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Saturday, 15 August, 2026 | 1 Rabiul Awwal, 1448

Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 141 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition

Pakistan-saudi-türkiye Pact to bolster regional Peace, ummah’s security: President, Pm g

PM SHEHBAZ CALLS ON PRESIDENT ZARDARI, BRIEFS HIM ON PAKSAUDI-TURKIYE DEFENCE PACT PRAISE SECURITY FORCES’ PROFESSIONAL CAPABILITIES AND OPERATIONS AGAINST TERRORISTS

LEADERS SAY TRIPARTITE AGREEMENT TO ENHANCE COOPERATION, REGIONAL PEACE AND STABILITY AND PROMOTE SECURITY OF THE MUSLIM UMMAH PRESIDENT STRESSES EFFECTIVE PACT IMPLEMENTATION, RELIEF FOR PEOPLE AMID REGIONAL SITUATION

LEADERSHIP REITERATES RESOLVE TO ERADICATE TERRORISM; DIPLOMATIC PUSH FOR PEACE TO CONTINUE

P g

ISLAMABAD

SALEEM JADOON

RESIDENT Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday discussed the recently signed Makkah Defence Pact, along with the professional capabilities of security forces and law enforcement agencies in operations against terrorists, and expressed the hope that the tripartite agreement would contribute to regional peace and stability and strengthen the security of the Muslim Ummah. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the President House and briefed him on the recently signed defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, according to a statement issued by the Presidency. During the meeting, the leadership also appreciated the “professional capabilities of the security forces and law enforcement agencies in operations against Fitna-al-Hindustan and Fitna alKhawarij”, the statement said. The state has designated Balochistan-based terrorist groups as Fitna-alHindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan, while Fitna al-Khawarij

is a term used by the state for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. President Zardari “expressed his best wishes for the effective implementation of the tripartite agreement with regard to defence cooperation, regional peace and stability and promotion of the security of the Muslim ummah”, according to the Presidency’s statement posted on X. He also appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for “further strengthening the longstanding fraternal relations between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan into a robust strategic partnership”, the statement added.

terrorist attack on balochistan home minister's convoy in mastung leaves seven injured QUETTA

STAFF REPORT

Unidentified gunmen attacked the convoy of Balochistan Home and Tribal Affairs Minister Mir Ziaullah Langau in Mastung on Friday, leaving seven people, including three Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF) personnel, injured, while the minister remained unhurt, police said. The attack took place at Kund Umarani in the Khad Koocha area, south of Mastung, as Langau was travelling to Quetta after attending an Independence Day ceremony at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Kalat. According to police, security personnel exchanged fire with the attackers for around 20 minutes, forcing the assailants to flee. Heavy contingents of law enforcement agencies were subsequently deployed to cordon off the area, while security forces launched a search and sweep operation to track down the attackers. The injured personnel were initially shifted to Shaheed Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital, where Langau later visited them and inquired about their condition. Hospital officials said the three seriously wounded personnel were in stable condition before being transferred to Quetta for specialised treatment. No group had claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of reporting. Condemning the assault as a “cowardly” act, Langau said such attacks would not weaken the government’s resolve to combat terrorism. “I cannot be intimidated by such firecrackers,” the minister said, vowing that the attack would neither diminish his love for Pakistan nor deter him from serving the country.

The joint defence agreement, signed on August 7 in Makkah, aims to strengthen collective deterrence and empowers its signatory states to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all. Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia will establish political and military mechanisms under the defence pact, while the alliance will also deepen cooperation in the defence industry, Turkiye’s defence ministry said on Thursday. Both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar have said the pact is defensive in nature. Dar has also said that the agreement is “open to any country in the region” willing to uphold its funda-

mental principles. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Saturday said Turkiye expected Egypt to join the pact “in the next stage”, telling the Anadolu state news agency that only “a few technical issues” stood in the way. Egypt has not commented on the agreement or Fidan’s remarks. Meanwhile, Kuwait, Bahrain and Somalia are among the countries that have welcomed the pact. Iran’s response has also been positive in tone, with Tehran stressing its stance of pursuing “security mechanisms based on cooperation between regional countries”. Resolve to eradicate terrorism reiterated The meeting also reiterated the leadership’s “resolve to eradicate the scourge of terrorism” from the country, according to the statement. Foreign and interior affairs also came under discussion during the meeting. President Zardari emphasised “the need for effective measures to provide relief to the people” in light of the current regional situation. He also stressed the need for an “uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and their availability at reasonable prices”. He expressed the hope that Pakistan’s effective diplomatic efforts for the promotion of regional and global peace would further strengthen the country’s international standing, with their positive impact ultimately reflected in the national economy and the lives of the people, the Presidency said.

Dar calls for dialogue, diplomacy to break US-Iran deadlock ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide on Friday discussed enhanced cooperation in counterterrorism, with particular focus on the use of Afghan soil by terrorist groups for attacks against Pakistan. Eide, who arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a twoday visit — the first by a Norwegian foreign minister in a decade — held detailed talks with Naqvi on bilateral relations, regional security and cooperation in law enforcement. According to an Interior Ministry handout, the two sides agreed to strengthen collaboration in counterterrorism, prevention of illegal immigration, police training and mutual legal assistance. The ministers also discussed the security situation in Afghanistan and activities of proscribed organisations operating from the neighbouring country. Naqvi told the Norwegian foreign minister that Afghan soil was continuously being used for terrorism in Pakistan, stressing that Islamabad stood “as a wall” between the international community and terrorist elements. “Everyone must work together for the complete eradication of terrorism,” Naqvi said. The two sides also reviewed measures to curb illegal immigration to Europe from Pakistan. Naqvi said Pakistan’s measures had resulted in a 47 per cent reduction in illegal immigration to Europe, adding that the country had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal migration. He stressed that promoting legal migration was essential to effectively combat illegal immigration and said Pakistan’s measures had also been appreciated by the European Union. Eide, meanwhile, lauded Pakistan’s “constructive and active” role during the US-Iran conflict and appreciated the contribution of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway, particularly in politics and the health sector. The Norwegian foreign minister’s visit is being seen as an important step towards expanding PakistanNorway relations, with both sides expressing a desire to strengthen cooperation across security and other areas of mutual interest. Minister of State Talal Chaudhry and senior officials also attended the meeting.

doors open for dialogue within framework of constitution: cm bugti QUETTA

STAFF REPORT

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for lasting regional peace, stressing that implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of June 18 in letter and spirit was the only way forward, as he held separate meetings with the top US diplomat and other foreign envoys in Islamabad. US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker called on FM Dar in Islamabad, with the two sides discussing regional developments and bilateral cooperation amid a stalemate in efforts to secure a lasting end to the US-Iran conflict in the Middle East, the Foreign Office said. The conflict has disrupted global oil and gas supplies as well as international trade through the Strait of Hormuz, which carried roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and a quarter of seaborne liquefied natural gas exports before the war began in late February. Pakistan had led a months-long diplomatic push that helped broker an interim US-Iran peace deal in June aimed at ending the conflict. However, President Donald Trump declared the process “over” on July 7, while Iran’s Foreign Ministry later said it had been “suspended”, following US strikes on Iran and

Pakistan, norway vow to deepen counterterrorism cooperation, focus on afghan-based threats

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Tehran’s attacks on US interests in the region. “FM appreciated the positive trajectory in Pakistan-US relations and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for lasting peace,” the Pakistani Foreign Office said in a post. “He emphasized that the implementation of the Islamabad MoU of 18 June in letter and spirit is the only way forward.” The June ceasefire agreement, also known as the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, provided for a 60-day period, extendable by mutual consent, during which Iran and the United States were expected to work towards a final agreement limiting Tehran’s nuclear programme and lifting US sanctions. However, the two sides remain

at loggerheads over efforts to agree on a permanent end to the conflict. During Friday’s meeting, the US chargé d’affaires appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability and conveyed felicitations to FM Dar on Pakistan’s Independence Day, according to the Foreign Office. The foreign minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and security while safeguarding the country’s national interests, it added. Dar lauds positive momentum in Pakistan-UK relations In a related development, DPM/FM Ishaq Dar met British High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Islamabad and appreciated the positive momentum in PakistanUK relations, according to the Foreign Office.

Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has said that Pakistan, after 79 years of struggle and progress, has established itself as a nuclear power with growing global recognition. He paid tribute to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for steering the country towards development and strengthening its international standing. Addressing the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Balochistan Assembly lawns on 80th Independence Day, Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that the people of Balochistan have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to Pakistan by celebrating the occasion with zeal across districts, divisions, towns, and villages. He rejected claims of separatism, declaring that those who believe in terrorism or violence can divide Pakistan “live in a fool’s paradise.” Sarfraz Bugti reiterated that the doors of the state and government remain open for dialogue within the framework of the Constitution, but stressed that negotiations cannot be held with groups involved in killing innocent citizens. He directed militants to abandon violence and rejoin the national mainstream, warning that if they persist, the writ of the state will be enforced at all costs. “No ideology can be imposed at gunpoint,” he said, adding that terrorist elements have dragged the Baloch nation into a futile war. The Chief Minister paid glowing tributes to the martyrs of the Pakistan Army, Balochistan Police, Frontier Corps, and civilian victims, assuring their families that their sacrifices will never be forgotten. He also expressed condolences over the recent passing of the Speaker’s young son, praying for the departed soul. Sarfraz Bugti highlighted the importance of meritocracy in providing opportunities to Balochistan’s youth, describing them as the architects of Pakistan’s future.

Pakistan emerges as global ‘hinge power’ amid shifting geopolitical order: Report ISLAMABAD AGENCIES

Pakistan is increasingly consolidating its position as an indispensable “hinge power” on the global geopolitical stage, leveraging its unique diplomatic channels, strategic location and proactive foreign policy to promote international peace, security and economic collaboration. According to an analysis published in the Financial Times, Islamabad is successfully turning its simultaneous and active engagement with the United States, China, the Gulf States and Iran into a major strategic asset, enabling it to expand its diplomatic influence while maintaining working relationships with competing global and regional powers. The report highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic weight in hosting direct talks between Washington and Tehran, describing the development as a clear signal of Islamabad’s growing strategic relevance and its ability to

provide channels for engagement at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. It noted that Pakistan is proactively stepping forward to play an increasingly effective and dynamic role in the evolving global order. In this context, the signing of the historic Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye reflects Pakistan’s rising importance to regional security and stability. A core strategic advantage for Pakistan, according to the analysis, is its ability to maintain interest-based partnerships with both Washington and Beijing concurrently, while also keeping essential diplomatic channels open with the Gulf States and Iran. The report underscores that Pakistan is consolidating its position as a key middle power—one capable of working constructively with multiple global centres of power without being confined to any single geopolitical camp. This diplomatic agility is increasingly being reinforced by forward-looking eco-

nomic initiatives, with commercial prospects involving the United States in sectors such as cryptocurrency and critical minerals forming an integral part of Pakistan’s evolving economic diplomacy. At the same time, plans to connect Central Asian economies to Pakistani ports offer significant potential to open new export markets, expand regional connectivity and drive trade growth. The support of key regional partners, including Saudi Arabia, serves as an important anchor of confidence for encouraging foreign direct investment into Pakistan. According to the report, Pakistan is actively seeking to move beyond regional constraints and establish a broader global footprint. Its strategic foreign policy is providing Islamabad with substantial leverage and greater room for manoeuvre across the United States, China, the Middle East and Central Asia. Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s ex-

panding diplomatic engagement and strategic connectivity are positioning it as an increasingly important bridge among competing

centres of global power—giving the country an elevated strategic weight and a distinct place on the evolving global political stage.

02 NEWS

Saturday, 15 August, 2026 | KARACHI

Govt urGes industry to draw up five-year plans as it eyes $100b export tarGet

PROFIT

NEWS DESK

EDERAL Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday called on industry stakeholders to formulate five-year export plans and move from discussion to concrete implementation, as the Planning Commission hosted a policy dialogue on unlocking Pakistan's automotive export potential. The session, titled "Unlocking Pakistan's High-Value Export Potential: Threats and Opportunities for the Automotive Industry," brought together private sector stakeholders, academics, senior government officials and international development partners to discuss ways to boost automotive exports and contribute to the $63 billion export target under URAAN Pakistan. It was jointly chaired by Iqbal, Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan. Iqbal said export-led growth is the foremost component of URAAN Pakistan and must be treated as a national priority rather than merely an economic objective, stressing that increasing exports was essential for the country's economic stability, self-reliance and sustainable development. He said Pakistan could no longer afford to remain focused primarily on its domestic market. "The only sustainable path to strengthening Pakistan's economy is through exports," he said, calling for a

shift from an inward-looking domestic economy to a globally competitive, export-driven one. He described the target of raising Pakistan's exports to $100 billion as a matter of national importance requiring a fundamental shift in the country's approach to industry, investment, infrastructure and economic policy. Iqbal said Pakistan already had industrial clusters and productive capacities that could be further developed to strengthen international competitiveness, but stressed the need to modernise these clusters, improve productivity, strengthen infrastructure, adopt new technologies and create an enabling policy environment for exports. He said the automotive sector had a particularly important role in transforming Pakistan into a competitive export economy, with the potential to move beyond the domestic market and become a

pakistan seeks up to 50% gas price cut, lower volumes from iran to revive stalled pipeline project: report PROFIT

