g EX-PM ’S EYE EXAMINED AT ADIALA JAIL BY A FIVE-MEMBER TEAM OF SPECIALISTS FROM DIFFERENT HOSPITALS: SUPERINTENDENT
g TTAP CONTINUES SIT-IN AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE, REITERATES IMRAN BE MOVED TO A HOSPITAL OF HIS PERSONAL DOCTORS ’ CHOICE
ISLAMABAD
S a l e e m j a d o o n
Ateam comprising five specialist doctors on Sunday examined Imran Khan at Adiala Jail on Sunday and completed the inspection after about an hour at Adiala Jail while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rejected the exercise conducted without the presence of his family and personal physicians, describing it as malicious
In a statement, Adiala Jail Superintendent Sajid Baig said that a team comprising specialists from different hospitals visited the jail to conduct an eye examination of the former prime minister He said the doctors arrived with medical equipment, medicines and other necessary supplies
Baig said the team performed a detailed eye check-up under the supervision of a two-member medical board and that strict security arrangements were put in place during the visit He added that the medical team s report was expected to be compiled soon
The development comes after Imran, currently incarcerated at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi claimed on February 12 that his right eye had only 15 per cent vision remaining, prompting the Supreme Court (SC) to order the formation of a medical team to examine him
g PTI REJECTS EXERCISE CONDUCTED WITHOUT PRESENCE OF HIS FAMILY AND PERSONAL PHYSICIANS, DESCRIBING IT A S ‘ MALICIOUS ’
g FAMILY, PERSONAL PHYSICIANS DEMAND COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION AT TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD S
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday categorically rejected “what it described as a stage-managed medical examination of its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan reportedly conducted by the government and jail authorities at Adiala Jail, asserting that “any medical procedure carried out under such questionable circumstances and any report emanating from it lacks credibility transparency and acceptability
making what he termed false and misleading claims that the party leader-
The court also directed that Imran be allowed to speak with his children Both the eye examination and the phone calls were ordered to be conducted before February 16 (Monday) Although government sources on Saturday hinted that Imran would be moved to a hospital, no such transfer had occurred by Sunday afternoon At 3:45pm, however, Imran’s sister Noreen Khanum tweeted that an ambulance had reached Adiala Jail to move him adding But this is unacceptable to us without our presence and that of Khan sahib s personal doctors Adiala Jail s superintendent dismissed the ambulance reports as a “rumour clarifying that Imran was only being examined on-site and the medical team would decide whether hospitalization was required By around 5:30pm, the eye examination conducted by five doctors concluded involving a detailed eye check-up blood sampling and blood pressure monitoring Sources said the medical team faced a two-and-a-half-hour delay before starting the tests and that their report is likely to be compiled soon
g FO CONFIRMS INVITATION, SAYING PM SHEHBAZ SHARIF WILL BE UNABLE TO ATTEND DUE TO AUSTRIA VISIT
of
as
ruary
in Dhaka However Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will not be able to attend as he had departed for
pre-scheduled official visit to Austria prior to receiving the invitation a Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that the prime minister remains engaged in his overseas
The heads of government from at least 13 countries, including Pakistan, China, India, Saudi Arabia,
UAE Qatar Malaysia Brunei Sri Lanka Nepal the Maldives and Bhutan have been invited to witness the historic ceremony National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq is expected to represent Pakistan at the swearing-in of Bangladesh s new cabinet, accompanied by a high-level delegation The ceremony will be held at the National Parliament (Jatiya Sangsad) in Dhaka, with the Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin administering the oath to the newly elected MPs at 10:00 am while President Mohammed Shahabuddin will administer the oath to the cabinet members at 4:00 pm at the South Plaza of Parliament Media reports indicate that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend
This year, Bangladesh has restructured the traditional swearing-in ceremony For decades, the oath of the new head of government and cabinet members was held at Bangabhaban where the President administered the oath to party leaders and ministers For the first time
the venue has been shifted to the South Plaza of Jatiya Sangsad aiming to ensure large-scale public participation and make the democratic process more transparent and inclusive Officials say the new arrangement will allow greater access for citizens to witness and participate in this historic event
Following its landslide election victory, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party expressed its intent to strengthen economic and constructive ties with Pakistan and expand bilateral cooperation In a statement posted on the party s official X account the BNP highlighted recent positive momentum in bilateral engagements and reiterated its commitment to a forward-looking relationship based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, and constructive dialogue The party emphasized that both countries should explore practical avenues for cooperation to advance regional peace stability and shared progress in South Asia while underscoring the importance of dialogue respect and regional engagement in shaping future relations The BNP also expressed hope that economic links and people-to-people contacts would expand in the coming years The party acknowledged the congratulatory messages from Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following its victory President Zardari congratulated Tarique Rahman and praised the people of Bangladesh for holding peaceful elections while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his congratulations and said he looked forward to working with the new leadership to strengthen bilateral ties and advance shared goals of peace, stability, and development in South Asia and beyond
