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Sunday, 14 June, 2026 | 28 ZilHaj, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 80 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
PM SeeS US-irAn deAl within 24 hoUrS AS tehrAn UrgeS CAUtion accord nears finish line
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PREMIER SHEHBAZ SAYS PAKISTAN PREPARING FOR ‘ELECTRONIC SIGNING’ OF LANDMARK DEAL DAY AFTER HE SAID ‘FINAL TEXT’ AGREED
TEHRAN RULES OUT SUNDAY SIGNING BUT SAYS AGREEMENT REMAINS LIKELY
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IRAN SAYS NO PLANS TO SEND NEGOTIATORS TO ISLAMABAD OR GENEVA IN A DAY OR TWO
TRUMP CLAIMS ALL KEY STAKEHOLDERS HAVE APPROVED FINAL POINTS
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Qatar, saudi arabia laud pakistan’s role as us-iran deal gains signing momentum ISLAMABAD
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ISLAMABAD
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said the proposed “peace deal” between Iran and the United States was expected to be finalised within the next 24 hours, a day after he announced that a “final, agreedupon” text of the agreement had been reached between Tehran and Washington, even as Iran's foreign ministry said there were currently no plans for its ne-
gotiating team to travel to Geneva or Islamabad in the coming days to sign the accord, Al Jazeera reported. On Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz said a “final, agreed-upon” text of the peace deal had been reached, adding that Islamabad was working “closely” with both sides to finalise the remaining procedural steps. “We are closer to a peace deal than ever before,” the premier wrote on X, adding that Pakistan was preparing for the “electronic signing” of the agreement, to be followed by “technical-level talks”.
KP PdMA warns of gloFs, flash floods amid rising heat and untimely rains PESHAWAR
STAFF REPORT
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Saturday issued a warning of possible glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and flash flooding across the province amid untimely rains and rising temperatures. Pakistan, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, has in recent years faced extreme weather events including heavy rainfall, flash floods, heatwaves, droughts, and GLOF incidents that have caused widespread destruction. In recent weeks, parts of the country have experienced intense heat, with daytime temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. The rising temperatures are accelerating snowmelt, while rainfall in several districts may lead to overflow of glacial lakes. The PDMA issued an alert for Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Swat, Upper and Lower Kohistan, and Mansehra, warning of potential flood, landslide, rockfall, and mudslide risks in these areas. “Due to severe heat and rainfall, glaciers and snow in northern districts are melting rapidly,” the authority said. “The increased water flow caused by rainfall has raised the risk of GLOFs and flash floods.” The PDMA said sudden surges in streams and rivers could trigger flooding in low-lying areas, adding that district administrations had been directed to continuously monitor vulnerable locations. It said local authorities had also been instructed to issue timely warnings in high-risk areas, conduct evacuation drills, ensure availability of essential supplies at safe locations, activate alert systems, and strengthen coordination with local disaster management committees.
dar, prince faisal welcome near final us-iran deal ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
STAFF REPORT
SALEEM JADOON
QATAR HAILS PM, FIELD MARSHAL MUNIR FOR DIPLOMATIC ROLE
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday received a telephone call from his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, who paid tribute to the premier and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their instrumental role in steering diplomatic efforts. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest during the call.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday held a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, during which the two leaders reviewed the evolving regional situation and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability. During the discussion, both foreign ministers welcomed the significant progress made in the US-Iran negotiations, noting that the process had entered its final stage, with an electronic signing ceremony expected to take place tomorrow.
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security forces neutralise 48 terrorists in north Waziristan over past 72 hours: ispr RAWALPINDI
Alleged militant commander killed in Bannu as bridge bombing attempt foiled BANNU
STAFF REPORT
An alleged militant commander and two other men were killed in separate incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district, while an attempt to blow up an important link bridge was also thwarted, according to local sources and the Police Peace Committee. The Police Peace Committee said Shahid, son of Mir Khatam and a resident of Wali Noor in Jani Khel, was killed near Kangar Bridge during an operation carried out on Friday night. It said the deceased was a close associate and facilitator of militant commander Akhtar Muhammad and had allegedly been involved in multiple terrorist activities. In another incident, two bodies were found on Domel Link Road. The deceased were later identified as Ghazi Marjan and Parvez, both residents of Wanda Sarai Naurang in Lakki Marwat district. According to reports, the two men had allegedly been abducted and later killed by militants. Police started an investigation into the case. Bridge targeted with explosives Militants also tried to destroy the Teri Ram Bridge on Miryan Road using explosives, local sources said. The blast caused partial damage to the bridge and also affected a nearby mosque building. No casualties were reported in the incident. Authorities initiated investigations into the separate incidents, while security arrangements in the area were tightened further. Recent violence in Bannu Bannu district has seen repeated security incidents in recent months, with both civilians and local security personnel coming under attack amid a wider rise in militant violence. Last month, at least two police personnel and two civilians were martyred, while 25 terrorists were killed in a fierce clash involving law enforcers, a peace committee and militants. Earlier, on May 9, at least 15 police personnel were martyred in a suicide attack on the Fateh Khel police post in Bannu. The violence in the district has also included attacks on police and jirga members, prompting targeted operations by police and other security forces.