MONITORING REPORT

Pakistan has asked Iran to slash the price of gas supplied through the Iran-Pakistan (IP) pipeline project by up to 50% and has also sought a reduced volume under the project, as the two sides renegotiate a deal signed more than a decade ago, with Islamabad citing weak appetite across domestic sectors for energy at elevated prices, The Express Tribune reported. Islamabad has said it could move forward with the project only if US President Donald Trump grants Iran a sanctions waiver. The government has drawn up a negotiation strategy with Tehran in anticipation of a possible US-Iran peace deal that could lift sanctions. Officials have noted that the IP pipeline's current pricing exceeds even the cost of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). Qatari LNG had previously drawn criticism for its high price, with no domestic sector willing to absorb it; weak demand eventually led Pakistan and Qatar to agree on diverting 24 LNG cargoes before the outbreak of the US-Iran war. Separately, Pakistani oil and gas exploration firms have suffered multibillion-rupee losses after gas supplies from local fields were curtailed to make space for LNG imports. Under the government's calculations, the prevailing IP gas price works out to $10.6/mmBtu, or Rs2,970, with an additional transportation cost from Hub to Nawabshah estimated at $1.25/mmBtu, or Rs350. At Brent crude benchmarks of $60, $70 and $80 a barrel, the IP gas price had been calculated at $8.20, $9.40 and $10.60/mmBtu, respectively — compared with $7.14, $8.16 and $9.18/mmBtu for LNG supplied under Pakistan State Oil's (PSO) second sale-purchase agreement. Islamabad has now countered with a formula pegged to Rs2,000/mmBtu, calculated at 6.11% of Brent plus $1. This would bring the IP gas price down to $4.67, $5.28 and $5.89/mmBtu across the same three Brent scenarios, undercutting LNG in every case. The project's cost is estimated at $2.5 billion, with a planned capacity of 750 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd). Pakistan wants this volume reduced, citing limited room to absorb additional imported gas, particularly since PSO is already contractually bound to import LNG from Qatar and must consume it to avoid facing damage claims from Doha. Pakistan and Iran signed an Inter-Governmental Framework Declaration on May 24, 2009, followed by a gas sale-purchase agreement on June 5, 2009, between Pakistan's Inter State Gas Systems and Iran's National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC). Pakistan's Ministry of Finance subsequently issued a sovereign guarantee in NIOC's favour.

major contributor to global exports. He expressed confidence that the new Auto Policy 2.0, under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, would help reorient the industry and integrate it into global markets. The minister said Pakistan could not achieve sustainable economic strength through borrowing and shortterm measures. "Pakistan needs a strong economy to secure a respectable place in the comity of nations, and the foundation of that strength must be exports," he said. Iqbal urged the private sector to lead Pakistan's export agenda, saying exporters, manufacturers, investors and industry leaders needed to adopt a growth-oriented mindset and make international markets central to their business strategies. He called for stronger government-private sector collaboration to

identify new export opportunities, remove bottlenecks and set clear priorities for export-led growth, urging chambers of commerce across the country to encourage investors to pursue export missions and develop sector-specific market-access strategies. He asked industry stakeholders to formulate five-year export plans identifying each sector's potential contribution to exports and the government support needed to achieve those targets. "We have no other choice; we must increase exports," he said, adding that the time had come to move from discussions and complaints to concrete action. Iqbal said Pakistan needed a comprehensive district-level export development plan covering all regions and sectors, with particular focus on areas where existing industrial capacity could be transformed into globally competitive export clusters. He reiterated that increasing exports was critical to meeting Pakistan's foreign exchange requirements and strengthening its economic sovereignty. "Pakistan needs dollars, and sustainable foreign exchange earnings can only come through a stronger and more diversified export base," he said. Participants at the dialogue discussed challenges and opportunities facing Pakistan's automotive export sector, includcompetitiveness, investment, ing productivity, technology, infrastructure, market access and policy facilitation. The session was part of a consultative series organised by the Planning Commission of Pakistan to promote the country's high-value export sectors and clusters.

SIFC accelerates sweeping regulatory overhaul to boost ease of doing business in Pakistan PROFIT NEWS DESK

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is driving forward regulatory reforms and the regulatory guillotine — a mechanism for eliminating outdated rules and procedures — as vital instruments for fostering ease of doing business for domestic and foreign enterprises in Pakistan. According to a statement, these initiatives directly target red tape, complex licensing and redundant bureaucratic hurdles that have historically stifled commercial growth in the country. By systematically reviewing, simplifying or eliminating obsolete compliance burdens and paperwork, the reforms aim to lower operational costs and entry barriers for businesses. The Board of Investment (BoI) initially launched the regulatory guillotine framework, but systemic bottlenecks slowed implementation of the required reforms.

Recognising the urgency of creating a friction-free corporate environment, the prime minister has since assigned the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) responsibility for leading these structural overhauls, leveraging its "whole-of-government" framework. Under SIFC's oversight, the reforms have been significantly accel-

erated. Through sustained efforts, SIFC has fast-tracked execution, ensured seamless inter-agency coordination and driven the reforms toward their intended economic impact. Officials say this renewed momentum is helping unlock Pakistan's potential as a premier destination for competitive global and domestic investment.

FBR defends new tax return form amid bug reports as filers report technical issues

PROFIT MONITORING REPORT

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched a new income tax return form for Tax Year 2026, but multiple reported bugs have caused technical problems for taxpayers and advisers during filing, Business Recorder reported. Responding to stakeholder concerns, FBR sources said the new return has moved from a static form to a highly dynamic interface designed to guide taxpayers through tax laws seamlessly. The Tax Year 2026 return represents a significant redesign, developed in line with the FBR's digital transformation initiative as envisioned by the prime minister. The new system is built to capture accurate data, link assets with incomes, and facilitate taxpayers

through advanced data integration. FBR sources maintained that the current system is functioning exactly as designed to ensure compliance. The system now dynamically adjusts to each taxpayer's specific sources of income. A salaried individual, for instance, will only see the portions of the return relevant to their income, removing unnecessary clutter. FBR acknowledged that a newly introduced feature on immovable property has drawn queries from taxpayers and tax bodies. Sources said the feature was deliberately added to improve data accuracy by linking property, rental and agricultural income. While calculating Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is inherently complex, the FBR said the new return simplifies the process, with the system now calculating tax automatically once the taxpayer enters the sale value and sale date. To address understanding gaps around the new requirements, the FBR has developed a comprehensive user manual and a detailed video tutorial on property management, both available on the IRIS portal. The FBR said filing data provides the clearest evidence that the new return has become easier, more dynamic and more effective. A tax expert urged the FBR to ensure the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in tax administration does not undermine the role of tax consultants, advocates and other qualified professionals, stressing that technology should assist professional judgment rather than replace it.

agricultural credit surges 21.4% to rs2.79tr in fy26, but outreach to smaller farmers narrows PROFIT

MONITORING REPORT

Agricultural credit disbursement climbed 21.4% year-on-year to Rs2.79 trillion during July-May FY2025-26, with commercial banks remaining the dominant lenders by disbursing Rs2.41 trillion over the 11 months, up 22.3% from Rs1.97 trillion a year earlier, according to the State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) Performance Overview – Agricultural Credit Expansion Plans, released Thursday. This signals stronger formal-sector financing for farmers, though the composition of lending is raising questions about whether the growth is translating into lasting productivity gains or reaching smaller borrowers evenly. Mid-sized commercial banks posted the sharpest growth, with disbursements surging 64.8% to Rs809.4 billion. Bank Al-Habib led the expansion with Rs233 billion in lending, up 126%, followed by Bank of Punjab at Rs189.3 billion, up 76.6%, and JS Bank at Rs34.4 billion, up 69.6%. Islamic banks expanded agricultural lending at a more moderate pace, with disbursements rising 12.4% to Rs216.4 billion. Meezan Bank held the largest share at Rs125.1 billion, up 25.9%, while Faysal Bank's lending grew 11.3% to Rs37.5 billion. Despite the overall expansion, most lending continues to flow toward production needs rather than development financing for mechanisation, irrigation, storage, livestock and farm infrastructure. The outstanding stock of agricultural credit held by borrowers climbed 27.1% to Rs1.182 trillion by end-May 2026, from Rs930.1 billion a year earlier. Commercial banks accounted for Rs708.3 billion of this portfolio, up 41.8% year-on-year. Total outstanding agricultural borrowers rose 14.7% to nearly 2.98 million by end-May 2026, driven largely by commercial banks, whose borrower base nearly doubled to 1.21 million, up 96.3%. Microfinance banks, by contrast, saw their outstanding agricultural borrowers fall 17.7% to around 976,800, even as their disbursements rose 13.4% to Rs258.2 billion. Microfinance institutions and Rural Support Programmes (RSPs) together disbursed Rs27.4 billion during July-May FY26, up 4.9% year-on-year, yet their combined outstanding borrowers fell 13% to 353,674 by end-May 2026, down from 406,650 a year earlier. The decline in borrowers served by microfinance institutions and RSPs, despite higher disbursement volumes, points to uneven financial inclusion, since these institutions serve as key channels for smaller and underserved farmers.

Constitutional Court grants interim relief to KepZ firms in sales tax dispute over electricity supply

PROFIT MONITORING REPORT

The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has granted interim relief to companies operating in the Karachi Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in a dispute over the levy of sales tax on electricity supplied to export-oriented units. A two-member bench headed by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan heard the petition filed by Midas Clothing Ltd and others against the sales tax on their electricity consumption. Petitioners’ counsel argued that the companies are exempt from paying sales tax on electricity supplied to them under the applicable legal framework. The court was told that an earlier Supreme Court judgment had directed that sales tax be collected in the first instance, with affected companies pursuing refunds afterwards. However, implementation of that direction resulted in substantial sales tax demands being raised against the petitioners, effectively converting what was meant to be a pass-through tax into a final burden borne entirely by the companies. The counsel further argued that the petitioners were not parties to the earlier Supreme Court proceedings and therefore could not be bound by directions issued in that case without being given an opportunity to be heard. He also contended that the prescribed refund mechanism was, in practical terms, unavailable to the petitioners, making the levy onerous and causing serious financial harm. After hearing detailed submissions, the FCC granted interim relief to the petitioners and directed that no coercive measures be taken against them until the next hearing.

S&P sees room for more Pakistan rating upgrades if fiscal deficit stays below 3% of GDP, debt falls under 60% PROFIT

MONITORING REPORT

Pakistan could climb further up the sovereign credit ladder if it holds its fiscal deficit under 3% of GDP, brings government debt below 60%, and keeps narrow external debt under 100% of current account receipts, according to Yee Farn Phua, Director of Sovereign Credit Ratings at S&P Global Ratings, who credited the country's improved political stability for enabling the reforms behind its recent upgrade. S&P raised Pakistan's long-term sover-

eign rating to 'B' from 'B-' on July 22 with a stable outlook, its highest level since 2016. Pakistan’s fiscal deficit fell to Rs3.31 trillion, or 2.6% of GDP, in fiscal year 2025-26, marking its lowest level in more than two decades. The government also posted a primary surplus of Rs3.63 trillion, equivalent to 2.9% of GDP, as public finances recorded their strongest performance in 22 years. Speaking on a state-owned digital platform, Phua attributed the move to a mix of steadier politics, headway on IMF-backed reforms, and gains in Pakistan's fiscal and external accounts. "This was predicated on

the fact that we view Pakistan's political settings as relatively more stable," he said. According to Phua, that political calm has been the real engine behind the country's stronger credit profile. It gave the government room to push through IMF reforms that stabilised the fiscal position and, in turn, helped institutional capacity improve as well. Bilateral partners have also stepped back in, Phua noted, pointing to renewed swap arrangements and fresh deposits at the State Bank of Pakistan. Combined with better tax collection and tighter expenditure control, this has translated into steadily improving fiscal targets.

Asked what had shifted since Pakistan's economic crunch in 2022, Phua returned to the same theme: political stability, he said, sits at the core of both the improved credit metrics and the more stable growth outlook. That stability has also freed policymakers to design longer-term measures instead of constantly firefighting immediate pressures. The S&P assessment lands as Islamabad works to lock in macroeconomic stability while deepening trade and investment ties with bilateral partners, including pushes into mining, energy, IT and manufacturing as part of a broader export-led growth strategy.

Longstanding diplomatic relationships with countries such as Türkiye and China are increasingly being converted into commercial and investment cooperation, not just government-to-government engagement. Even so, Phua cautioned that investment-grade status remains well out of reach, "multiple notches away." He noted that economies in the region carrying investment-grade ratings typically combine stronger institutions with sustained annual growth of 4-5% or more. Pakistan's institutional capacity has improved, he said, but is still climbing from a fairly low base.

news 03

saturday, 15 August, 2026 | KARACHI

SBP SAyS eCONOmIC Self-RelIANCe, StRONg INStItutIONS ARe key tO tRue SPIRIt Of INDePeNDeNCe

PROFIT

STAFF REPORT

CONOMIC self-reliance, robust institutions, adherence to the rule of law, and national unity remain central to realising the true spirit of independence, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad said, adding that despite considerable progress over the past year, sustained diligence, commitment and resolve are still required to address remaining challenges. SBP marked Pakistan's 79th Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony at its Karachi headquarters, where Governor Ahmad raised the national flag to mark the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Ahmad said

the past year had brought meaningful progress toward economic stability, driven by prudent fiscal and monetary policies alongside greater economic discipline, with the country now moving from stabilisation toward sustainable growth. On price stability, the governor noted that average inflation stood at 7.1% during FY26. He said SBP's current monetary policy stance remains appropriate for keeping inflation within its 5-7% medium-term target, while still leaving room for economic activity, investment and job creation. Ahmad credited prudent fiscal and monetary management with supporting economic growth, which reached 3.7% in FY26 and is projected to range between 3.5% and 4.5% in FY27 — a trend he described as an encouraging sign of continued movement

toward sustainable growth following the stabilisation phase. On the external front, the governor pointed to record remittances exceeding $41 billion in FY26, expected to climb to $44 billion in FY27, as evidence of overseas Pakistanis' confidence in the country's economic trajectory. He said rising remittances, combined with a low current account deficit, had helped push foreign exchange reserves to $18.4 billion by the close of FY26, with reserves projected to surpass $21 billion during FY27. Ahmad also outlined measures taken over the past year to strengthen and modernise the financial system, highlighting the successful rollout of PRISM+, which he said has aligned the country's payment infrastructure more closely with interna-

tional standards by making large-value payments and settlements faster, safer and more efficient. He noted that SBP's push for digital payments had driven retail digital transactions up from roughly 10 billion to 12 billion over the past year, describing the growth as evidence of both wider technology adoption and progress toward a more documented and transparent economy. Turning to financial inclusion, the governor reaffirmed SBP's commitment to ensuring all segments of society can access the formal financial system, citing the launch of InvestPak to offer the public convenient, secure and transparent investment opportunities. He also pointed to ongoing efforts to advance Islamic banking, green finance, cybersecurity and financial technology to keep