PM ar rives in Vienna on 2-day visit to strengthen friendship between Pakistan and Austria
Imran had previously undergone a medical procedure at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on January 24 which was confirmed days later amid apparent lack of prior knowledge by his family PTI REJECTS EXAMINATION AS MALICIOUS
Shortly after the inspection, PTI rejected the procedure saying that without the presence of Imran’s personal doctors and family the process was malicious Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf categorically rejects the conduct of the government and jail authorities regarding the medical examination of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s eye at Adiala Jail ” the party said in a post on X The statement added that the government s claim of notifying party leadership was a crude attempt to divert attention from the core issue , emphasizing that in sensitive medical matters, the constitutional, moral, and legal right to make decisions rests solely with Imran Khan s family Inviting party representatives symbolically the PTI said has no legal or moral justification
Earlier, Imran s sister Aleema Khanum reaffirmed that no medical board formed without the approval of Imran’s personal doctors would be accepted She expressed concern over reports that he might be shifted to Al-Shifa Eye Hospital in Rawalpindi Our demand has been clear from the beginning: no treatment without our family’s consent and personal doctors’ supervision,” she said
Beyond environmental factors, the study highlights governance and institutional shortcomings that have compounded the crisis Weak regulation of seed quality has allowed substandard varieties to circulate in the market, undermining productivity and resilience Inadequate agricultural extension services have limited farmers’ access to modern cultivation techniques and timely advisory support Poor pest surveillance systems have further increased vulnerability to outbreaks while limited crop insurance coverage has left growers exposed to financial losses during adverse seasons The absence of robust traceability mechanisms also restricts Pakistan’s
farmers from planting cotton in favour of less risky alternatives including sugarcane maize and rice
Pm arrives in Vienna on 2-day visit to strengthen friendship between Pakistan and austria
Govt takes concrete steps to promote youth talent and national culture: Khichi
emphasis on Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir He stressed the importance of showcasing these regional traditional attires on the global stage, emphasizing that Pakistan's diverse cultural heritage deserves international recognition and visibility In a significant announcement the federal minister reaffirmed his ministry's commitment to supporting emerging tal-
ent across various creative fields
He stated that the Ministry of Culture will provide free facilities to young artists painters and craftsmen for exhibitions This initiative demonstrates the government s practical support for removing barriers that often prevent talented youth from displaying their work and reaching wider audiences
During the ceremony the organizers introduced the key segments of the festival which will include fashion shows cultural performances tourism showcases, and youth skill exhibitions The event aims to create a platform that brings together designers, models, diplomats and cultural stakeholders fostering networking opportunities and collaboration in the fashion and tourism sectors
The Isloo International Fashion Tourism Festival 2026 represents the government's broader strategy to promote Pakistan's cultural assets while providing opportunities for young talent to showcase their skills on national and international platforms
nearly two decades
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 01
She added: “We do not accept any medical board set up or controlled by the government nor any reports produced under these circumstances The family is extremely worried as to why specialists advised by Imran s personal doctors are being resisted ”
Imran s longtime personal physicians
Dr Aasim Yusuf and Dr Faisal Sultan, issued a joint video statement calling for a comprehensive check-up at a tertiary hospital like Shifa International Islamabad highlighting the need for urgent retina specialist care for central retinal vein occlusion and severe vision loss along with a multidisciplinary evaluation of underlying conditions
T TA P S I T-I N E N T E R S T H I R D D AY: Meanwhile the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) sit-in at Parliament House demanding that Imran be moved to a hospital of his personal doctors choice, entered its third
day on Sunday PTI MNA Asad Qaiser said the sitin would continue until the government acceded to their demands, including transfer to Shifa International Hospital, and that the Supreme Court would also be approached on Monday TTAP Spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai claimed that even water and food were not being allowed at the Parliament House Protesters were surviving on dates, biscuits, and tap water, he said Sources from TTAP indicated confusion over government assurances “We were informed that Imran Khan would be shifted to Shifa International Hospital but then the selection of doctors became a point of dispute, said a senior TTAP official, requesting anonymity “We cannot call off the sit-in without our demands being implemented ”