SJC amends judges’ code to allow attendance at political, diplomatic events with approval ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Security forces on Saturday said they had neutralised 48 terrorists in a series of intelligence-based operations in North Waziristan over the past 72 hours, according to the military’s media wing. In a related development, the Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested a suspected supplier of drones and electronic components allegedly linked to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (Fitna al-Khwarij). According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “following fierce fire exchanges, during the last 72 hours, twenty-one more khwarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khwarij, including four kharji ring leaders, have been sent to hell.” The statement added that the killed ringleaders were highly wanted for their involvement in multiple terrorist activities, including the killing of security forces personnel and innocent civilians. “So far, in total, 48 khwarij have been killed in these highly skillful and precise operations,” it said. The ISPR said multiple terrorists hideouts were targeted in the Miran Shah area and surrounding regions as part of continuing operations in the district. It identified the slain commanders as Kharji Khalid Raza alias Salar, Kharji Muftoon, Kharji Musa and Kharji
STAFF REPORT
Imran alias Ayan. The military’s media wing said the elimination of the four commanders had dealt a significant blow to the TTP network operating in the area. It added that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the slain militants, who were involved in numerous violent activities and attacks on civilians. The state uses the term “khwarij” for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and affiliated groups. The development comes amid a surge in terror-related incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where terrorists have increasingly used sophisticated weapons and tactics, including quadcopter-based attacks targeting police, security forces, and civilians. Pakistan maintains that militant groups operate from sanctuaries in Afghanistan, a claim denied by Kabul, as the two countries con-
tinue to face cross-border tensions, border clashes, and mutual allegations over militancy. Islamabad has intensified targeted counterterrorism operations in its western regions in response to the worsening security situation and has repeatedly accused India of backing “Fitna al-Khwarij,” a charge New Delhi denies. DRONE SUPPLY NETWORK In a related development, the Sindh Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said it had arrested a key militant operative allegedly involved in procuring advanced drones, electronic components, and explosivemaking materials for the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In a statement, the CTD said the suspect, identified as Tahir, was linked to his brother Talal alias Zaid Baloch, described as an active TTP member based in Afghanistan and wanted by authorities.
The Supreme Judicial Council has approved changes to the Code of Conduct for judges, allowing judges of the superior courts to attend or preside over political and diplomatic functions if they first obtain permission from the relevant chief justice. The decision was taken at the council’s June 11 meeting chaired by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi. The meeting also considered the draft Rules Regulating Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Council. According to an official announcement issued on Saturday, the session was attended by Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court Justice Aminuddin and the chief justices of the Lahore and Peshawar high courts. Under the amended provision, judges of the superior courts are to refrain from attending or presiding over political or diplomatic functions unless they have prior approval from the relevant chief justice. Earlier, Article XII of the Code of Conduct imposed a complete prohibition on judges of the superior courts from attending or presiding over social, cultural, political or diplomatic functions. The council also revised the definition of superior court to include the newly established Federal Constitutional Court. Following that change, the title of the code has been updated to Code of Conduct for Judges of the Federal Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and the High Courts. Previously, the Federal Constitutional Court was not included in the title. Changes to reporting mechanism Amendments were also made to Article XV, which requires judges to decide matters before them solely on merit, maintain moral integrity and intellectual independence, and seek an immediate institutional response where legal powers are insufficient. The official amendment sets out the reporting process in cases where attempts are made to influence judges.
aurangzeb says budget 2026-27 marks shift from stability to growth ISLAMABAD
MIAN ABRAR
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Saturday said the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27 delivers on the government’s commitment to transition Pakistan’s economy from stabilisation to sustainable growth, with a strong focus on exports, industrial competitiveness, investment and job creation. Addressing a post-budget press conference alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial and senior officials, Aurangzeb said the government had fulfilled the promise made last year to move beyond economic stabilisation and lay the foundations for growth. “The key themes of this budget are export-led growth and creating an enabling en-
vironment for businesses,” the finance minister said. He announced a series of measures aimed at boosting exports, including the abolition of advance tax and the proposed elimination of super tax for exporters. The government has also allocated around Rs71 billion in export financing subsidies, enabling exporters to access financing at a concessionary rate of 4.5 per cent. Aurangzeb said customs duties on imported raw materials and intermediate goods had been reduced to lower production costs and enhance the competitiveness of Pakistani exports in international markets. Highlighting the importance of the information technology sector, the finance minister said the government had decided to maintain the 0.25pc Final Tax Regime (FTR) for IT exporters and freelancers. He expressed confidence that exports of goods and services would continue to grow signifi-
cantly in the coming year. The minister said the government had also attempted to provide relief to the salaried class by reducing tax rates in lower income slabs, while acknowledging that further efforts were needed to ease the burden on taxpayers. Referring to the construction sector, he said the budget included reductions in transaction-related taxes to stimulate housing activity, describing construction as a key driver of economic growth and employment generation. Aurangzeb also highlighted measures to support agriculture, noting that agricultural financing had surpassed Rs2 trillion after a 15pc year-on-year increase. He said the government’s digital and collateral-free “Zarkhez” scheme was helping small farmers gain access to credit without requiring property or personal guarantees.
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Budget all-inclusive and relief-oriented, claims Tarar ISLAMABAD
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Saturday described the federal budget for 2026-27 as an “all-inclusive and relief-oriented” budget that reflects the government’s sustained efforts over the past two years under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Speaking at a post-budget press conference alongside Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Tarar said the prime minister had fulfilled his commitment to provide meaningful relief to multi-
ple segments of society, including salaried individuals, businesses and exporters. He said the government was firmly pursuing an export-led growth model to strengthen the national economy and increase Pakistan’s presence in international markets through “Made in Pakistan” products. “An increase in turnover for the export sector will help businesses expand, create employment opportunities and benefit the labour force,” Tarar said. Highlighting measures for the lowermiddle class, the minister pointed to the government’s Apna Ghar programme and the allocation of Rs 90 billion for the housing sector in the new budget.