FBR notifies fresh penalties for delayed goods clearance at customs stations, eﬀective October 1 PROFIT STAFF REPORT

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has notified a revised set of penalties for delays in filing goods declarations and clearing goods from customs stations, effective from October 1, 2026. Under the revised schedule, if a goods declaration is not filed for homeconsumption, warehousing or transhipment within 20 days of the goods' arrival at a customs station, a penalty of Rs25,000 will apply for each of the next five days, rising to Rs50,000 for each subsequent day, capped at Rs1 million per case. If a declaration is filed before a vessel berths but the goods are not removed from the customs station within five days of completing assessment and berthing, despite payment of leviable duty and taxes, the penalty is set at Rs15,000 for

each of the next five days and Rs20,000 for each subsequent day, also capped at Rs1 million per case. Where a declaration is filed after a

Punjab abolishes 101 Section Officer posts across administrative departments, South Punjab Secretariat PROFIT

STAFF REPORT

vessel has berthed but goods are not removed for home-consumption, warehousing or transhipment within five days of the declaration's clearance, the penalty

Defined Contribution Pension Fund Scheme enters operational phase PROFIT STAFF REPORT

The Punjab government has abolished 101 posts of Section Officers (BS-17) across various administrative departments and the South Punjab Secretariat, The News reported, citing a notification issued by the Punjab Finance Department. The abolished posts were part of the cadre strength of the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD). The affected departments include Agriculture, the Chief Minister's Office, Communication and Works, Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control, Finance, Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Health and Population, Higher Education, Home, Housing and Urban Development and Public Health Engineering, Industries, Commerce and Investment, Information and Culture, Irrigation, Local Government and Community Development, Literacy and Non-Formal Basic Education, Livestock and Dairy Development, Mines and Minerals, Planning and Development Board, Public Prosecution, School Education, Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Bait-ulMaal, and Women Development. In the South Punjab Secretariat, posts were abolished in the Agriculture, Communication and Works, and Finance departments. The notification confirms that a total of 101 Section Officer posts have been abolished.

stands at Rs10,000 for each of the next five days and Rs20,000 for each subsequent day, subject to the same Rs1 million cap. For goods not loaded onto a conveyance for export within 15 days of entry into the port, the penalty is Rs5,000 for each of the next five days and Rs15,000 for each subsequent day, again capped at Rs1 million per case. The S.R.O. 1346(I)/2026 was issued by the Revenue Division on August 13, 2026, in exercise of powers under subsection (1) of section 82 of the Customs Act, 1969, and supersedes an earlier notification, S.R.O. 1387(I)/2025, dated July 31, 2025. The notification states that these penalties will be subject to adjudicating proceedings or voluntary deposit, as prescribed under rules notified for the purpose under the second proviso to sub-section (1) of section 82.

The Ministry of Finance has directed all federal ministries and divisions to implement the Federal Government Defined Contribution (DC) Pension Fund Scheme-2024, which has now entered its operational phase, according to an office memorandum issued on August 11, 2026. The scheme, notified under the Federal Government Defined Contribution Pension Fund Scheme Rules, 2024, took effect from July 1, 2024. Its implementation is to be carried out through the Accountant General, the Finance Division, and all ministries, divisions, departments and subordinate offices of the federal government, with Rule 6 empowering the Finance Division to issue guidelines and instructions for the scheme's purposes. To ensure timely and coordinated rollout, the memorandum directed all ministries and divisions to nominate a focal person of BS-17 or above to coordinate matters relating to the scheme's implementation, with the focal person's details to be shared with the Finance Division and the Accountant General of Pakistan Revenues (AGPR). Ministries were also asked to designate an office or section responsible for verifying, certifying and maintaining employee data required for the scheme, and to prepare and verify lists of employees appointed on a

regular basis on or after July 1, 2024, who fall within its scope. Their particulars must be updated with AGPR within 15 days of receipt of the memorandum. Ministries and divisions were further directed to ensure the same actions are implemented across all departments and subordinate offices under their administrative control, while the Finance Division's HRM Wing was asked to do the same for entities under its own control. The Controller General of Accounts was asked to coordinate with AGPR and provide the Finance Division with a consolidated, verified list of employees registered under the scheme, broken down by ministry, division and department, as well as by basic pay scale (BPS). Under the scheme's rules, published earlier via SRO 1728(I)/2025 dated August 27, 2025, monthly contribution rates for federal government employees, including civilians paid from defence estimates, are set at 12% of pensionable pay from the employer and 10% from the employee, for a combined overall contribution rate of 22%. Contribution rates for Armed Forces personnel were left unspecified in the notified rules. The scheme requires employees to open pension accounts with eligible pension fund managers and permits withdrawal of up to 25% of the accumulated balance upon retirement, with the remainder to be invested for at least 20 years or until death, whichever comes first, under the Voluntary Pension System Rules, 2005.

Finance Ministry cuts markup rate on General Provident Fund to 12.05% PORFIT STAFF REPORT

Ahmad credited prudent fiscal and monetary management with supporting economic growth, which reached 3.7% in FY26 and is projected to range between 3.5% and 4.5% in FY27 — a trend he described as an encouraging sign of continued movement toward sustainable growth following the stabilisation phase. On the external front, the governor pointed to record remittances exceeding $41 billion in FY26, expected to climb to $44 billion in FY27, as evidence of overseas Pakistanis' confidence in the country's economic trajectory. He said rising remittances, combined with a low current account deficit, had helped push foreign

exchange reserves to $18.4 billion by the close of FY26, with reserves projected to surpass $21 billion during FY27. Ahmad also outlined measures taken over the past year to strengthen and modernise the financial system, highlighting the successful rollout of PRISM+, which he said has aligned the country's payment infrastructure more closely with international standards by making large-value payments and settlements faster, safer and more efficient. He noted that SBP's push for digital payments had driven retail digital transactions up from roughly 10 billion to 12 billion over the past year, describing the

growth as evidence of both wider technology adoption and progress toward a more documented and transparent economy. Turning to financial inclusion, the governor reaffirmed SBP's commitment to ensuring all segments of society can access the formal financial system, citing the launch of InvestPak to offer the public convenient, secure and transparent investment opportunities. He also pointed to ongoing efforts to advance Islamic banking, green finance, cybersecurity and financial technology to keep Pakistan's financial system secure, resilient and future-ready. Looking ahead, the governor said SBP would continue prioritising price stability, policy reform, and building an economic environment conducive to higher productivity, export growth and job creation, calling these priorities essential to converting current stability into lasting development and a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan. Ahmad credited the achievements of the past year to the hard work and professional dedication of SBP's officers and employees. The ceremony closed with a reaffirmation of SBP's commitment to advancing sustainable economic development, financial stability and the welfare of Pakistan's people.

Pakistan's financial system secure, resilient and future-ready. Looking ahead, the governor said SBP would continue prioritising price stability, policy reform, and building an economic environment conducive to higher productivity, export growth and job creation, calling these priorities essential to converting current stability into lasting development and a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan. Ahmad credited the achievements of the past year to the hard work and professional dedication of SBP's officers and employees. The ceremony closed with a reaffirmation of SBP's commitment to advancing sustainable economic development, financial stability and the welfare of Pakistan's people.

NCCIA arrests seven for defrauding citizen of Rs14.4 million in fake Canada work permit scam PROFIT

STAFF REPORT

Economic self-reliance, robust institutions, adherence to the rule of law, and national unity remain central to realising the true spirit of independence, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad said, adding that despite considerable progress over the past year, sustained diligence, commitment and resolve are still required to address remaining challenges. SBP marked Pakistan's 79th Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony at its Karachi headquarters, where Governor Ahmad raised the national flag to mark the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Ahmad said the past year had brought meaningful progress toward economic stability, driven by prudent fiscal and monetary policies alongside greater economic discipline, with the country now moving from stabilisation toward sustainable growth. On price stability, the governor noted that average inflation stood at 7.1% during FY26. He said SBP's current monetary policy stance remains appropriate for keeping inflation within its 5-7% medium-term target, while still leaving room for economic activity, investment and job creation. Ahmad credited prudent fiscal and monetary management with supporting economic growth, which reached 3.7% in FY26 and is projected to range between 3.5% and 4.5% in FY27 — a trend he described as an encouraging sign of continued movement toward sustainable growth following the stabilisation phase. On the external front, the governor pointed to record remittances exceeding $41 billion in FY26, expected to climb to $44 billion in FY27, as evidence of overseas Pakistanis' confidence in the country's economic trajectory. He said rising remittances, combined with a low current account deficit, had helped push foreign exchange reserves to $18.4 billion by the close of FY26, with reserves projected to surpass $21 billion during FY27.

Independence Day at Sahiwal Power Plant: A celebration of patriotism, Pak-China friendship ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the 1320 MW Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant, where Pakistani and Chinese employees came together to mark the national occasion in an atmosphere of patriotism, camaraderie and mutual respect. The celebrations reflected not only the spirit of Pakistan’s Independence Day but also the strong bond between the Pakistani and Chinese workforce at the power plant, said a press release. Independence Day at Sahiwal Power Plant: A celebration of patriotism, PakChina friendship Chinese management participated actively alongside their Pakistani colleagues throughout the celebrations, presenting a beautiful example of the friendship and cooperation that characterizes the Pak-China relationship. The day’s activities began with a walking activity, in which employees from different departments participated together. The morning walk provided a healthy and refreshing start to the celebrations while also giving colleagues an opportunity to interact outside their regular work environment. At a power plant where employees routinely work in demanding operational and technical environments, such activities provide an opportunity to promote health, teamwork and a positive workplace culture. The participation of Chinese management alongside Pakistani employees further strengthened the sense of unity and togetherness. The celebrations then moved to the Sports Centre where an energetic basketball match was held. Employees enthusiastically participated in the sporting activity, creating an atmosphere filled with excitement, friendly competition and team spirit. The basketball match was particularly symbolic of the close working relationship that has developed between the Pakistani and Chinese workforce. On the basketball court, professional designations and cultural differences took a back seat, with teamwork and sporting spirit bringing everyone together. Following the match, the employees gathered for the Independence Day cake-cutting ceremony. The ceremony provided a memorable moment for the entire team as Chinese management and Pakistani employees jointly celebrated Pakistan’s national day. The participation of the Chinese management in the ceremony was a visible expression of respect for Pakistan and its people. Their enthusiastic involvement demonstrated that the relationship between the two sides extends beyond professional responsibilities and reflects genuine friendship and mutual appreciation. The celebrations were followed by a lavish Independence Day lunch, featuring a wide variety of dishes. The menu included traditional favourites such as dum pukht with rice, desi chicken and samosas, along with fruit salads, pasta, different varieties of raita, soft drinks and other dishes.

04 COMMENT

The Pakistan We Could Build

What the alliance demands

Turkiye takes the lead in defining how the Makkah Declaration is to be operationalized

Why governance matters more than aid

HE Trukiye Defence \Ministry, in a regular briefing onThursday, has described how the Makkah Declaration is to be operationalized, indicating the protestations about the alliance not being directed against anyone are to be taken with a pinch of salt. The spokesman said that there would have to be institutional mechanisms put in place which would allow there to be coordination between the Defence Ministers, the Foreign Ministers and the Chiefs of General Staff and Armed Forces Commanders. This shows that Turkiye knows well that an alliance will require that the members coordinate their foreign and military policies, and that the military men hold what are a little coyly termed ‘military conversations’ so that all members know what they have to do in advance. The Turkiye spokesman then said that all three services would have to conduct joint exercises. Again, the purpose of this would be to practise what each country would do in the event of a conflict. The coordination of defence production would clearly mean the transfer of technology and the exchange of information required in joint development. This also implies a coordination of military acquisition targets. It should be noted that of the three countries that signed the pact, and of any other country which might join it, such as Egypt, Turkiye is the most experienced when it comes to military alliances, as it has been a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization since 1963, has its largest army and hosts its Land Command in Ankara. It is also the most affected by the provision that the pact does not supersede previous commitments, as it is the only country already part of a treaty. This implies that the Makkah Declaration members may have to accommodate NATO’s foreign and defence policies, because of the need to accommodate Turkiye. The question thus arises once as to who is the putative opponent that one of the members might be attacked by, so as to invoke the mutual defence clause of the agreement. It is not possible to have ‘military conversations’ without some idea of whom they might be against. True, the pact does not mean that any of the signatories is irrevocably committed. But it does indicate the direction in which they are headed.