S: Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) issued a statement noting that food delivery to parliamentarians was blocked raising concerns for female lawmakers and senior members MWM
leader Allama Nasir Abbas called the situation inhumane and unconstitutional , adding: The leadership of the party that won 180 seats is in jail it is unjust to give power to those with fewer seats ” The TTAP also accused authorities of blocking access to medicines calling it extreme and condemnable while reiterating that quality medical treatment for Imran is a state responsibility, not a favor H
EMAND ACTION: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed grave concern over the health of PTI prisoners, including Imran and former Punjab Health Minister Yasmin Rashid, urging authorities to allow immediate independent medical examinations and uninterrupted treatment Awaam Pakistan leader Dr Zafar Mirza praised the power of peaceful protest highlighting that the recent decisions allowing Imran to speak with his children, the establishment of a medical board, and the promise of hospital transfer were outcomes of non-violent pressure
Major hydropower projec ts move ahead as WAPDA chairman inspec ts sites
LAHORE s ta f f r e p o r t Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Saeed on Sunday visited the under-construction Diamer-Bhasha Dam and Dasu Hydropower Project to review progress on two of Pakistan’s largest water and energy infrastructure schemes During the visit project authorities informed the chairman that roller-compacted concrete (RCC) works on the main dams of both projects are expected to begin later this year, as preparatory activities and foundational requirements are nearing completion at an accelerated pace According to a WAPDA spokesman the chairman directed general managers consultants and contractors to strictly follow implementation plans and expedite construction to ensure completion in line with scheduled timelines At the Diamer-Bhasha Dam site, located on the Indus River about 40 kilometres downstream of Chilas the chairman in-
spected several key components including the power intake, dam foundation pit, downstream coffer dam, left abutment, flushing tunnel, guide wall, RCC batching plant, and laboratory facilities Officials briefed him on site-specific progress against targets Construction activities are currently underway at around 20 locations across the project area Excavation of the left abutment and dam foundation has largely been completed, while RCC trial works for the main dam have been carried out successfully With excavation on the right abutment
expected to generate about 4
of electricity, supplying roughly 18 billion units of low-cost, renewable power annually to the national grid During his stay at the site the chairman also met local religious scholars to review progress on community benefit measures aimed at improving living conditions in the project area Officials reported that substantial funds are being spent on development initiatives under these programmes Cadet College Chilas
WH e n Pakistan alongside several Islamic nations affixed its signature to the agreement at Davos to join the Peace Board for the reconstruction of Gaza, in the presence of the President of the United States, a wave of criticism arose from various quarters Some questioned the necessity of such a forum arguing that the United nations already exists for purposes of peacekeeping and reconstruction Others suspected hidden motives or feared diplomatic entanglements Yet those who study history with sobriety rather than sentiment understood that participation in such a platform is neither naïve compliance nor symbolic alignment; it is a calculated engagement shaped by memory, experience and vigilance Pakistan in particular does not approach international commitments with historical amnesia Its leadership civil and military alike remains acutely conscious of past tragedies in which lofty assurances of international protection dissolved into silence at the decisive hour the present global attention upon Pakistan and upon the leadership of its armed forces is not without reason Pakistan has long contributed to United nations peacekeeping missions across continents It knows both the nobility of peacekeeping and the perils of misplaced reliance this balanced awareness shapes its current stance; engaging without being misled, working together while staying alert the memory of Bosnia stands as a solemn testament to why caution must accompany every promise of protection In July 1995 in the town of Srebrenica declared a safe area by the United nations the world witnessed one of the darkest chapters of post–Second World War europe the enclave had been placed under the protection of Dutch peacekeepers operating as part of the United nations Protection Force (UnPrOFOr) this Force was established in 1992 to ensure peace and security during the Yugoslav Wars particularly in Bosnia and Croatia Its responsibilities included monitoring zones of separation and weapons control points, as well as overseeing weapons exclusion zones the mandate was clear in language, yet ambiguous in execution the Dutch battalion was tasked with safeguarding tens of thousands of Bosnian Muslim civilians who had sought refuge from advancing Serb forces On the evening before the catastrophe a photograph was taken that would later become emblematic of tragic irony; the Dutch Un commander, Lieutenant Colonel thom Karremans, raising a glass in conversation with General ratko
