01 FRONT PAGE 26th June 2026 (KHI)_Layout 1 6/26/2026 1:32 AM Page 1
In partnership with
Profit
THOUSANDS FEARED DEAD AS EARTHQUAKES WREAK HAVOC IN AND AROUND CARACAS Friday, 26 June, 2026 | 10 Muharram, 1448
g
TWO POWERFUL EARTHQUAKES HIT NEAR CARACAS IN QUICK SUCCESSION, COLLAPSING BUILDINGS AND TRIGGERING AFTERSHOCKS
T
CARACAS
ageNCies
HOUSANDS of Venezuelans were feared dead on Thursday after two powerful earthquakes wreaked havoc in and around the capital Caracas, trapping people beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings and setting off powerful aftershocks. A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160km (100 miles) west of Caracas on Wednesday afternoon, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey. Emergency workers scrambled over the debris of collapsed buildings in Caracas as night fell, while distraught relatives sought help for loved ones feared trapped. Dazed survivors were taken away, some on stretchers.
g
"When we went downstairs, the scene was like a horror movie," said Maria Alejandra, a resident from a nearby building, who did not give her surname. "We had to climb over the rubble and everything. The building superintendent with the baby and all the neighbours coming down. But from that building, I only saw that one family got out." Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said at least 164 people were confirmed dead. The initial toll did not include those from the worst-affected La Guaira state, near Caracas and home to the city's airport, where witnesses' footage showed scenes of panic as ceilings came down. "Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and we are currently carrying out very intense rescue efforts to save as many lives as God allows us to save," she said on state television just before 1am local time (0500 GMT) on Thursday.
PM EXPRESSES GRIEF OVER EARTHQUAKE DEVASTATION IN VENEZUELA ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the devastation and loss of life caused by the earthquakes in Venezuela. "On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Venezuela, especially the families of the victims, the prime minister said in his post on X. We pray for the injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult and challenging time, he added.
Pakistan, USA discuss maritime investment and port development
A MAGNITUDE 7.2 QUAKE STRUCK 160KM WEST OF CARACAS, FOLLOWED LESS THAN A MINUTE LATER BY A 7.5 TREMOR, ACCORDING TO THE USGS
Pakistan and the United States on Wednesday discussed cooperation in the maritime sector, with a focus on investment, trade, port development, logistics and the blue economy. The discussion took place during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and United States Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker, who called on the minister at his office. Junaid Chaudhry highlighted the role of Pakistan’s ports and coastal resources in regional trade and invited United States investors to explore opportunities in maritime infrastructure, shipping, logistics and port-related services. He said Pakistan was working to create a business-friendly environment for foreign investors and welcomed greater American participation in developing the country’s blue economy. The two sides discussed strengthening port infrastructure, improving logistics networks and enhancing connectivity to support regional and international trade. They also exchanged views on increasing maritime commerce and investment linked to Pakistan’s blue economy. Both sides agreed in principle to establish a joint working group to improve coordination and expand bilateral engagement in the sector. Natalie A. Baker reaffirmed Washington’s interest in deepening economic cooperation with Pakistan and strengthening partnerships in maritime development. She noted potential for cooperation in the blue economy and sustainable development. She also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to enhance cooperation in maritime affairs, trade and investment, and identify new areas for sustainable economic growth.
The office of Pakistan Today will remain closed on Friday, June 26, 2026, on account of Ashura-e-Muharram. Consequently, the newspaper will not be published on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Publication of Pakistan Today will resume on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
Pakistan emerges as global peacemaker and rising middle power: Ishaq Dar LAHORE
"La Guaira state is a true tragedy, and has become a disaster zone." The US Geological Survey (USGS), using predictive modelling to estimate the death toll, said it would most likely run into the thousands, with a substantial probability of exceeding 10,000. A website set up to track missing people and posted on X by leaders from the country's opposition, many of whom are outside the country, listed more than 10,000 people as unaccounted for at 5.40 am local time (0940 GMT). Many Venezuelans were at home when the quakes struck during a public holiday. "There was a very loud crash. Things fell in the house, jugs inside the refrigerator. I've never experienced anything like it," said Coro Martinez, 56, who lives in eastern Caracas.
