual devotion marking one of the most important religious festivals of Buddhism that commemorates the birth enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha
The Buddha Jayanti/Vesak ceremony was held at the historic Dharmarajika Stupa and Taxila Museum under the auspices of the Punjab Government s Tourism Archaeology and Museums Department, in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and on the directives of Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb
The event was hosted by Secretary Tourism Archaeology and Museums
Department Socrat Aman Rana, along with Director General Archaeology Punjab Zaheer Abbas Malik Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi attended the ceremony as a special guest Diplomatic participation gave the event an international dimension, with ambassadors and envoys from several countries in attendance Distinguished guests included Ambassador Rita Dhital of Nepal Ambassador Rongvudhi Virabutr of Thailand High Commissioner Rear Admiral H L A D F Senevirathne of Sri Lanka, Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan of Vietnam, and Ambassador Wunna Han of Myanmar
During the ceremony, participants visited the ancient heritage site took part in religious rituals and attended special prayer sessions The site holds immense historical significance in Buddhist civilisation and is associated with the era of Emperor Ashoka
ISLAMABAD
s
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday congratulated Ali Al-Zaidi on his nomination
Gen Z, media synergy bolstered Pakistan’s global narrative during Marka-e-Haq: Tarar
ISLAMABAD a p p
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Saturday said that Pakistan s youth particularly Gen Z and social media influencers, alongside the mainstream media, played a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s narrative during “Markae-Haq ” contributing to national unity and boosting the morale of the armed forces and the nation
Addressing an event marking one year of the success of Markae-Haq, the minister paid special tribute to the youth, social media influencers and digital users saying their contributions would be remembered in golden words
whenever the history of Marka-eHaq was written Alongside conventional warfare, there was also a digital front where our Gen Z and social media users played a remarkable role Their efforts helped counter misinformation strengthen national morale and project Pakistan s stance effectively he said The minister also appreciated the responsible role played by the Pakistani media, both mainstream and digital stating that their factbased and mature reporting reinforced the national narrative We could not have achieved this without the support of social media platforms and mainstream media It was a collective effort and true teamwork of the entire
US awards $488m F-16 radar suppor t contrac t, Pakistan included in FMS programme
has been awarded a ceiling $488 million firm-fixed-price indefinitedelivery/indefinite-quantity contract for F-16 System Program Office Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Air Force/Navy support According to the US Department of War website “This contract provides for the engineering and technical support of F-16 radar (APG-66/68)
The contract covers Foreign Military Sales (FMS) support for multiple countries, including Bahrain, Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Egypt Greece Indonesia Iraq Israel Jordan South Korea Morocco the Netherlands Norway Oman Pakistan Poland Portugal Romania, Thailand and Türkiye
Earlier in December, the United States had also approved a separate $686 million sale of advanced technology support and equipment for Pakistan s F-16 fleet according to a letter issued by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress The move was described as enabling Islamabad to continue partnering with Washington in counterterrorism cooperation
and other sectors has delivered tangible benefits to their peoples and laid a strong foundation for the sustained growth of bilateral relations
nation he added He termed it a moment of gratitude saying that the nation was fortunate to celebrate the anniversary of a decisive phase that brought a clear distinction in Pakistan’s global standing “It is by the grace of Almighty Allah that one year after Marka-eHaq a clear distinction has emerged in the world On one side stands Pakistan post May 10, 2025 where at the governmental, public, diplomatic, narrative and military levels the country enjoys respect dignity and recognition globally he said He added that the Pakistani passport and the green crescent flag were being respected internationally, and people around the world now felt pride in associating with Pakistan