Mladić, the Serb military commander Diplomacy, in that fleeting moment, seemed to prevail over hostility assurances were exchanged Confidence was projected Yet beneath the veneer of negotiation lay a calculated design earlier Bosnian Muslim defenders within Srebrenica had managed despite limited resources to resist repeated assaults But under international pressure and in deference to the promise of Un protection, they were urged to surrender their weapons Commander Karremans assured them that the United nations would ensure their safety trusting in the credibility of the international community many complied arms were laid down Defensive positions were relinquished the population believed that the blue helmets symbolized an inviolable shield at dawn, the illusion shattered Serb forces entered Srebrenica with methodical precision appeals for natO air support were delayed and diluted Limited airstrikes when finally authorized proved insufficient and were soon halted under threat to Un personnel at the moment, the Dutch peacekeepers chose not to resist with force Instead, they supervised the separation of men and boys from women and children under the guise of “screening ” In heartbreaking scenes families were split apart right before the eyes of those meant to protect them Over the next four days more than eight thousand Bosnian Muslim men and boys were systematically executed Mass graves were filled in secrecy and later exhumed in sorrow the massacre of Srebrenica was not a sudden frenzy but a calculated campaign of extermination carried out in the presence of an international force that neither intervened decisively nor prevented the unfolding atrocity Subsequent investigations and judicial proceedings would recognize it as genocide Years later, Dutch courts acknowledged partial responsibility of the netherlands for failing to protect certain victims who
o v i g i
targeted partnerships By combining donor assistance with private investment it transformed manufacturing output from 9 percent of GDP in 1990 to over 25 percent by 2024 Indonesia s experience with blended finance, combining public guarantees with private capital, has also allowed it to fund infrastructure without excessive debt accumulation these examples suggest that external engagement can be productive when tied to measurable domestic outcomes In Pakistan s case the balance between strategic and economic priorities remains delicate Partnerships with China and the Gulf states are increasingly framed through security or political lenses rather than developmental ones CPeC’s second phase focused on industrial cooperation has lagged behind schedule due to policy discontinuity Gulf investors meanwhile demand sovereign guarantees and policy insulation from political change to attract and retain such capital, Pakistan will need not only macroeconomic reform but also institutional maturity that can outlast electoral cycles
the development landscape is also being shaped by global transitions in energy and technology as renewable energy investment accelerates, Pakistan’s mineral wealth, particularly in copper lithium and rare earth elements offers a strategic advantage Yet these resources remain underexplored due to fragmented concession regimes and inconsistent environmental regulation the reko Diq project, revived under a settlement worth over 6 billion dollars, illustrates both potential and fragility a single dispute delayed national resource development for nearly a decade the lesson is that transparency and legal predictability are as valuable as the minerals themselves Beyond economics, the politics of partnership must also evolve the vocabulary of “assistance” no longer fits a world where developing economies are strategic nodes in global value chains Pakistan’s engagement should reflect mutual interest rather than dependence this requires professionalizing economic diplomacy embedding trade and investment specialists within embassies, aligning provincial investment boards with federal priorities, and cultivating private sector participation in policy design aid will not disappear but it must be repositioned Human development education and climate resilience will continue to rely on concessional funding Yet even here, efficiency matters the asian Development Bank estimates that 30 percent of project funds in South asia are lost to administrative delays and underutilization For Pakistan improving absorptive capacity may yield more benefit than additional inflows Pakistan s next growth phase will depend less on the generosity of partners and more on its ability to define what partnership means a development strategy built on clarity, accountability and credible regulation can attract sustainable investment even in difficult times the shift from aid to agency is not rhetorical it is the only path toward economic sovereignty
Suleman Zia is a transnational educational consultant freelance columnist and policy analyst based in Lahore Pakistan
Upstream control, downstream fear
Suleman Zia
FO R the past few years, Pakistan’s official data have told a strange story: the economy is growing modestly the population is expanding cities are swelling
The physical inefficiency of fossil fuels compounds the economic cost The repor tÊs energy accounting framework shows that from 56.5 MTOE of primary fossil fuel supply, Pakistan derives only about 21.4 MTOE of useful energy (pages 14 and Annex 2). Roughly 59% of the energy value is lost in conversion, transpor t and end use . Oil, par ticularly in transpor t, is especially inefficient, with overall efficiency near 32%. Solar PV, by contrast, conver ts sunlight directly into electricity without combustion losses. When paired with electrified end uses such as electric motors, which conver t 80–90% of delivered electricity into useful work·the efficiency gains are dramatic. Replacing internal combustion engines with electric vehicles could reduce primary energy requirements for mobility by nearly two-thirds (page 15).