RIZWAN AHMAD

AKISTAN has spent much of its history trying to solve long term problems with short term solutions. When foreign exchange reserves become dangerously low, we seek financial support. When the budget comes under pressure, we look for new loans. When energy shortages become severe, emergency arrangements are made. When inflation rises, temporary relief is announced. Then the immediate crisis passes, and the country moves on to the next one. This cycle has become so familiar that it is easy to mistake crisis management for economic policy. It is not. Pakistan does need international financial assistance. No serious argument can be made against seeking support during periods of economic difficulty, especially when the country faces external shocks, natural disasters or severe balance of payments pressures. The real question is what Pakistan does with the breathing space that such assistance provides. If every loan only helps us reach the next loan, then we have not solved the problem. We have merely postponed it. The deeper challenge before Pakistan is governance. Governance may sound like an abstract political concept, but it determines almost every part of economic life. It determines whether taxes are collected fairly, whether public money is spent responsibly, whether electricity reaches consumers efficiently, whether businesses can operate without unnecessary obstacles and whether citizens can expect basic services from the state. A country cannot borrow its way into good governance. Pakistan has talented people, a large domestic market, a young population, a strategic geographical position and considerable natural and human resources. Yet these advantages repeatedly fail to translate into sustained prosperity. The reason is not that Pakistan lacks potential. It is that its institutions often fail to convert potential into results. The first reform Pakistan needs is therefore not another ambitious announcement. It is a culture of implementation. Governments frequently introduce new policies, committees and development programmes. What is missing is continuity. A policy may begin under one administration and lose momentum when political leadership changes. Development priorities can shift before projects mature. Institutions are reorganised without addressing the reasons for their poor performance. Economic development does not work this way. A country needs policies that survive changes in government. Investors need predictable rules. Farmers need stable agricultural policies. Businesses need confidence that regulations will not change without warning. Families need to believe that their children will have better opportunities tomorrow than they

Dedicated to the legacy of late Hameed Nizami

Arif Nizami (Late) Founding Editor

Pakistan's Digital Future M. A. Niazi

Babar Nizami

Editor Pakistan Today

Editor Profit

Opportunities and Challenges MUHAMMAD USMAN

HE pace of technological and structural changes shaping economies across the globe is faster than ever in the history of mankind. Innovations that took decades to reshape economic activities across the globe are now scaling across economies within years. These technological innovations are not diffusing through physical infrastructure alone; they are embedded in data and digital platforms and networks. Digital markets are no longer peripheral to modern economies; they are rapidly becoming their backbone. This situation leaves little room for delay. Economies that proactively develop the ecosystems, along with the physical and institutional infrastructure required to adapt, are likely to achieve accelerated growth, while those that fail to respond are at risk of falling into a position of lasting structural disadvantage in an increasingly competitive global economy. Global experts on the subject matter anticipate that digital capabilities are spreading across all sectors, and over time, the distinction between digital and non-digital sectors may disappear. Against this backdrop, the central question is no longer whether digital markets matter for future growth, but where Pakistan stands in their development, both in the global context and in comparison to the countries that share similar historical, institutional, and demographic conditions, most notably India. A significant gap exists in both the timing and scale of the initiatives taken to drive digital transformation when comparing the digital economies of Pakistan and India. India began implementing a coordinated national strategy with the launch of the Digital India Programme in 2015. The program had foundational support from initiatives such as Aadhaar (2009)– a digital identity programme– and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) (2016). In contrast, Pakistan started a comprehensive digital transformation agenda only recently through the Digital National Pakistan Act, 2025, with some earlier foundational initiatives of NADRA and the Raast programme. The difference exists not only in the scale and timing of digital transformation initiatives but also in the approach adopted by the two countries to sequencing, coordination, and integration. India's approach has been more systematic, with substantial investments in foundational digital infrastructure before scaling digital services and markets. A notable example is the BharatNet programme, launched in 2011 with the objective of connecting approximately 250,000 Gram Panchayats (village councils) through a nationwide optical fibre network. Implemented through a combination of public investment and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, BharatNet was designed not only to expand broadband access in underserved rural areas but also to promote competition in

the broadband market. By providing affordable shared digital infrastructure, the programme lowered entry barriers for Internet Service Providers (ISPs), encouraged new market entrants, expanded consumer choice, and created the connectivity backbone upon which later initiatives such as Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, ONDC, digital public services, fintech, and ecommerce could scale. Rather than relying solely on regulation to improve competition, India complemented its regulatory framework with strategic public investment in digital infrastructure, demonstrating that competitive digital markets are built on strong digital foundations. In summary, Pakistan’s future in the digital economy depends on strengthening the foundation of its digital infrastructure, particularly affordable internet connectivity through public investment to reduce entry barriers and enable competitive digital markets. Another important component of India's approach to digital transformation was its emphasis on policies and initiatives that improved the affordability of smartphones and other digital devices. Indian initiatives, such as the National Policy on Electronics, Make in India, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, the Phased Manufacturing Program (PMP), and the Semicon India Program, have transformed the country into one of the world's leading electronics manufacturing hubs. By encouraging domestic production, creating an environment for attracting global manufacturers, and generating economies of scale, these initiatives have contributed to greater availability and affordability of smartphones and other digital devices. These initiatives have played a significant role in accelerating digital inclusion and supporting the rapid expansion of the digital market. Another important pillar of India's digital transformation is sustained and ambitious investment in digital literacy programs. Recognizing that digital infrastructure alone cannot drive digital inclusion, the program needs the broader population to be capable of participating. India has launched numerous nationwide digital skills programs that specifically target rural populations. Traditional post offices were

have today. Predictability is itself an economic asset. Taxation provides one of the clearest examples. Pakistan needs more revenue to finance education, health, infrastructure and public services. Yet simply increasing taxes is not enough. A complicated system can encourage avoidance, discourage investment and place an unfair burden on those who already comply. Pakistan needs a tax system that is broad, transparent and easier to administer. The state must bring more economic activity into the documented economy while reducing opportunities for selective enforcement. People are more likely to accept taxation when they believe that everyone is contributing according to clear rules. The same principle applies to the energy sector. Pakistan has spent years dealing with electricity shortages, rising costs and financial losses. The problem cannot be solved permanently through repeated price increases or emergency borrowing. The underlying system needs better management, stronger accountability and serious attention to losses and inefficiency. When an institution repeatedly consumes public money without improving its performance, the answer cannot always be another financial injection. This brings us to state owned enterprises. The government should not approach public enterprises through ideology. The important question is whether an institution is serving a genuine public purpose and whether it is being managed effectively. Some public organisations may be essential. Others may need restructuring or a different ownership model. What matters is performance. Public money is not free money. Every rupee wasted by an inefficient institution is a rupee that cannot be spent on a school, hospital, road or water supply system. Governance also requires Pakistan to rethink the relationship between the federal, provincial and local levels of government. Citizens experience the state primarily through the services available in their communities. They care about clean water, functioning schools, hospitals, roads, transport and sanitation. These problems cannot always be solved effectively from the capital. Local governments need meaningful authority, resources and accountability. Devolution should not mean simply transferring responsibility without giving institutions the capacity to perform. Local officials must also be answerable for results. A functioning democracy is not only about elections. It is also about whether institutions work between elections. Perhaps the greatest economic resource Pakistan currently lacks is public trust. Trust cannot be created through speeches. It develops when citizens see rules being applied consistently and public institutions behaving predictably. It grows when people believe that success is possible through hard work rather than personal connections. This matters especially for young Pakistanis. Millions of young people enter the workforce every year. They do not simply need jobs. They need an economy capable of creating productive careers.

converted into multi-service digital centres, facilitating citizens' access to government services, digital payments, and financial services. These programmes have enabled millions of people, particularly in rural and underserved communities, to use computers, smartphones, digital payments, online government services, and e-commerce platforms. While building the foundation of the digital economy, Pakistan has made significant and ambitious progress in recent years. A sequence of initiatives, such as the enactment of the Digital National Act of Pakistan, the establishment of the Pakistan Digital Authority, the development of Data Governance Policy, and the introduction of the WASAL framework, shows a growing recognition of the importance of the digital economy in the present leadership of the country. These initiatives have the potential to serve as foundational pillars of Pakistan's digital transformation. However, if we compare Pakistan's strategies for the development of the digital economy with global best practices, there exist significant challenges in the existing approach. Compared with international best practices, Pakistan's digital strategy continues to face gaps in sequencing, scale, and integration. Investments in foundational infrastructure, especially universal broadband connectivity and affordable access to digital devices, have not received the same level of attention as regulatory and policy initiatives. Similarly, digital literacy programmes remain limited in scale relative to the country's population. The absence of a fully integrated approach linking connectivity, digital identity, skills development, data governance, and strategies for easy adoption of smartphones is slowing the pace of digital transformation. On the other hand, high taxes and duties on smartphones and other digital devices and internet packages may inadvertently increase the cost of participation in the digital economy, limiting digital inclusion and raising barriers for lower-income households. In short, Pakistan needs to focus on the foundation and integration of current initiatives for a thriving digital economic future.

The writer is a PhD scholar in Economics with over 14 years of experience across the government, private, and development sectors.

Similarly, digital literacy programmes remain limited in scale relative to the country's population. The absence of a fully integrated approach linking connectivity, digital identity, skills development, data governance, and strategies for easy adoption of smartphones is slowing the pace of digital transformation. On the other hand, high taxes and duties on smartphones and other digital devices and internet packages may inadvertently increase the cost of participation in the digital economy

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Saturday, 15 August, 2026

They need quality education, technical training, digital opportunities and an environment where businesses can expand. If the most ambitious young Pakistanis believe that their only path to a better life is to leave the country, Pakistan loses far more than population. It loses skills, entrepreneurship, creativity and future leadership. This is why economic reform and institutional reform cannot be separated. Pakistan also needs to change the way it thinks about foreign assistance. International institutions can provide valuable financing, expertise and technical support. But assistance should help Pakistan become stronger, not more dependent. A loan should create the conditions in which the next loan becomes less necessary. That means using periods of economic stability to fix the weaknesses that produce repeated crises. When reserves improve, the country should not simply return to business as usual. When inflation falls, structural reforms should not be forgotten. When external financing becomes available, it should be used to strengthen productive capacity rather than merely finance consumption. Pakistan needs to move from managing shortages to creating abundance. That requires higher exports, greater investment, better productivity, stronger human capital and a more competitive private sector. It requires an economy where businesses can grow because they are productive, not because they have influence. None of this will happen overnight. Institution building is slow and often politically inconvenient. Reform creates winners and losers. Powerful interests may resist changes that threaten existing privileges. Governments may prefer popular short term measures to difficult reforms whose benefits will appear years later. But this is precisely why institutions matter. Strong institutions make it possible for a country to pursue difficult policies even when those policies are not immediately popular. They create continuity when governments change. They establish rules that apply beyond individual personalities. Pakistan has spent decades searching for the next source of financing. It should now spend equal energy building the capacity to finance itself. The Pakistan we could build is not a country that never needs international assistance. It is a country that does not repeatedly need emergency assistance simply to keep its economy functioning. It is a Pakistan where the tax system is fair, public spending is accountable, energy systems are sustainable, businesses can plan ahead and young people can see a future at home. It is a Pakistan where institutions are stronger than individuals and rules are stronger than connections. Foreign assistance can give Pakistan time. Good governance can turn that time into progress. The real opportunity before the country is therefore not simply to escape the next economic crisis. It is to build a state capable of preventing the crisis after that. That is the Pakistan worth building. The writer is a freelance columnist.

Editor’s mail

Send your letters to: Letters to Editor, Pakistan Today, 4-Shaarey Fatima Jinnah, Lahore, Pakistan. E-mail: letters@pakistantoday.com.pk Letters should be addressed to Pakistan Today exclusively

When law fails

A viral video of a couple being killed in cold blood for marrying of their own free will and against the tribal laws somewhere in Balochistan has attracted condemnation from all quarters as is the unfortunate routine. The government has voiced its resolve to give exemplary punishment to the culprits. These resolves do not materialise due to weak judicial system and laws. Every other day, a woman or a girl is killed in cold blood by some close relative, mostly on the pretext of honour. Honour killing has a long history. Its roots are found in different cultures and societies. During the dark ages in ancient Rome, a male family member was prosecuted for not taking action against a female adulterer. In Europe, honour killing was also common, which is reflected in their literature and dramas. For instance, the fourth wife of King Henry VIII was beheaded for adultery. Honour killing is predominant in Asian and Middle Eastern countries, and in tribal cultures where the law is lenient towards such killings. During the Ottoman Empire, in some Arab countries, a killer man would sprinkle the blood of the victim on his clothes and walk proudly in the streets with the murder weapon. Today, scattered cases are still reported from Europe, the United States and Canada among Asian immigrants, but the culprits are tried and punished. The worst part of this whole tragedy is that in Pakistan, the killer is pardoned by the family of the deceased for blood money. Sometime the murder is confined to being a ‘family affair’, as usually the killer is a close relative of the deceased. This is done without even investigating the motive of the cold-blooded murder. Though the jirgas are illegal in Pakistan, they are still active. Their verdicts are solemnly accepted and followed in tribal society. Those cases are hardly reported in the media. Considering the sensitivity of the issue, there is a need for the saner elders to sit together and find a way to stop this spree of crime against women in society. MALIK UL QUDDOOS KARACHI

Bullying in white coats

WE have all heard about the issues fresh medical graduates face and about women’s harassment by men at workplace. But women house officers at Mayo Hospital in Lahore are facing a unique kind of bullying at what is one of the country’s leading public hospitals, and that, too, by senior women doctors. Yes, you read it right; women harassing women. Several women house officers, who are young doctors undergoing professional training, have faced harassment and bullying by senior female staff for not wearing a hijab. These house officers are in clinical scrubs that are widely considered professional, modest work clothes in hospitals worldwide. Despite being fully covered and adhering to professional dress codes, these young doctors are considered ‘vulgar’ and blamed for ‘spreading indecency’. Rather than focusing on the conduct of male attendants who are reportedly engaged in inappropriate staring, some senior women doctors have chosen to blame the young women doctors for supposedly provoking such a behaviour. This assertion is both regressive and insulting. In one contrasting instance, a house officer, who recently started wearing a hijab, was mocked for her personal choice, revealing the hypocrisy and bias at play. This behaviour is deeply unprofessional and damaging. Wearing a hijab or not does not define a woman’s character, nor does it justify labelling her as ‘vulgar’. Such bullying violates workplace ethics, and undermines the mental health, dignity and learning environment of young professionals. Medical institutions should be centres of excellence, where staff are judged solely on their competence and dedication, not personal appearance or religious choices. Hospital administrations, especially in premier institutions like Mayo, must enforce strict anti-harassment policies, ensure ethical conduct training for one and all, and create a safe, respectful environment for all medical professionals. AFIFA SHAHID LAHORE