LAST NIGHT'S EARTHQUAKE WAS THE STRONGEST TO HIT VENEZUELA SINCE 1900, SAYS USGS: Wednesday’s earthquake was the largest in Venezuela in more than a century, CNN reported in the backdrop of data provided by the USGS. The country’s largest quake on record took place in 1900, when a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Venezuela's northern coast, close to its capital Caracas. The epicentre of that quake was only a few hundred kilometres from the epicentre of Wednesday’s. Wednesday’s second quake was the next largest, with a 7.5 magnitude. The foreshock – just 40 seconds before – with a 7.2 magnitude, is listed as the fourth biggest quake in the country, just behind a 2018 quake.
Pakistan, Iran agree to boost road and rail connectivity for enhanced trade ISLAMABAD
PROFIT
HoliDay NotiCe
staff CorrespoNDeNt
staff CorrespoNDeNt
News Desk
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 91 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
Pakistan and Iran have agreed to strengthen bilateral transport cooperation by enhancing road and rail connectivity and reactivating the Pakistan-Iran Joint Transport Committee to address longstanding border and transit-related challenges. The understanding was reached during a highlevel meeting between Iran’s Minister for Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh and Pakistan’s Minister for Communications Aleem Khan, according to an official statement issued on Thursday. The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen economic engagement, improve regional connectivity and facilitate cross-border trade. During the discussions, both sides reviewed proposals aimed at improving transportation infrastructure and enhancing connectivity between the two neighbouring countries. Aleem Khan welcomed the restoration of peace and stability in the region and emphasised that stronger road and rail networks would open new avenues for trade, investment and economic cooperation. He noted that improved connectivity would not only facilitate the movement of goods and people but
also contribute to strengthening the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran. “Enhanced transport infrastructure can serve as a catalyst for regional commerce and mutual economic growth,” he observed. A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to reactivate the Pakistan-Iran Joint Transport Committee, a bilateral mechanism designed to address transportation, transit and border management issues. Officials from both countries agreed that the committee would play an important role in resolving operational bottlenecks, improving coordination and facilitating smoother movement of cargo and commercial vehicles across the border. The committee is expected to provide a structured platform for addressing pending transport matters and promoting greater cooperation in logistics and transit management. The Iranian minister raised concerns regarding the clearance and movement of trucks and containers operating between the two countries. In response, both sides agreed to pursue joint measures aimed at removing obstacles affecting cross-border transportation and ensuring more efficient trade flows.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday said Pakistan has earned growing international recognition as a “peacemaker” and an emerging “middle power”, attributing the country's enhanced global stature to its successful diplomatic engagement and mediation efforts in regional conflicts. Speaking to media representatives at Data Darbar, Dar said Pakistan’s recent role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran had significantly elevated its international profile and reinforced confidence in its diplomatic capabilities. The foreign minister observed that perceptions of Pakistan abroad had changed markedly in recent years. “Today, Pakistan is being recognised around the world as a peacemaker,” Dar said. “A country that was once viewed primarily through the prism of terrorism is now being acknowledged as a middle power and a net contributor to regional and international security.” He noted that claims of Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation had proven unfounded, pointing to the country's increasing visibility and relevance in international affairs. “Countries that previously paid little attention to Pakistan are now discussing its role and contributions on major global platforms,” he remarked. Dar attributed the country’s recent diplomatic successes to the collective efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Pakistan’s diplomatic corps. “The captain of this team is Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” he said, adding that the premier, Field Marshal Asim Munir and officials of the Foreign Office had worked tirelessly to advance Pakistan’s foreign policy objectives. The deputy prime minister praised the coordinated efforts of civilian and military leadership in strengthening Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach and promoting dialogue as a means of conflict resolution. Referring to Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran, Dar said Islamabad had facilitated engagement between two countries that had not maintained direct negotiations for decades. He stressed that Pakistan had acted as an honest and impartial facilitator, seeking to promote peace and stability without becoming a party to the dispute. According to Dar, extensive diplomatic efforts were undertaken behind the scenes by Pakistan’s political leadership, military establishment and diplomatic representatives, much of which remained outside public view due to the sensitive nature of mediation. “A mediator must remain neutral and cannot become part of the conflict,” he observed. The foreign minister reiterated Pakistan’s principled position on regional conflicts, particularly concerning Iran. He said Pakistan was among the first countries to condemn attacks on a fellow Muslim nation while simultaneously encouraging restraint, diplomacy and peaceful engagement to prevent further escalation. Dar maintained that Pakistan’s approach had consistently been guided by the pursuit of peace, stability and constructive dialogue. Turning to domestic priorities, Dar said Pakistan had successfully achieved major strategic milestones by becoming both a nuclear and missile power. He stressed that the country’s next objective should be to transform itself into a strong economic power. “Allah enabled Pakistan to become a nuclear power and later a missile power. The next challenge is to become an economic power,” he said. The deputy prime minister credited former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for overseeing Pakistan’s nuclear tests in 1998 and supporting the development of the country’s missile programme. He also praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for steering economic recovery efforts and restoring stability to key sectors of the economy. Dar said Pakistan had ranked among the world’s leading economies in 2017 and expressed confidence that the country was once again moving in a positive economic direction.