Nobody knows
Ali Ansari, a leading historian of Iran, has put the total death toll in opposition to the shah in 1978 as approximately 2,800 Some believe up to 30,000 may have died in Januar y
Starlink: How Elon Musk’s company influences geopolitics
TH e global consequences of any upheaval in Tehran have been made amply clear since the revolution in 1979 that ushered in the rule of radical islamist clerics in Oman, the iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi and his team have begun indirect talks with a high-powered Us delegation Many analysts believe the gap between the two sides is too wide to be bridged and that a conflict is inevitable Just this weekend having already threatened military action donald Trump said regime change is the the best thing that could happen in iran The tension, and risks grow higher As we live through contemporary events, there are striking similarities between then and now that should inform the debate about what may happen about our hopes and our fears One obvious parallel is the central role of economics soaring inflation was a key trigger for the most recent unrest it was almost 50 years ago as well in 1977 the price of basic consumer goods rose as much as 27% Then, too, the key actors were shopkeepers and businessmen in Tehran’s bazaar whose livelihoods were threatened A second parallel is emerging: a cycle of repression grief and protest resembling that which unseated the shah in 1978 this began when a conservative iranian newspaper printed a scurrilous article about Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, prompting mass protests among his admirers in the holy city of Qom, hundreds of religious students poured into the streets, attacking symbols of the shah’s rule and the modernisation he had sought to impose security forces used live ammunition to restore order and six students were killed in Tehran there was further unrest Ryszard Kapuściński the celebrated Polish reporter described how family friends neighbours and acquaintances – the whole street, the whole village, a crowd of people – gathered in the home of the deceased if the death was natural this gathering consists of some hours of ecstatic pathetic discharge followed by a mood of dulled and humble resignation
further mourning and commemorative processions that inevitably turned into new mass protests These of course prompted further lethal repression The cycle intensified until in January 1979 the shah, the “author of their sorrow”, left iran – supposedly for a holiday – never to return That cycle could well recur Last Thursday the Wall street Journal reported that merchants at Tehran s grand bazaar had called on their counterparts across iran to return to the streets at the end of the traditional 40-day mourning period for killings in the first week of January The aim of the protest will be to “simultaneously, in their cities, keep the memory of the dead alive and continue the national uprising ” a trade association of bazaar workers quoted by the WsJ said on its Telegram channel The goal is to avenge the greatest street massacre in contemporary history
This may be a much bigger challenge to the regime than even the threat of Us strikes if, as expected, talks fail Ali Ansari, a leading historian of iran, has put the total death toll in opposition to the shah in 1978 as approximately 2 800 some believe up to 30 000 may have died in January That means a lot of mourners and a lot of 40day commemorations in the coming weeks
Kapuściński along with hundreds of international reporters and photographers, was on the ground in iran in 1978, but there are no equivalents today, and the regime continues to restrict the internet This makes it hard to work out exactly who was on the streets of iran last december and in January That the unrest was widespread and an authentic expression of profound anger and alienation seems clear But the tragic biographies of casualties that have emerged offer only a fragmentary glimpse of the identities of those risking death and injury in the name of freedom
We know that the 1978 revolutionary movement was a broad coalition On the streets in 1978 and 1979 were liberals and nationalists of every possible ideological flavour socialists and feminists moderate clerics and their students even a few old-school communists There were representatives of iran s ethnic linguistic and religious minorities too This variety had advantages and disadvantages As Kapuściński wrote: everyone opposed the shah and wanted to remove him But everyone imagined the future differently ” even if the current regime is toppled any new direction may not even be immediately clear for it’s worth noting that Khomeini did not immediately seize power on his return it took several years for his rule to be fully secured built on war with iraq, new institutions, a new constitution, and new security forces such as the islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij These were deployed to methodically destroy every potential opponent in iran between 1979 and 1988 and were also the bloody spearhead of the regime s response to the most recent unrest The regime may fall but if it does the future is as hard to predict as it was amid the tumult 47 years ago The people may prevail and find that the real battle for freedom, prosperity and security has only just begun Jason Burke is the international security correspondent of the Guardian and author of The Revolutionists: The Story of the Extremists Who Hijacked the 1970s
or