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The War Behind the War

Saturday, 15 August, 2026

QAMAR BASHIR

HE Strait of Hormuz presents a puzzle that cannot be resolved through official statements alone. Iran claims that no vessel can use the waterway without its authorization. The USA simultaneously says that its naval “wall of steel” is preventing ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports. If both claims were completely accurate, the consequences should have become catastrophic. Iranian oil would be trapped by the USA, while petroleum belonging to Washington’s Gulf allies would be blocked by Iran. The resulting pincer movement should have removed an enormous volume of oil and gas from international markets. After almost six months of war, however, the anticipated worldwide collapse has not occurred. Brent crude remains around $87 rather than $150 or $200. Transportation and insurance costs have increased, but most countries have not declared that their fuel reserves are exhausted. There are no universal gasoline lines, comprehensive rationing programmes or widespread refinery closures. The contradiction demands an explanation. Iran has demonstrated that its restrictions are not merely rhetorical. The United Arab Emirates says at least 15 vessels connected with ADNOC have been attacked since the war began. Several attacks occurred during August alone, producing deaths, injuries and operational disruption. Saudi Arabia faces pressure at both ends of its export system. Iranian power threatens shipping through Hormuz, while the Houthis have declared a maritime embargo against Saudi-linked vessels around the Red Sea. Qatari LNG operations and tankers have also suffered disruption. The USA, meanwhile, is preventing ships from entering and leaving Iranian ports. CENTCOM has intercepted or redirected Iran-linked vessels and says the blockade can be maintained indefinitely. The EIA estimates that petroleum flows declined from approximately 21.6 million barrels per day before the conflict to 4.9 million during the second quarter of 2026. Recent private estimates range between 1.74 million and 6.98 million barrels daily. The reduction is therefore real and historically significant. That produces another puzzle. If a Chinese tanker receives Iranian permission to transport Saudi or Emirati oil, the Gulf pro-

ducer still exports its petroleum and receives revenue. The cargo also remains available to the world market. Iran would be controlling the destination— not blockading the oil itself. Strategic and commercial stocks provide part of the answer. The International Energy Agency reports that observed worldwide oil inventories have declined by approximately 410 million barrels since the war began— an average depletion of 2.7 million barrels per day. The global numbers are revealing. Supply has fallen by about 4.3 million barrels per day, while high prices and economic weakness have reduced demand by approximately 1.6 million. The remaining deficit is around 2.7 million barrels daily— almost exactly the reported rate at which inventories are declining. This explains why the shortage has not yet produced universal rationing. But inventories cannot explain the whole system. Stored petroleum cannot indefinitely replace the enormous quantity historically transported through Hormuz. Attention must therefore shift outside the Persian Gulf. The IEA estimates that production from the Americas has increased by approximately 1.4 million barrels per day during 2026. The USA is producing around 13.8 million barrels daily, while Canada, Brazil, Guyana and Argentina are expanding output. Brazil, Guyana and Venezuela have collectively delivered the largest increase in petroleum exports from any producing region during 2026. Venezuela exported approximately 1.16 million barrels daily in July, including about 786,000 barrels per day to the USA— the highest US-bound volume since early 2019. Russia remains another important supplier. Despite attacks on its refineries, it continues sending crude to China and India. Damage to Russian refining capacity can paradoxically increase crude exports because oil that cannot be processed domestically becomes available for foreign shipment. Nigeria and Angola are supplying additional African crude. Nigeria’s Dangote refinery has increased gasoline and fertilizer exports to African countries deprived of tra-

ditional Middle Eastern supplies. India has become an essential refining bridge. It buys Russian, Brazilian, Venezuelan, Nigerian and Angolan crude, processes it domestically, and exports diesel, gasoline and aviation fuel to Asia and Europe. Qatari LNG losses are being replaced partly by the USA, Australia, Nigeria, Angola and Oman. Saudi Arabia moves crude through its East-West pipeline to Yanbu, while the UAE exports through Fujairah and uses shuttle tankers and ship-to-ship transfers outside Hormuz. The functioning market is therefore not evidence that nothing has changed. It is evidence that the international energy system is being reconstructed while the war continues. Every month of disruption strengthens alternative suppliers. Importers that once depended on the Persian Gulf are signing contracts elsewhere. Refineries are learning to process different crude grades, while investors are financing pipelines, terminals and offshore production beyond Hormuz. These emergency arrangements may become permanent. Once countries spend billions adapting their infrastructure, they have little reason to restore their previous depend-

The Hormuz ParadoxWhat appeared to be a war centred upon Iran and Israel may ultimately be part of a much greater contest over who controls the indispensable resources· and therefore the geopolitical bargaining power·of the 21st century

Trump stops short of endorsing Bibi as his campaign falters

Netanyahu’s current coalition has 49 to 53 seats in those surveys — far fewer than the 68 seats it holds today and the 61 needed to swear in a government

AXIOS BARAK RAVID

HEN Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump met in the Oval Office two weeks ago, the president asked the Israeli prime minister how he was doing in the polls ahead of an Oct. 27 election. Netanyahu paused. Then one of his advisers piped up: “Mr. President, he is winning,” the aide said, according to a U.S. official familiar with the exchange. Why it matters: Netanyahu is not winning. And so far, Trump hasn’t given him the endorsement he hopes for, despite being asked about it repeatedly by reporters. The president could still change his mind. But with just 75 days left until the election, time is running short for Netanyahu. State of play: Netanyahu’s current coalition has 49 to 53 seats in those surveys — far fewer than the 68 seats it holds today and the 61 needed to swear in a government. Israel’s opposition parties, on the other hand, have 67 to 70 seats. Netanyahu’s main rival, former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, has better favorability ratings in most of the polls. But Netanyahu doesn’t necessarily have to win. He just needs to not lose. His main effort at the moment is to secure enough votes to prevent his opponents from swearing in a government without the support of Arab-Israeli parties. If he manages to do that and neither side is able to form a government, Netanyahu will remain as a caretaker prime minister for several more months until another election is held. At the moment, that is a real possibility. Driving the news: In the first few weeks of the war in Iran, some of Trump’s close advisers were confident he would endorse Netanyahu. At the time, Trump was advocating loudly for Netanyahu to receive a pardon to end his corruption trial. But as time passed and the war bogged down, Trump’s and Netanyahu’s foreign policy goals — and their domestic political interests — started to diverge. More and more daylight has opened be-

tween them over the last three months — not just on Iran, but on Lebanon and Gaza as well. Two senior U.S. officials said that while Trump likes Netanyahu on a personal level, he’s been frustrated by his decisions and policies. “Bibi is his own worst enemy,” Trump said, according to two people who spoke to the president about Netanyahu recently. Zoom in: The latest episode to strain their relations was Netanyahu’s public rejection of Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace plan for disarming Hamas. A senior U.S. official said the White House saw Netanyahu’s statement on Sunday as election-season politics and not necessarily as a policy declaration. “We understand Bibi’s political needs. We have no problem with it as long as he continues to do what we ask — especially regarding restraining attacks in Gaza,” the U.S. official said. Last week, Netanyahu spoke on the phone with Trump envoy Jared Kushner and promised to give the Board of Peace plan a chance, despite his skepticism. He also pledged to curb attacks on Gaza so the demilitarization process can begin, a U.S. official said. Since then, Israel has conducted far fewer strikes on Gaza and the IDF pulled back to the Yellow Line — where it was supposed to be deployed under the agreement. Kushner is planning a trip to Israel next week to meet Netanyahu and other officials and discuss the Gaza plan, according to four sources with knowledge of the matter. Behind the scenes: Several Netanyahu political adversaries — including Eizenkot and former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid — have expressed concern that Trump will endorse the incumbent leader, two of their aides told Axios. According to two sources with knowledge of the outreach, those opposition figures back-channeled messages to Trump and his aides through mutual friends, donors and other political allies, urging the president to remain neutral. A former U.S. official briefed on the situation claimed that Netanyahu’s weakness in polls has deterred Trump from getting involved. Yes, but: Trump has been extremely pop-

ular in Israel, but his standing has eroded in the last three months over the deal he signed with Iran and his decision to back away from the war after the agreement was violated. Israelis have also chafed at the restraints Trump has put on Israel’s military operations in Iran, Gaza, Syria and Lebanon. What he’s saying: Trump was asked by reporters four times in recent weeks whether he endorses Netanyahu. Each time, he has stopped short of doing so. “Is there anyone in Israel better than him to do the job?” radio host Hugh Hewitt asked Trump in July. The president dodged. “Well, I don’t know most of them. I know some of them, obviously, but I don’t know most of them,” he said, referring to Netanyahu’s opponents. In several recent interviews, Trump praised Netanyahu for being a “great wartime prime minister,” but each time referred to him in the past tense. While Israeli officials said Trump raised the issue of the pardon in private during his last meeting with Netanyahu, the president hasn’t spoken about it publicly for months. What to watch: The Israeli election is crucial for Trump’s Middle East agenda for his final two years in office, especially with the Iran crisis in a “no deal, no war” limbo. Trump also wants to push forward his Gaza peace plan, make progress in negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, cinch a security agreement between Israel and Syria and, most importantly, broker a historic peace deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Trump and his team are traumatized by the 2019 political crisis in Israel that led to three consecutive elections and resulted in a lost year of Middle East diplomacy. A senior U.S. official said the White House will not repeat past mistakes and allow Israeli domestic politics to hold up its regional agenda.

COMMENT 05

ence completely. Iran may therefore be damaging not only US allies but its own strategic position. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait risk losing customers and their reputation for reliable delivery. However, the USA and US and Western Hemisphere producers are gaining customers and influence. This market transformation raises a question more consequential than the original shipping puzzle: was the redistribution of energy power merely an unintended consequence? In 2025, China demonstrated that control of strategic resources could become a geopolitical weapon. Beijing tightened restrictions on rare-earth elements, processing technology and permanent magnets essential to US automobiles, aircraft, missiles, radar systems, semiconductors, robotics and industrial machinery. The USA could identify new mineral deposits, but it could not quickly reproduce China’s refining and magnet-manufacturing ecosystem. Beijing had acquired leverage capable of interrupting US factories and defence production without military action. Washington needed comparable bargaining power. China imports approximately 70 percent of the petroleum it consumes, much of it through vulnerable maritime routes. Oil and its transportation system offered a possible counterweight. Before the Iran war, Trump demanded “total access” to Venezuelan oil. Venezuela possesses the world’s largest reported proven petroleum reserves. Iran possesses enormous oil and gas deposits while occupying the northern coastline of the waterway carrying approximately one-fifth of global petroleum consumption. Senator Lindsey Graham later connected

the two countries explicitly: “Venezuela and Iran have 31 percent of the world’s oil reserves… This is China’s nightmare. This is a good investment.” Graham described US control of Hormuz as “checkmate.” Trump subsequently declared that the USA could open the waterway, “take the oil” and “make a fortune.” These statements reveal a strategic philosophy. China possessed leverage over the minerals and magnets required by the USA. Washington could answer by acquiring influence over the petroleum and shipping routes required by China. The official military objectives— supporting Israel, destroying missiles, preventing nuclear proliferation and weakening Iranian regional influence— remain part of the explanation. But they do not necessarily constitute the entire explanation. The inquiry began with two allegedly airtight blockades and a strangely resilient oil market. It then uncovered inventory depletion, alternative suppliers, new trade routes and a historic transfer of energy influence away from the Persian Gulf. At the end of that trail stands a larger possibility: the Iran war may be one battlefield in a US attempt to create energy leverage against China’s mineral power. What appeared to be a war centred upon Iran and Israel may ultimately be part of a much greater contest over who controls the indispensable resources— and therefore the geopolitical bargaining power—of the 21st century.

The writer retired as Press Secretary the President, and is former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France and former MD, Shalimar Recording & Broadcasting Company Limited

Open-source genie to be let out of bottle

CHINA DAILY EDITORIAL

OR years, Silicon Valley’s reigning orthodoxy, particularly among the trio of closedsource artificial intelligence model developers — OpenAI, Anthropic and Google — held that safety required secrecy. The most powerful models, the argument went, had to stay behind corporate firewalls. Opensource systems were “dangerous”, likened to “selling nuclear weapons in retail stores”. That narrative was always convenient for those who profited from closed-source models. Then came the Hugging Face incident last month, when the world’s largest open-source AI community was hacked by a closed-source model that was able to “jailbreak” its constraints. When Hugging Face’s security team reached out to closed-source vendors in the United States for help, it was reportedly turned away; their own guardrails prevented them from assisting with offensive cybersecurity operations. The crisis was ultimately resolved not by a US closed-source model, but by China’s open-source GLM-5.2. The safety narrative was never about safety — it was about protecting a lucrative business model: concentrating technological power, extracting premium pricing and letting a handful of companies decide who gets access to transformative AI. OpenAI alone is projected to burn $25 billion this year. That kind of spending demands monopoly-like pricing — and the argument that only closed-source models can be trusted serves that purpose. Meanwhile, China’s open-source models have been making inroads. Chinese models reportedly occupy the top five spots in global API call volume, and US enterprises are increasingly turning to Chinese models because they offer comparable performance at a fraction of the cost. When a Chinese model can perform a task for a fraction of the price of a leading US model, it is worth asking who in the US truly benefits from the country’s expensive closedsource models. That is exactly the question Mark Zuckerberg posed in a 14-page manifesto posted on Monday, and for once, it steered clear of the usual metaverse-fueled reverie. Instead, he laid out a sobering strategic calculation: the US must urgently recalibrate its approach to AI — or risk ceding ground to foreign competitors. For Chinese AI companies, this should be read not as a philosophical

treatise, but as a warning shot. The Meta CEO’s post, “The Future is for Everyone”, is less a humanitarian vision than a competitive road map. Zuckerberg warns that restrictions on US AI companies are handing advantages to foreign competitors, calling on Washington to lower barriers for US open-source developers. Of course, Zuckerberg’s embrace of open source is self-serving. Meta’s business has always run on scale, not direct model monetization, and the tepid reception to Llama 4 gave him every incentive to change the narrative. But his diagnosis is clear: the doom-and-gloom argument that AI is so dangerous that power must be concentrated in a few hands was always politically convenient rather than valid. Concentrating control over a technology so consequential is not just economically inefficient — it is a governance risk. Washington appears to be listening. A new policy framework reportedly exempts open-source models from some voluntary prerelease safety testing, while the US administration has signaled that open-weight models will not face the same scrutiny as closed systems. But US developers still face restrictions — on training data and other fronts — that foreign competitors may not share. Zuckerberg is pressing to remove those frictions. For Chinese AI companies, the implications are evident. The US is preparing to unleash its open-source ecosystem in earnest. The contest is no longer about which country builds the smartest model; it is about which can build the most resilient ecosystem — hardware, software, talent, capital, governance and applications, all in a self-reinforcing cycle. China’s ecosystem has shown resilience under pressure, with US restrictions often accelerating indigenous innovation. But after the US embraces open-source models, the competition will necessarily become tougher and more systematic. Zuckerberg’s Muse Glimmer, designed to run on a single graphics card, offers a glimpse of what a more accessible and aggressive US open-source push could look like. China’s cost efficiency, infrastructure investment and the integration of industry, academia and government have created a reliable flywheel — but that flywheel is about to face a reinvigorated adversary. The open-source genie is about to be let out of the bottle. For Chinese AI companies, the time to prepare for a more capable US open-source offensive is now — not when the first US model arrives at their doorstep.