Pakistan, Turkiye sign three MoUs to strengthen cooperation in power sector ISTANBUL app
Pakistan and Turkiye on Thursday signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing institutional collaboration, technical cooperation and knowledge sharing in the power sector during highlevel consultations held in Istanbul. The agreements were signed as part of ongoing cooperation between the two brotherly countries in the energy sector, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division). The agreements reflect the shared commitment of
both countries to deepen institutional collaboration, promote knowledge exchange, and strengthen technical cooperation across key areas of the power sector. The MoUs were signed between Pakistani and Turkish energy sector entities, Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) and Energy Exchange Istanbul (EPIAS), ISMO and the Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEIAS), and the Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC) and the Turkish Electricity Distribution Corporation (TEDAS). The agreements establish formal frameworks for cooperation in areas including post-privatisation governance framework, electricity market development, ancillary services regulations formulation,
power system operations, transmission planning, distribution sector management, digitalisation, capacity building, institutional strengthening, and the exchange of technical expertise. Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari welcomed the signing of the MoUs and noted that these partnerships represent an important step towards strengthening Pakistan's energy institutions through collaboration with leading Turkish counterparts. He emphasised that Pakistan is committed to learning from Turkiye's successful experience in electricity market reform, transmission system development, distribution sector modernisation, and the integration of advanced technologies into power sector operations.
PM urges nation to draw guidance from teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain ISLAMABAD
staff CorrespoNDeNt
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that the Day of Ashura serves as a timeless reminder of faith, patience, sacrifice, truthfulness and social reform, urging the nation to draw guidance from the teachings and sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala. In his message on the occasion of Youme-Ashur (10th Muharram-ul-Haram 1448 AH), the prime minister described Ashura as
one of the most thought-provoking days in Islamic history, offering humanity unparalleled lessons in perseverance, righteousness, selflessness and steadfastness in the face of adversity. PM Shehbaz Sharif said the day commemorates Allah Almighty’s support for the believers, the triumph of truth and the sacrifices made for the supremacy of justice and righteousness. He noted that the supreme sacrifice of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) grandson, Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), and his devoted companions had given Ashura a
unique and everlasting significance in Islamic history. The prime minister said the tragedy of Karbala conveys a powerful message that adherence to principles and values forms the foundation of a dignified and civilized society. He said Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) demonstrated through his conduct that sacrificing for truth, justice and human dignity is far superior to submitting to oppression, injustice and falsehood. Highlighting the broader lessons of Karbala, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the
historic event symbolizes efforts for the reform of the Muslim community, the revival of the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and the promotion of virtue while discouraging wrongdoing. He stressed that these ideals require individuals and society alike to promote justice, patience, tolerance and responsibility in daily life. Rather than allowing differences, hatred and division to prevail, he said, society should strengthen values of mutual respect, religious harmony, tolerance and national unity. The prime minister appealed to religious
scholars, spiritual leaders, speakers, media organizations and the youth to promote the true message of Ashura, encourage inter-sect harmony and respect, and discourage incitement and hatred. Calling upon the nation to renew its commitment to the principles upheld by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistanis should strengthen their dedication to truth and justice, safeguard the rights of the weak and underprivileged, and contribute through their character and actions towards building a strong, united, and peaceful nation.