governments HOW DOES STARLINK WORK? starlink is a satellite-based system consisting of 10 000 small satellites located around the world They transfer data packages via laser links and do not require a constant, direct visual link to a ground station Unlike other internet satellites, which orbit at around 36,000 kilometers above the earth starlink satellites are only about 550 kilometers up This means they can transmit internet signals much faster than the others All users need is a small receiver terminal with an electronically controlled antenna, which automatically steers toward the satellites as they pass overhead The terminals receive signals from these satellites and transmit them to a nearby router which supplies the broadband internet connection Ukraine: since the start of the Russia s full-scale war in February 2022 starlink has become a vital instrument of communication in the war zone The Ukrainian armed forces use starlink to coordinate units, operate drones and control unmanned ground systems in the civilian sector, the system is used by hospitals, emergency services energy suppliers and the railway network The Russian army is also said to be accessing starlink using terminals smuggled in illegally via third countries The Ukrainian defense ministry has said it is working closely with starlink s operating company
ahmad JameeL
carried these words across borders ”
IMARAT and HSY Unite to Redefine Luxur y Living in Pakistan
In a landmark
Pakistan s creative
and
vision, IMARAT Group of Companies and HSY (Hassan Sheheryar Yasin) proudly announce the launch of IMARAT’s Signature Apartments at IMARAT Downtown Islamabad featuring interiors exclusively designed by HSY Home Launching on 14th February 2026 this first-ofits-kind partnership brings together two homegrown power brands one that has redefined urban development in Pakistan, and another that has shaped the country’s fashion identity for over three decades At its core this collaboration is about belief in Pakistani talent Pakistani innovation and Pakistani design IMARAT s forward-thinking approach to architecture urban planning, and proptech now merges with HSY s legacy of craftsmanship, detail, and storytelling
Sirajuddin A ziz launches his latest book ‘In God’s Words’
s ta f f r e p o r t
Renowned thought-leader and banker Sirajuddin Aziz has launched his latest book, In God’s Words, at a launch event held at the Avari Towers in Karachi The book presents a carefully researched question-and-answer–based exploration of the Holy Qur an encouraging readers to engage with the divine text through reflection, context, and understanding The launch was attended by scholars, professionals and members of the public interested in faith ethics and contemporary religious discourse Speakers at the event noted that In God’s Words responds to a growing need for thoughtful engagement with religious texts at a time when quick interpretations and fragmented readings have become common The launch event also featured a panel discussion on the book and its central themes
The 31st Pakistan HVACR International Expo & Conference concluded successfully today at the Karachi Expo Centre, marking the culmination of three impactful days dedicated to innovation collaboration and technological advancement in the HVACR and allied engineering sectors During the closing day Mohammed Hassan Bakshi Chairman of the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD), visited the Expo and toured various exhibition booths, interacting with exhibitors and industry representatives On the occasion he commended the organizers for hosting a professional and impactful Expo He stated that such platforms strengthen industry collaboration stimulate economic activity, and create valuable business and investment opportunities
p
KARACHI
Pakistan’s solar PV capacity could save more than USD 100 billion in fossil fuel imports as country’s official energy statistics reflect an incomplete picture of the country s evolving energy landscape according to new research by Renewables First a think-tank
The policy paper, titled Electrons In, Hydrocarbons Out: Pakistan s Quest for Economic and Resource Efficiency”, finds that Pakistan’s continued reliance on imported fossil fuels imposes recurring macroeconomic costs and significant physical energy losses while consumer-led electrification and renewable energy adoption is more efficient and resilient Much of Pakistan s energy debate continues to rely on
g SENATE CHAIRMAN YOUSAF RAZA GILANI RAISES ISSUE DURING MEETING WITH UNGA PRESIDENT ANNALENA BAERBOCK
ISLAMABAD
s ta f f r e p o r t
PAKISTAN has raised India’s suspension of the World Bank-brokered and guaranteed decades-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) president urging action against what Islamabad described as a move that sets dangerous precedents Pakistan stressed that India’s step constitutes a “blatant violation of the treaty’s provisions” and the “principles of customary international law ” During a meeting on the sidelines of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) annual hearing, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani told UNGA President Annalena Baerbock that India’s action threatens the lives and
livelihoods of more than 240 million Pakistanis and establishes dangerous precedents Particularly at a time when climate stress and water scarcity demand cooperation and strict respect for international agreements, he was quoted as saying by the Pakistani information ministry The Indus Waters Treaty which governs the sharing of the Indus basin rivers between the two nuclear-armed neighbours has long been regarded as a cornerstone of regional water stability India said in April last year it would hold the treaty in abeyance following a gun attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed more than 26 tourists New Delhi blamed the assault on Pakistan a charge Islamabad categorically denied The incident triggered a four-day military confrontation between the neighbours