06 news

IRAN 'AGREES ON GENERAL PRINCIPLES' TO RESTRICT US, ISRAELI VESSELS FROM STRAIT OF HORMUZ: TASNIM

saturday, 15 August 2026 | kArACHI

TEHRAN

AGENICES

senior Iranian official said on Friday that the general principles of a strategic action plan to manage the Strait of Hormuz were agreed upon in a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Councils, Al Jazeera reported, citing Iranian media. A spokesperson of the committee, Valiullah Bayati, told Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency that “the strategic action plan to ensure the security and progress of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf was reviewed by the Councils’ Commission and, after hearing the opinions, its general outline was approved." According to Al Jazeera, one of the resolutions in the plan was to prohibit the passage of vessels and equipment owned by the United States, Israel, and other “hostile countries” through the strait. “This is because these countries have used the Strait of Hormuz to carry out hostile actions against our country, and have committed unjust and aggressive acts against the Iranian people,” Bayati said. Saudi crown prince, US CENTCOM chief discuss regional tensions Earlier, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Admiral Brad Cooper discussed efforts to reduce regional tensions on Thursday, Anadolu Agency reported, citing the Saudi Press Agency. The crown prince reportedly received Cooper for a meeting, however, the Saudi

Press Agency did not specify where the talks were held, Anadolu Agency reported. The two sides discussed Saudi-US cooperation in defence fields, regional developments, and ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and strengthen security and stability across the region, the news agency added. As per Anadolu Agency, earlier on Thursday, Saudi Arabia announced that 13 countries had joined a multinational defensive maritime alliance, marking its effective launch. The Saudi Defence Ministry said the alliance’s third planning meeting was held at the Western Fleet Command in the coastal city of Jeddah, with representatives from 39 countries participating. The ministry described the meeting as a "key step" toward activating the alliance. The Strait of Hormuz has seen escalating tensions amid the US-Iran war, raising fears of disruptions to shipping and global energy supplies despite diplomatic efforts to consolidate understandings on freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway. Vance says lower oil prices top priority over Iran nuclear issue The US on Friday said that keeping oil and gas prices low for Americans was its top priority in the war, ahead of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. "I know that oil is down today and it's way down from the highs in the early days of the conflict," Vice President JD Vance said on Fox News, according to Anadolu Agency. He added, "That's goal number one keep oil and gas cheap for Americans all

over our country." Vance also stated, "And then obviously goal number two is to ensure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon." On Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the US was going to apply measures that have "never been seen" on Iran. "Watch this space for more announcements coming next week because we are going to apply measures like have never been seen in the history of economic isolation on a country," Bessent said in an interview on on Newsmax's "Rob Schmitt Tonight" programme. Bessent said the measures would combine increased economic pressure on Tehran with restrictions related to the Strait of Hormuz. "It will be a combination of economic isolation like the world has never seen before, and the continued blockade in the Strait of Hormuz that will keep anything from going in or out of the Iranian ports," he said. On Thursday, the US said that it could maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely and would ratchet up economic pressure on Tehran as ceasefire talks have floundered, global oil supply is dropping and regional tensions are rising. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that the US military has the capability to maintain a naval presence in the region to enforce its blockade of Iran, which has inflicted severe economic damage on the country. "Indefinitely the United States Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we'll rotate ships in and out, as we have, and we'll continue to," Hegseth told reporters during

a trip to Panama. With a tentative June deal to end the war in tatters, Iran has sought to exert leverage on Washington in return by controlling the Strait of Hormuz. It has attacked some vessels trying to transit the strategic waterway, through which a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas traveled before the war began in February. Two vessels from the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were attacked transiting the strait on Thursday evening, UAE state news agency WAM reported. The United Arab Emirates government condemned it as an Iranian attack. GCC CONDEMNS ATTACK ON UAE'S ADNOC TANKERS The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi condemned the "brutal Iranian at-

Us says it can sustain Iran blockade as new Hormuz ship attacks slow traﬃc WASHINGTON/TEHRAN AGENCIES

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained severely disrupted on Friday after two more vessels were attacked in the waterway, while the United States said it could keep its naval blockade of Iran in place indefinitely and signalled further economic measures against Tehran. Two vessels belonging to the stateowned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were attacked while transiting the strait on Thursday evening. The United Arab Emirates government blamed Iran for the incident. There was no immediate comment from Tehran. A senior Iranian source said on Wednesday there had been no progress in talks meant to build on a June agreement aimed at ending the war. As a ceasefire was renewed and then broke down, Iran resumed attacks on ships it says are trying to pass through the strait without its permission. TRAFFIC REMAINS FAR BELOW NORMAL Data from ship-tracking company Kpler showed that nine vessels moved through the narrow passage at the entrance to the Gulf on Thursday, up from five a day earlier but still below the August daily average of 12. Early Friday ship-tracking data showed no visible crossings. Some ships may transit without being detected if their transponders are switched off. Even so, traffic is far below the more than 130 ships that crossed the Strait of Hormuz each day before the war launched by the US and Israel on Iran in February. Torbjorn Solvedt, principal Middle East analyst at risk intelligence company

Verisk Maplecroft, said Iran’s control over access to the waterway remained central to its bargaining position. He said, "Alongside the threat to energy infrastructure in the region, Iran’s ability to restrict shipping through the strait is its main source of leverage in negotiations." US SIGNALS PROLONGED PRESSURE US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US military had the capacity to preserve a naval presence in the region to enforce the blockade imposed in retaliation against Iran. Speaking to reporters during a visit to Panama, he said, "Indefinitely, the United States Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we'll rotate ships in and out, as we have, and we'll continue to." US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also said Washington would intensify financial pressure on Iran. In an interview on Newsmax's Rob Schmitt Tonight programme, he said, "Watch this space for more announcements coming next week

because we are going to apply measures like have never been seen in the history of economic isolation on a country." US President Donald Trump is facing domestic pressure to bring the war to an end, with fuel prices weighing on his approval ratings and potentially affecting his party’s prospects in November’s midterm elections. Brent crude futures were up slightly at about $87 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude traded at around $81. India’s dependence on Russian crude climbed to a record level in July, while refineries in Asia bought US crude this week to secure future supply. COMPETING POSITIONS OVER THE STRAIT rump has repeatedly said the United States has total control over the Strait of Hormuz, a route through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas moved before the war began. Iran has rejected that claim. Tehran has said it will not permit the

waterway to reopen until its conditions are met, including the removal of economic sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets. The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that an Iranian parliamentary committee on Thursday approved a plan for the strait that includes banning the transit of assets and equipment belonging to the United States, Israel and other countries Iran considers hostile. The United States had lifted its blockade on Iranian shipping and ports for one month in mid-June, but later restored it, further reducing Tehran’s access to hard currency after earlier wartime damage to its energy infrastructure. Washington had previously said it would remove the blockade once Iran and Oman, which border the strait, reached an agreement to restore commercial shipping. Trump has also repeatedly threatened to expand military action and hit Iran hard, though he has so far stopped short of sending ground troops, seizing strategic islands or bombing desalination plants. Earlier this week, he indicated he would rely on economic pressure rather than military escalation. The United States has already tightened sanctions on Iran as well as on individuals and entities it says are involved in helping Tehran acquire weapons, but the campaign has not returned Iran to negotiations. Reports that Yemen’s Houthis targeted a Saudi Aramco refinery with drones on Thursday added to fears of a broader regional conflict. Global economists have warned that if the war is not ended soon, the result could be a sharp slowdown in growth and even recession in some regions.

Oil slicks seen near Iranian islands as spill off Oman raises wider Gulf pollution fears TEHRAN

AMBASSADOR JIANG ZAIDONG ISLAMABAD

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPC Central Committee with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core has put forward a series of new ideas, new thinking and new strategies centered on the major issue of the era— what kind of long-term governing Marxist party to build and how to build it—giving rise to Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building. As an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building carries significant practical relevance and far-reaching guiding significance for strengthening the Party and the nation. It explicitly sets forth the “14 commitments”, namely: adhering leadership by the CPC as the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics; upholding the centralized, unified leadership of the Party

We must put people first and ensure that China-Pakistan cooperation delivers greater benefits to the two peoples. The CPC has always upheld building the Party for the public good and exercising state power for the people. Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building explicitly stresses “remaining true to the original aspiration and founding mission”, namely to seek happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. Back in 2012, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that our Party is dedicated to serving the people wholeheartedly; the people’s desire for a better life is the goal we strive to work for. Guided by this profound devotion to the people, in the well-known poverty elimination campaign in China, General Secretary Xi Jinping set a shining example through personal commitment. He conducted more than 50 field research visits on poverty alleviation, covering all 14 contiguous poor regions across China. Based on thorough investigations, he put forward and applied the concept of targeted poverty alleviation, setting a brilliant example of integrating the power of truth with moral integrity. Under his leadership, China won the poverty alleviation campaign, built a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and embarked on a new journey of advancing national rejuvenation and building a great modern socialist country through Chinese modernization. Practice since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has fully demonstrated that the historic achievements and transformative changes in the cause of the Party and the country are funda-

AGENCIES

Two oil slicks have been detected in Iranian waters in the Gulf, according to satellite imagery and video verified by Reuters, adding to environmental concerns as attacks on tankers and other vessels involving Iran and the United States continue in the region. A separate large spill is already developing off Oman, outside the Strait of Hormuz, where the grounded tanker Caroline Bezengi is leaking Russian crude in a protected marine zone. That slick has been estimated in some assessments at 2,000 square kilometres. Reuters said the Caroline Bezengi incident has not been linked to the Iran war. SLICKS SPOTTED NEAR QESHM AND SIRRI One of the newly identified slicks was seen off the southern tip of Qeshm Island, a large island in the Strait of Hormuz near Iran’s coast, based on images from Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites. Reuters reported that Wim Zwijnenburg, an environmental open-source researcher at Dutch peace organisation PAX, said the darker portions of the slick suggested heavy fuel oil, while a lighter and more diluted trail extended for about 160 kilometres. Video posted on August 11 and verified by Reuters showed a dark, bubbling substance washing up on beaches in Suza on Qeshm Island, standing out against the surrounding blue-green water. John Amos, chief executive of SkyTruth, which uses satellite images to identify oil spills, said the incident was the largest he had seen in recent months since the conflict between Iran and the United States began. A second slick was identified near Sirri Island in the central Gulf, around 100 kilometres southwest of Qeshm. Reuters said Sirri is home to some Iranian offshore oil and gas production. The Qeshm imagery was dated August 10, while the Sirri images were taken on August 13. POSSIBLE SOURCE UNDER SCRUTINY According to Reuters, Samir Madani, co-founder of monitoring service TankerTrackers.com, said the Qeshm slick was likely caused by a leak from the Liberia-flagged dry bulk carrier Minoan Pioneer. Maritime security sources said the vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile near Oman’s coast in a suspected Iranian attack while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on August 3, and that one seafarer went missing.