last May during which both sides employed fighter jets missiles drones and artillery before a United States-brokered ceasefire brought hostilities to a halt Despite the truce, tensions between the two countries have remained high Under the treaty, mediated by the World Bank Pakistan is granted rights over the western rivers Indus Jhelum and Chenab for irrigation drinking and non-consumptive uses such as hydropower while India controls the eastern rivers Ravi, Beas and Sutlej for unrestricted use, provided their flows are not significantly altered Highlighting the mounting impacts of climate change Gilani said countries like Pakistan remain among the most severely affected underscoring the urgency of collective action climate justice and strengthened
international cooperation The United Nations provides an indispensable platform for addressing these interconnected challenges, he said Leading a six-member
Sindh will remain united: CM rejec ts c alls for K arachi province
resolution in the provincial assembly He underscored that the matter was neither a personal decision nor one that could be imposed unilaterally, stressing that constitutional procedure was the only legitimate pathway for altering
The chief minister said the Sindh government remained focused on development initiatives in Karachi highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving urban mobility He noted that the city administration had been given a 100-day target to construct a bridge at a location where the absence of a proper crossing had led to multiple accidents Expressing confidence in the munic-
CM Mar yam warns of ‘strict and indiscriminate action’ against price gouging during Ramazan
o N Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday vowed that strict and indiscriminate action would be taken against those hoarding or overpricing essential goods during the upcoming holy month of Ramazan “Exploiting citizens in this sacred month will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the chief minister said in a post on X She added that directives and enforcement measures would be outlined in a departmental meeting scheduled for Monday morning (today) According to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the first day of Ramazan is likely to fall on February 19, 2026, though the final announcement will be made by the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee the sole competent authority based on credible witness testimonies across Pakistan Earlier this week the Punjab Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department (FS&CP) instructed the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) to ensure the availability of food items at officially notified prices throughout Punjab during Ramazan Chairing a preparatory meeting on Monday FS&CP Special Assistant Salma Butt said the department had completed all arrangements ahead of the holy month The Punjab CM directed the PERA force to take strict legal action against anyone found overcharging or hoarding essential goods The announcement follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ’s Rs38 billion Ramazan Relief Package, unveiled a day earlier which will be disbursed among deserving families across the four provinces GilgitBaltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir Rs38 billion will be disbursed through digital bank accounts among 12 1 million families without discrimination, the premier said during the PM Ramazan Package 2026 ceremony Each eligible family will receive Rs13,000 via digital wallet or bank transfer, irrespective of political affiliation Of the total package Rs10 billion is reserved for families already registered under the government s Kafalat programme Prime Minister Shehbaz described it as the largest federallevel effort in terms of both scale and challenges for the holy month, emphasizing that the government has undertaken a coordinated strategy to ensure all deserving families receive assistance He also assured that the initiative’s progress would be periodically reviewed and thanked international partners for their support saying Together we will achieve this landmark Addressing challenges faced by previous Ramazan packages, the premier noted loopholes including substandard food items and long queues at utility stores, which had compromised the dignity of deserving citizens “We ended it last year by introducing a digital cash transfer system replacing the corrupt system with a transparent and efficient one he said
ipal leadership he said the deputy mayor s team was working collectively to complete pending schemes and accelerate progress on key projects across the metropolis Murad Ali Shah also announced that development works worth approximately Rs300 billion would be undertaken in Karachi during the current year He said these projects would address long-standing issues related to transport, road infrastructure, and public facilities
Among the schemes nearing completion, he highlighted the construction of a flyover in Malir which he said would provide significant relief to commuters in the area He added that work on Shahrah-e-Bhutto up to Qayyumabad
was progressing rapidly and expected to be completed within four to six weeks
Reiterating his stance on the provincial issue, the chief minister maintained that Karachi’s residents were not in favour of separation and that the unity of Sindh was non-negotiable He warned that attempts to divide the province would undermine broader national cohesion Murad Ali Shah also pointed to Sindh s historical role in the creation of Pakistan, noting that the provincial assembly had passed the Pakistan Resolution twice before independence He argued that this legacy underscored the province s foundational contribution to the country
PTI failed to provide relief despite repeated mandates in KP: Amir Muqam
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Amir Muqam on Sunday criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for what he described as its failure to provide relief to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa despite governing the province for over a decade
Addressing a public gathering during an open court
(Khuli Kachehri) in Swat, the minister said the province’s residents had given the party a mandate three consecutive times but were still facing mounting economic and social challenges