Implementing Xi Jinping Thought on party building and deepening China-Pakistan exchanges Central Committee; exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance; staying true to the Party’s original aspiration and founding mission; taking strengthening the Party politically as the overarching principle; building cohesion and inner strength with the Party’s latest theory; forging strong Party spirit; improving the organizational system to ensure vertical coherence and effective implementation; cultivating high-caliber officials capable of shouldering the mission of national rejuvenation; making sustained and effective efforts to improve conduct; governing the whole Party with strict discipline; taking integrated steps to ensure that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity or desire to conduct corruption; governing the Party through systems and regulations, and ensuring that the political responsibility for Party self-governance is fulfilled. The “14 commitments” represent a concentrated summary of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s landmark, guiding new ideas and strategies on party building in the new era. They serve as the fundamental guideline for the CPC in strengthening party building, as well as a Chinese approach for political parties around the world to enhance self-improvement and state governance. China and Pakistan are ironclad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners. We are ready to deepen exchanges and mutual learning with Pakistan on party building and governance, work together to improve people’s well-being and promote prosperity and development, and accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.

tack" on two tankers affiliated with the UAE's ADNOC company in the Strait of Hormuz. According to a post by the GCC's Secretariat General, Albudaiwi emphasised that the "repeated targeting of navigation, facilities, and properties constitutes an unacceptable escalation and a grave violation of international law." US President Donald Trump is under pressure at home to end a war that is deeply unpopular, with high fuel prices dragging down his approval ratings and potentially eroding his party's control of Congress in midterm elections in November. Trump has repeatedly asserted that the US has "total control" over the strait, prompting Iranian denials. Tehran has said it will not allow the waterway to reopen until its conditions are met.

mentally attributable to the steady guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping as the core of the CPC Central Committee and of the Party as a whole, and to the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Under the strong leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the Party Central Committee, over 3 million first secretaries of CPC village committees and village-based officials, together with nearly 2 million township officials and millions of village officials, fought in unison to eliminate absolute poverty. This fully demonstrates the CPC’s capacity to mobilize resources to accomplish major undertakings, and embodies two core principles highlighted in Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building, which is “adhering to the leadership by the CPC as the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics” and “upholding the centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee. It is precisely because the CPC always puts people first and regards delivering people’s wellbeing as its paramount achievement that it enjoys enduring popular support and stands as the most reliable backbone for the Chinese people. Beyond seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, the CPC also strives for progress for humanity and the common good for the world. As General Secretary Xi Jinping noted, we Chinese not only aspire for good living for ourselves, but also hope people in other parts of the world lead a decent life. This is fully reflected in the development of China Pakistan relations in the new era. General Secretary Xi Jinping has always

been concerned about and supported Pakistan’s national development and the improvement of people’s livelihoods. He and Pakistani leaders established the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries and reached important consensus on building an even closer ChinaPakistan community with a shared future in the new era. General Secretary Xi Jinping has stressed that China’s friendly policy toward Pakistan is always oriented toward all Pakistani people, the planning and layout of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) should take into account all regions of Pakistan, so that the fruits of development can benefit all the Pakistani people. To date, CPEC has brought in over 25.9 billion US dollars in direct investment, created more than 260,000 jobs, added over 8,000 MW of power generation capacity, built 510 kilometers of highways and 886 kilometers of core national power transmission networks. It has injected strong momentum into Pakistan’s economic and social development and improvement of people’s livelihood, served as a powerful exemplar for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and become a vivid embodiment of the ChinaPakistan community with a shared future. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. General Secretary Xi Jinping has reached important new consensus with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on advancing bilateral cooperation, which our two sides are working earnestly to implement. Less than two weeks ago, we visited the industrial park in Faisalabad. We were pleased to learn that 39 Chinese private enterprises operate there, most of them soundly run and profitable, thanks to the enabling business environment fostered by Pakistan. These enterprises also give back actively to local communities.

NEWS 07

Saturday, 15 August 2026 | KARACHI

CORPORATE CORNER

Flag-Hoisting Ceremony Held at SNGPL Head Office to mark 79th I-Day

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

In celebration of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, a flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Head Office of Sui Northern Gas in Lahore. The ceremony was graced by Managing Director Sui Northern Gas, Mr. Amer Tufail, as the chief guest.In his address, the Managing Director paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal in securing Pakistan’s independence. He also lauded the heroic sacrifices and victories of the Pakistan Armed Forces.Mr. Tufail urged employees to work with unity and dedication for the progress of the country and the company. Later, the Managing Director hoisted the national flag and planted a sapling to mark the occasion.Senior management and employees of the company also attended the ceremony in large numbers.

CBD Punjab celebrates Independence Day with patriotic flag hoisting ceremony

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), celebrated Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day with a patriotic flag-hoisting ceremony at Lahore Prime, CBD Quaid District, reaffirming its commitment to contributing to the country’s economic growth through modern infrastructure, investment and sustainable urban development.CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin was the Chief Guest at the ceremony. COO CBD Punjab Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Director Project Management Asif Iqbal, Director Construction Asif Babar, Director Architecture & Planning Sameer Aftab Sial, Director Marketing Waseem Siddiq, Director HR & IT Palwasha Mengal, Director Business Development & Investor Relations Ali Waqar Shah, Director JV & PPP Muhammad Masood, Director Land & Estate Mutahir Mehmood Awan, Director Procurement Jawad Ahmed and Director Operations Colonel (R) Fazeel Ghumman, along with senior management, officers and ancillary staff, participated in the ceremony.

PUNJAB BECOMES PAKISTAN’S FIRST PROVINCE WITH INTEGRATED SAFE CITY NETWORK MARYAM NAWAZ LAUNCHES PROVINCE-WIDE NETWORK COVERING ALL 41 DISTRICTS, TWO TEHSILS AND 43 CITIES

P g

LAHORE

SALEEM JADOON

UNJAB on Friday achieved a major milestone in technologydriven policing and public safety as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz digitally inaugurated the Punjab Integrated Safe City Network, making the province the first in Pakistan to establish an integrated Safe City network across all its 41 districts and two tehsils, with facilities now operational in 43 cities. Describing the initiative as a landmark project aimed at freeing citizens from the fear of crime and criminals, the chief minister formally inaugurated the network at a ceremony held at the Safe City headquarters and reviewed screens showing live Safe City operations across districts. According to officials, the joint efforts of the police, Crime Control Department (CCD) and Safe Cities Authority have resulted in an estimated 80 per cent reduction in crime, marking a significant advancement in Punjab’s efforts to strengthen law enforcement through technology, surveillance and data-driven policing.

Inspector General of Police Rao Abdul Karim thanked the chief minister for her support to the Punjab Police, while Police Communication Officers from different parts of the province shared their experiences and highlighted the impact of the Safe City system on public safety and emergency response. Fazal Muhammad, a young Police Communication Officer from Rojhan and a resident of the riverine area, thanked the

chief minister in Balochi. Khadija Ghafar, a Police Communication Officer from Bhakkar/Darya Khan, expressed gratitude for being provided an opportunity to reach new heights in her professional career. Police Communication Officer Muhammad Ali, who is involved in helping reunite missing children with their parents, shared an emotional account of his work. Multan’s Farhan Ali spoke about the “Meri Pehchan” identification

Pakistan stands among world’s powerful nations today: Azma Bokhari LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari on Friday extended heartfelt greetings to the nation on behalf of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and herself. In a video message on Independence Day, Azma Bokhari said that Pakistan was not achieved without sacrifice; rather, the country was won through countless sacrifices rendered by our forefathers. “The journey Pakistan has undertaken from 1947 to the present day is highly valuable and a matter of immense pride,” she said. The Punjab Information Minister said that Pakistan was being accorded respect at every forum today. Whether the matter involved mediation, efforts to stop a war, or

major international decisions, Pakistan’s name was being recognised everywhere. “Today, Pakistan stands among the world’s powerful nations,” she added. Azma Bokhari said that on Independence Day, the nation must

NBP celebrates Independence Day

renew its resolve that everyone has to play their role in taking Pakistan forward. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan is destined to progress,” she said. The Punjab Information Minister also appreciated the performance of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, saying that the entire country acknowledged her achievements. “My prayer is that the other provinces also witness development and progress like Punjab,” she added. Concluding her message with prayers, Azma Bokhari expressed hope that the people of Pakistan would continue to move forward and prosper, and that the country would progress towards greater development, prosperity and well-being.

KARACHI: National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) celebrated the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan with a ceremony held at its Head Office in Karachi, attended by President & CEO Mr. Rehmat Ali Hasnie, senior management, and staff members from across the Bank. The event included hoisting of the national flag by the President, singing of the national anthem and a cake cutting ceremony.Addressing the gathering, Rehmat Hasnie paid tribute to the sacrifices of the nation's founders and Armed Forces, and spoke about NBP's role in advancing financial inclusion and economic empowerment across Pakistan. "Real freedom means economic empowerment and financial inclusion for every Pakistani," he said. "This year has been a landmark one for the Bank, and that strength allows us to do even more for the people of Pakistan including our farmers, our shopkeepers, our students, and our women entrepreneurs." He also highlighted the Bank's continued digital transformation and its commitment to serving pensioners, remittance senders, and government beneficiaries as "The People's Bank." STAFF REPORT

NADRA unveils chipless QR code-based national identity card ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

Marking a significant step towards greater self-reliance, enhanced digital verification and more accessible identity services, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a new chipless National Identity Card featuring a secure QR code, replacing the imported microchip with a technology that can be verified through an ordinary smartphone. The new card has been manufactured in Pakistan by the National Security Printing Company (NSPC), Karachi, in accordance with NADRA’s technical and security requirements. The shift to a locally manufactured, chipless design removes dependence on a foreignsourced microchip while making secure digital identity verification more accessible and practical. The Federal Government approved issuance of the new card on February 23, 2026. Under the new system, the microchip has been replaced with a secure QR code that can be scanned and verified through a smartphone

using the Pak Identity (PakID) mobile application. The QR code will contain relevant cardholder information along with the cardholder’s photograph, enabling authorized institutions to capture names, addresses and other required identity details more easily and consis-

tently in their computerized systems while reducing the possibility of data-entry errors. The new card will also display the family number and specific symbols identifying persons with disabilities, senior citizens, organ donors and citizens of the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The cardholder’s name and address will be printed in both Urdu and English. NADRA has also updated the card’s visible and covert security features to meet current requirements while ensuring compatibility with domestic manufacturing capabilities. The chip-based Smart National Identity Card was introduced approximately 14 years ago. In practice, however, its chip-enabled functions could not be fully utilized as intended because the required chip readers and supporting infrastructure were not widely available. The new QR code-based system is designed to overcome this limitation by enabling identity verification through an ordinary smartphone or appropriate software connected to a camera, making the verification process more accessible without requiring specialized chip-reading equipment.

Punjab Police bids solemn farewell to three martyrs, vows full support to families LAHORE

STAFF REPORT

Punjab’s police and civil-military leadership on Friday paid solemn tribute to three police officials martyred in the line of duty, as funeral prayers for SubInspector Adeel Ashiq, Head Constable Asad and Constable Haris Saleem were offered at Police Lines Qila Gujjar Singh, Lahore. The funeral prayers were attended by the Corps Commander Lahore, Provincial Finance Minister, Chief Secretary and Secretary Home Punjab, Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Kareem, CCPO Lahore, Additional IGs, DIGs and senior officers of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, along with a large number of police personnel.

A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honour to the mortal remains of the martyrs. The Commander Lahore Corps, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, laid a floral wreath on the mortal remains of the three martyrs.

The Finance Minister, Corps Commander Lahore, Chief Secretary, DG Rangers Punjab, IG Punjab Abdul Kareem, CCPO Lahore and other senior officers of the civil administration and Pakistan Armed Forces also laid floral wreaths and offered Fateha for the de-

parted souls. The Corps Commander Lahore, IG Punjab Abdul Kareem and the police and military leadership subsequently met the bereaved families and paid tribute to the sacrifices of the three officials, who embraced martyrdom while performing their duty. The Corps Commander Lahore and IG Punjab Abdul Kareem assured the bereaved families that they would not be left alone and that their care and welfare would be fully ensured. According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, Sub-Inspector Adeel Ashiq, Head Constable Asad and Constable Haris Saleem embraced martyrdom after being fired upon by the accused last night. The three police officials were martyred in firing by Rehan Butt and his accomplices.

app, while Kot Radha Kishan’s Police Communication Officer Muhammad Jameel also shared his experiences. Managing Director of the Safe Cities Authority Ahsan Younas briefed the chief minister on the integrated smart Safe Cities network, explaining that artificial intelligence (AI) had enabled an effective province-wide surveillance system. The network incorporates intelligent surveillance, Emergency 15, intelligent traffic management, real-time command and control and predictive policing, creating an integrated digital mechanism for monitoring developments, responding to emergencies and supporting law enforcement. The Safe City project also includes a Virtual Women Police Station, Child Safety Virtual Centre, Virtual Blood Bank, “Misaq”, and traffic- and environment-related services. Ahsan Younas said another 1,500 panic buttons would be installed across the province, with every police station to be equipped with the facility. Smart screens would also be installed at Police Khidmat Markaz, shopping centres and other public places. He said Emergency 15, digital evidence and real-time command and control mechanisms would further strengthen public safety, while AI-enabled cameras would be capable of identifying faces and detecting weapons, enhancing the law-enforcement and surveillance capabilities of the network.

JazzWorld Brings Spirit of Independence to Workplace and Community

ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

JazzWorld marked Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day with celebrations at its Islamabad headquarters, bringing employees together to commemorate the country’s journey and aspirations for the future. The workplace came alive in national colors, with activities celebrating the spirit of August 14 and the values of unity and national pride.Extending the celebrations beyond the workplace, JazzWorld engaged with children at SOS Children’s Village, sharing the joy of Independence Day with the wider community.JazzWorld colleagues joined the children for a seed plantation drive promoting environmental responsibility, distributed school bags to support their education, and participated in interactive activities. National songs and a cakecutting ceremony added to the festivities.“Independence Day is an opportunity to celebrate how far we have come as a nation while also thinking about the Pakistan we want to build for future generations. At JazzWorld, we wanted to share the joy of this occasion beyond our workplace. Our time with the children at SOS Children’s Village reflects our belief that every child should have the opportunity to learn, dream and shape their own future,” said Syed Zaheer Mehdi, Group Chief Corporate & Regulatory Affairs, JazzWorld.This spirit of inclusion is reflected in JazzWorld’s purpose of Better Life For All and in its continued efforts to contribute to Pakistan’s future by expanding access to the digital tools and opportunities that increasingly shape.

DGPR Holds Ceremony to Mark Pakistan's 79th Independence Day

LAHORE STAFF REPORT

A ceremony was held at the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) Department on Friday to mark Pakistan's 79th Independence Day, at the direction of Information and Culture Minister Azma Bukhari.Director General Sheikh Farid Ahmed was the chief guest at the ceremony, which was attended by officers and employees of the department. He also hoisted the national flag on the occasion.Addressing the gathering, Farid Ahmed congratulated the nation on the 79th Independence Day, saying Pakistan was the result of the exemplary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the countless sacrifices rendered by the nation's forefathers.He said the people had endured immense hardships during the struggle for independence, including the arduous journey of migration."Pakistan is not merely a piece of land; it represents our dreams, hopes and the future of our coming generations," he said, adding that the country had given its people a unique identity and a distinct place in the world — a matter of pride for every citizen.

Saturday, 15 August, 2026

PAKISTAN MARKS 79TH INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH CELEBRATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

PRAYER TIMINGS

NEWS

FAJR SUNRISE

ZUHR

ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

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World leaders extend Independence Day greetings to Pakistan ISLAMABAD

NEWS DESK

ISLAMABAD NEWS DESK

AKISTAN observed its 79th Independence Day on Friday with celebrations held in different parts of the country, including Karachi and Lahore, according to state-run Radio Pakistan and photographs published from the day’s events. Radio Pakistan reported that the day began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes at the provincial headquarters. A change of guards ceremony was also held at the mausoleum of Quaid-iAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi. Celebrations in Karachi Images from Karachi showed people gathering at the Mazar-i-Quaid as the national flag was hoisted during Independ-

World leaders and several friendly countries sent messages of goodwill to Pakistan on Friday as the country marked its 79th Independence Day with prayers and commemorative events. The national day began with a 31gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals. A change of guard ceremony was also held at Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi as part of the observances. Messages from Iran, US and Russia Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in his message, described Pakistan’s Independence Day as a valuable occasion to honour the accomplishments of the Pakistani people. He said the interests and destinies of Iran and Pakistan were now more closely connected than before and added that the need for closer coordination and cooperation had grown accordingly.

ence Day ceremonies on August 14, 2026. Attendees were also seen waving Pakistani flags at the mausoleum. Other scenes from the city included participants taking part in a camel carriage rally and families and visitors spending time at Frere Hall, where people were seated on the grass and children were seen playing with bubbles. Photographs from the eve of Independence Day also showed commuters travelling along an illuminated road in Karachi on August 13. Large crowds in Lahore In Lahore, large numbers of people were photographed at Greater Iqbal Park as Independence Day events continued in the city. Other images showed children standing on and around a railway engine at a railway station. Scenes on Mall Road included vehicles decorated with green

Trump asks Supreme Court to let White House ballroom project proceed WASHINGTON

NEWS DESK

The Trump administration has asked the US Supreme Court to permit construction to continue on a White House project that includes a ballroom and an underground bunker, arguing that the work is necessary for national security. The emergency appeal was filed on Friday by Solicitor General John Sauer after lower courts blocked the project. President Donald Trump had ordered the demolition of the White House’s historic East Wing last year to clear space for the development, but the plan has since become entangled in litigation. Last week, the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit upheld a district court order stopping work on the ballroom. However, the appeals court also temporarily paused its own ruling to give the administration time to seek relief from the Supreme Court. The appeals court agreed with the lower court that a major redesign of the White House on this scale required explicit approval from Congress. Trump responded sharply to the 2-1 ruling, describing it as horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful, and saying he would take the matter to the Supreme Court. Administration cites security needs In the filing to the top court, Sauer placed particular emphasis on the security elements of the plan, including the underground military bunker and related features. He said in the appeal: "This case involves an extraordinary and unlawful injunction that will halt the ongoing construction of the integrated military complex, including a totally secure ballroom space, at the East Wing of the White House, which is vitally required by national security," Sauer said. Sauer also argued that the president has authority over such changes to the executive residence and its grounds. He said: "The President of the United States of America is not a tenant, but rather the sole, elected head of the Executive Branch, and Congress has authorised him to renovate, secure, and protect the White House and its grounds, as other Presidents have been allowed to do, without exception," he added. Trump had initially promoted the ballroom as a venue for galas and state dinners, but he has more recently repeatedly highlighted the addition of the underground bunker and other security measures as justification for the project. Project faces legal and funding scrutiny Construction began last year with the sudden demolition of the East Wing, which previously housed the offices of the first lady. Trump has maintained that the ballroom will be funded privately. However, media reports published in June said substantial taxpayer money was also being directed to the scheme, which could cost as much as $600 million.

balloons and Pakistani flags. One image showed a Doraemon plush and flagprinted balloons tied to a car, while a person sat on the edge of a window as the vehicle moved along the road. Another photograph showed a Pakistan flag flying from a small boat on the River Ravi. Massive crowds were also seen gath-

President Pezeshkian reiterated Tehran’s commitment to further deepening comprehensive relations with Pakistan. He said Iran was prepared to take more effective steps to strengthen bilateral ties on the basis of mutual trust, respect and the broad potential available to both countries. He also prayed for Pakistan’s progress, prosperity and elevation, as well as for stronger long-standing brotherly relations between the two neighbours. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also conveyed greetings to Pakistanis on the country’s Independence Day. In a statement posted on the official X account of the US embassy in Islamabad, Rubio offered heartfelt congratulations and highlighted ongoing cooperation between the two countries in a range of sectors. Rubio said the partnership between the two countries remained durable and also reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between their peoples.

ered at Liberty Chowk during the celebrations in Lahore. Capital lights and fireworks Photographs from Islamabad showed fireworks during celebrations ahead of Independence Day on August 14, adding to the national observance as the country marked 79 years since independence.

PTI urged to pursue political agenda through democratic means ISLAMABAD STAFF REPORT

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Friday urged the Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf (PTI) to pursue its political agenda through democratic means, saying constitutional rights of political parties could not be exercised at the expense of the rights and daily lives of ordinary citizens. Addressing an Independence Day ceremony here, he said Pakistan needed political stability, unity and economic development rather than confrontation, violence and polarisation. The minister said all political parties had the right to their respective ideologies, programmes and constitutional freedoms, but no group could be allowed to disrupt public order or prevent citizens from going about their routine activities. Referring to previous PTI protests in Islamabad, he said residents of the capital also had constitutional rights, including access to workplaces, markets, hospitals and educational institutions. He said the government would

not allow any political activity that created a law-and-order situation in the capital, recalling the deaths of four Rangers personnel during earlier protests. Dr Tariq said Pakistan’s political history showed that prolonged confrontation between political parties served no national interest. Recalling the political rivalry between the PML-N and PPP during the 1980s and 1990s, he said the two sides had eventually recog-

nised the need to respect each other’s political existence and keep competition within the democratic arena. He said PTI promoted a politics of division and country’s youth should not be exposed to political hatred and polarisation. He said more than 60 per cent of Pakistan’s population comprised young people, making them a major national asset. Their energies, he added, should be directed towards education, employment, technology, entrepreneurship and national development. The minister also criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party for questioning the credibility of the recent elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He said the elections were transparent and credible, saying individual complaints regarding irregularities should be dealt with through the relevant electoral and legal mechanisms rather than being used to discredit the entire process. Dr Tariq Fazal said the PMLN itself had raised concerns regarding the Haveli constituency and had called upon the AJK Election Commission to decide the matter on merit.

Reliance and Rolls, Royce plan partnership for engines in India fighter jet programme NEW DELHI

NEWS DESK

India’s Reliance Industries and Britain’s Rolls-Royce said on Friday that they plan to work together on the design and production of engines for New Delhi’s indigenous multirole fighter aircraft programme. The two companies said in a joint statement that they had agreed on "their strategic intent to partner and offer capabilities for the design, development, manufacturing and delivery of a sovereign indigenous combat engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme". The statement did not disclose how much the two sides would invest in the proposed collaboration. The AMCA is India’s locally developed fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft programme for the air force. Reliance Industries Limited, described as India’s largest private-sector company, has been expanding its role in defence manufacturing, including military aerospace and advanced munitions, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India policy. India, which remains among the world’s biggest arms importers, has made military modernisation a key priority while repeatedly seeking to raise domestic defence output. Rolls-Royce manufactures engines for commercial aircraft used by major planemakers Airbus and Boeing, and also produces engines for fighter aircraft. Rolls-Royce Chief Executive Tufan Erginbilgic said the partnership "marks a major milestone towards building a robust, self-reliant aerospace ecosystem in the country". Reliance Executive Director Anant Ambani said: "Together, we aim to build an enduring national capability that can make India self-reliant and, over time, globally competitive in advanced propulsion technologies". India’s wider defence push India has stepped up efforts in recent years to overhaul its armed forces and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday, on the eve of the country’s 80th independence day, that military modernisation under Modi was being driven by a self-reliant and future-ready defence sector. Last month, India approved military purchases worth $5.46 billion, including missiles, electronic warfare systems and kamikaze drones. Earlier this year, New Delhi also cleared $39 billion in defence procurement, including Rafale fighter aircraft from France. India’s current defence budget stands at $85 billion. Over the past decade, New Delhi has sought to lessen its dependence on Russia, long its main military supplier, by sourcing equipment from countries including the United States and France while simultaneously expanding domestic production. India is also moving quickly to modernise its navy through local construction of ships and submarines. A four-day conflict with Pakistan last year underscored for New Delhi the need to strengthen and update its defence capabilities.

President approves 1,172 military awards, 100-day prisoner remission on Independence Day ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday approved a series of summaries, including the conferment of civilian and military awards and a special 100-day remission in the sentences of eligible prisoners, as Pakistan marked its 80th Independence Day. The President approved military awards for 1,172 personnel of the armed forces and civil armed forces, while also approving national civil awards for citizens from various fields in recognition of their contributions and services, according to state-run APP news agency. The announcements of state honours on national

days are aimed at recognizing gallantry as well as outstanding scientific, public and social services rendered by security personnel and civilians. “President Zardari approved a special 100-day remission in the sentences of eligible prisoners,” APP reported. “In addition, the president approved the conferment of national civil awards on citizens from various civilian fields in recognition of their contributions and services.” The approvals came as the nation celebrated Independence Day, commemorating Pakistan’s independence from British colonial rule on August 14, 1947, when the United Kingdom partitioned the Indian sub-

continent into two independent dominions, Muslimmajority Pakistan and Hindu-majority India. This year’s Independence Day celebrations also featured the inauguration in Islamabad of “Yadgar-eFatah,” or Monument of Victory, commemorating what Pakistan calls the “Battle of Truth” against India last year. The fighting erupted after gunmen killed 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan-backed militants for the attack, an allegation Islamabad denied. The nuclear-armed rivals subsequently exchanged missile, drone and other strikes before a ceasefire brought the fighting to a halt.

Petrol dealers call off nationwide strike as govt approves dealers' margin hike ISLAMABAD

STAFF REPORT

The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers’ Association (PPDA) on Friday called off its planned nationwide strike after the government approved an increase in the dealers’ margins on petrol and high-speed diesel, averting the closure of filling stations across the country from Saturday. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, approved a revision in the dealers’ margins during its meeting, according to the Finance Ministry. The PPDA said the government had approved an increase of Rs1.34 per litre, taking the dealers’ total margin to Rs10 per litre from the existing Rs8.64. The Prime Minister’s Office, however, had not independently confirmed the increase by Friday evening. PPDA Chairman Malik Khuda Bakhsh said Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik had informed him that Prime Minister She-

hbaz Sharif had approved the Rs1.34-perlitre increase, prompting the association to withdraw its call for a strike. The association had issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the government earlier this week, warning that petrol pumps nationwide would shut indefinitely from 6am on August 15 if its demand for an eight per cent increase in dealers’ margins was not met. “Based on the government’s assurances,” the PPDA said, it had postponed Saturday’s planned strike. However, the association warned that its protest would continue until all outstanding demands were addressed. The PPDA has maintained that dealers’ margins have remained unchanged for around three years despite rising operating costs. Its vice chairman, Tariq Hassan, claimed that approximately $50 million owed to petroleum dealers remained outstanding. The association had also demanded a shift from the government’s newly introduced daily fuel-price mechanism to a

monthly system. The government, however, rejected the demand and said daily price adjustments would continue. Bakhsh said the easing of tensions in the Middle East could potentially allow petroleum prices to return to a seven- or 15day revision cycle, rather than being adjusted daily. The government introduced daily fuelprice revisions last month amid volatility in international oil markets and the regional conflict. The latest decision followed brief talks between petroleum dealers and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik in Islamabad on Wednesday. The minister had assured the delegation that the proposed Rs1.34-per-litre increase, pending for nearly two years, had been forwarded to the ECC for approval. The government’s approval has temporarily defused a dispute that threatened to disrupt fuel supplies nationwide and cause significant inconvenience to consumers and businesses.

Govt raises petroleum dealers’ margin by Rs1.34/litre on Independence Day, new margin set at Rs9.98 PROFIT

AHMAD AHMADANI

On Pakistan’s Independence Day, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet approved a Rs1.34 per litre increase in the dealers’ margin on petroleum products, raising it from Rs8.64 to Rs9.98 per litre. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the ECC meeting held at the Finance Division, where the committee considered a summary submitted by the Petroleum Division regarding revision of dealers’ margins on Motor Spirit (MS) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD). According to senior office bearer of All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association (APPPOA), following the ECC’s approval,

petroleum dealers will receive a margin of Rs9.98 per litre, compared with the previous margin of Rs8.64 per litre, representing an increase of Rs1.34 per litre. The decision was taken on August 14, which is celebrated across Pakistan as Independence Day, as the ECC considered the Petroleum Division’s proposal for revision of dealers’ margins on petroleum products. The revision will increase the margin available to petroleum dealers and forms part of the overall petroleum pricing structure. The ECC meeting was attended by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, besides federal secretaries and senior officials of the relevant ministries and divisions.

Published by Asad Nizami at Plot No 66-C, 1st Floor, 21st Commercial Street, Phase-II (Extension), DHA Karachi and printed at Ibn-e-Hassan Printing Press, Hockey Stadium, Karachi, for PT Print (Pvt) Limited. Ph: 021-32640318 . Email: newsroom@pakistantoday.com.pk