He alleged that recurring protest activities were disrupting daily life across the province
Sometimes there is a shutter-down strike sometimes a wheel-jam strike, and now roads are being blocked in the name of one person s release, he said, adding that such actions were affecting ordinary citizens According to the minister transport disruptions were causing serious humanitarian concerns including delays in emergency medical services and shortages of essential supplies He claimed that patients were unable to reach hospitals in time and travellers were missing flights, while the movement of food items was also being hindered
The open court, held at Fizagat, drew participation from local residents political workers and officials from federal departments Senior administrative officers attended the session to receive public complaints directly and coordinate with relevant authorities
During the event, the minister heard grievances from citizens on a range of issues, including infrastructure, utilities, and public services He issued immediate
directions to officials to address several complaints on the spot officials said Muqam also referred to energy supply issues in the Malakand division, stating that a ban on new gas connections imposed in 2018 had been lifted and that gas supply schemes were currently under implementation in different localities
Criticising the provincial administration he said the situation was particularly disappointing given the repeated electoral support extended by voters He maintained that the public would hold the ruling party accountable in the next provincial elections if conditions did not improve
The minister expressed concern that citizens who had repeatedly exercised their democratic choice were now experiencing increased hardship describing the situation as difficult to justify
Highlighting federal initiatives Muqam said the government led by Shehbaz Sharif was focused on providing relief measures nationwide without discrimination He emphasised that development projects and welfare programmes were being implemented in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on merit
He pointed to the Ramazan relief package as a key example of federal support stating that financial assistance for eligible households had been increased significantly compared with the previous year According to the minister, the programme was intended to help lowincome families cope with rising prices during the holy month Muqam reiterated that the Pakistan Muslim League (N) prioritises public welfare development and service-oriented politics He pledged that efforts would continue to address local issues in Swat as well as broader challenges across the province
O ver 1,100 recruits graduate from FC Balochistan training centre in Loralai
N e w s D e s k
A total of 1,104 recruits formally joined the ranks of Frontier Corps Balochistan (North) after completing training as a passing-out parade for the 68th batch (Phase Two) was held at the FC Training Centre Loralai on Sunday The ceremony featured traditional military drill displays, a ceremonial band performance, and a formal inspection of the parade by Inspector General FC Balochistan (North), Major General Muhammad Atif Mujtaba who served as the reviewing officer
and for the early recovery of the injured The chief minister directed the district administrations of Khairpur and Sukkur to ensure the provision of the best medical facilities to the injured The chief minister was briefed that the accident involved a passenger coach coming from Punjab and a trailer, and that at least 11 passengers were killed while more than 10 sustained injuries He said speeding had dangerous consequences and directed the Motorway Police to ensure strict enforcement of motorway and traffic laws
Major General Mujtaba described the force as an institution with a long record of discipline, sacrifice, and operational responsibility He urged the new personnel to uphold these traditions while carrying out their duties with professionalism and commitment
During the parade the newly trained recruits marched in coordinated formations across the ground demonstrating the skills acquired during their training period The event drew significant attendance from local communities, including tribal elders, community leaders and civil society representatives reflecting efforts to strengthen cooperation between the security forces and the public
Addressing the graduating personnel the IG congratulated the recruits on successfully completing their rigorous training and formally entering a force tasked with maintaining security and stability in one of the country’s most sensitive regions He also acknowledged the role of families noting that their support was crucial in enabling the recruits to pursue demanding service careers
g ‘DAWAR-1’ SOLD FOR A STAGGERING RS175M, TOPPING THE AUCTION WHILE ‘ORAKZAI-1’ AND ‘WAZIRISTAN-1’ FETCH
included: Waziristan-1 for Rs40 6 million (Faiz-ur-Rehman); Mohmand-1 for Rs32 1 million; Bajaur-1 for Rs33 5 million (Abbas Shah); Khyber-1” for Rs20 1 million (Haji Ikhtiar Muhammad); “Mehsud-1” for Rs 22 million (Abbas Khan Mehsud); Gujjar-1 for Rs 16 3 million (Raza Khan Gujjar); Pashtun1 for Rs13 2 million (Ameerullah) Several other plates also fetched impressive sums: “Buner-1” Rs9 5 million (Malik Asad Khan); “Mardan-1” Rs6 8 million (Hafiz Sher Rehman); Dir-1 Rs6 7 million (Muhammad Tahir Khan); Jadoon-1 Rs7 1 million (Samiullah); Khalil-1 Rs6 5 million (Gul Zaib); “Khattak-1” Rs6 1 million (Muhammad Faizan); Taj-1 Rs4 2 million (Fayyaz Ahmed Khan); Kohat-1 Rs4 3 million; “Swat-1” Rs3 million; “Syed1” Rs3 3 million; “Marwat-1” Rs2 6 million; “Sheikh-1” Rs2 7 million; Kulachi-1 Rs 2 5 million and Abbottabad-1 Rs1 7 million The auction was attended by Director General Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Abdul Haleem Khan, along with other directors and senior officers
