23. Pakistan başbakanı
‘Big milestone’: Google’s local office inaugurated in Pakistan
Google, the US-based technology giant, on Tuesday inaugurated its local office in Pakistan. According to state-run PTV, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met a Google delegation led by the company’s Global Affairs Vice President Wilson L. White at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. US Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan Natalie Baker also attended the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz said there was “great scope” for a fruitful partnership with Google and for strengthening bilateral ties in various areas. “Pakistan is going through a major digital transformation. In many areas of our governance, there is a youth bulge and we can really turn around Pakistan’s fortunes,” he said. “We are doing a lot and a lot more needs to be done.” Meanwhile, Google’s vice president described his visit as a “big milestone”. “Google has been investing in and committed to Pakistan for over a decade, and today we have reached a milestone where we are opening a local office in Pakistan,” White said. He appreciated PM Shehbaz’s vision of turning Pakistan into a $30 billion IT export hub. White added that Google was partnering with Pakistan to advance this vision in three ways: by investing in Pakistani people; by investing in manufacturing and infrastructure to boost hardware exports; and, thirdly, by investing in local businesses. PM Shehbaz, along with the Google official, formally inaugurated Google’s Pakistan office, terming it a “stepping stone” towards a long-term partnership. More to follow
Pakistan Petroleum Limited announces gas and condensate discovery in Sindh's Sujawal
KARACHI: The state-owned Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) on Monday announced a “pioneering” gas and condensate discovery from its operated exploratory well, Dolphin X-1, at Sirani Block in Sindh’s Sujawal district. “This is the first-ever hydrocarbon discovery from Jurassic-age Chiltan Formation in Lower Indus Basin, opening up a new hydrocarbon play” in hitherto “untapped, challenging frontiers”, one of the country’s top oil and gas producers said in a statement. With the discovery, PPL said it had “opened up a new exploration frontier across onshore marshy area and its possible extensions into shallow offshore”, enhancing the prospects for shallow offshore exploration in Pakistan. “This area was long considered inaccessible for exploration due to its challenging geographical location and marshy terrain,” it added, highlighting that it was the first exploration and production (E&P) company to overcome this terrain via specialised transition equipment to acquire seismic data. The development converts a formerly unexplored frontier area into a proven petroleum play, it added. “Dolphin X-1 was spud on April 17, 2026 and drilled down to 3,850m MD depth to test the hydrocarbon potential of Chiltan Formation. Hydrocarbon bearing zone was identified based on the drilling results and acquired wireline logs data,” the statement read. During the testing, it said that the formation flowed “good quality gas, with a heating value of 1000 British thermal units per standard cubic foot (Btu/scf) at a rate of 0.942 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas, at Wellhead Flowing Pressure of 211 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) at a 32/64-inch choke”. Sirani Block is operated by PPL with 75 per cent Working Interest (WI), along with joint venture partner Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL) with 25pc WI, it said. The well was drilled and tested by utilising indigenous expertise and discovered a new hydrocarbon play within Chiltan Limestone, the statement said. The PPL noted that preliminary results of geological, geophysical and engineering test data suggested that the reservoir had a “tight” nature. However, it acknowledged that it needed to be confirmed based on further evaluation of Geological and Geophysical (G&G) and Reservoir Engineering data collected during the drilling and testing process. The company, in the statement, also appreciated the “far-reaching vision” of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, implemented under the “able leadership” of Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, which it said enabled exploration in untapped and challenging frontiers. It also acknowledged Pakistan Navy’s “invaluable” support throughout the project.
JI inconveniencing the very citizens it claims to be protesting for, says PPP's Saeed Ghani
PPP leader and Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani on Monday questioned the Jamaat-i-Islami’s (JI) rationale for staging sit-ins against the petroleum levy, saying that the party was inadvertently inconveniencing the citizens it claimed to be protesting for. The JI has been staging sit-ins across the country since Sunday against the levy imposed on petroleum products and other taxes. Speaking to the media in Karachi, Ghani said the JI’s intentions to protest over public concerns and to ease their issues was a “good thing” to which he had no objection. “But, they choose those 18 points in Karachi where Karachi will get fully blocked, and then demonstrate there. What difference does it make to Shehbaz Sharif, to whom you are making demands?” Ghani said that by closing down roads, demonstrating and inconveniencing the people, the JI was forcing the same people suffering due to high petrol prices to use “four more litres of petrol a day”. He questioned their rationale, saying, “The people you are talking about making petrol cheaper for — if you ask them, they are cussing you out.” The minister criticised that the party justified their methods by saying that it would make no difference to the government until the people faced difficulty. “Meaning, if you want to scold Shehbaz Sharif, then make the lives of Karachi’s citizens … only then will he listen. What rationale is this?” he said. Ghani added that he would request JI emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman — whom he called an “educated man” — to lead demonstrations in places that would give the people they were demonstrating for “sympathy” for the party and its mission.
'Big, bold and important first step': Trump welcomes defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye
United States President Donald Trump said on Sunday he was pleased by the recent signing of a defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. “Very happy to see that Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan have recently, and finally, signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform. “It shows how the Middle East is coming together, and how Countries will finally be able to defend themselves in a more meaningful way,” he wrote, calling it a “BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP”. Reacting to Trump’s remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he “deeply appreciated” the “kind words of support” on the signing of the agreement. “Together, with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Turkiye, Pakistan will continue to play a constructive role in ensuring the defence of our own countries as well as the entire region,” he said. In an apparent reference to last year’s brief military conflict with India, PM Shehbaz also took the opportunity to commend Trump for his “courageous and decisive leadership, which helped avert a nuclear catastrophe in South Asia and saved millions of lives”. “Durable peace is the most essential prerequisite for a bright and prosperous future for our peoples,” he said. The three-way agreement, signed on August 7, comes amid a US-Iran war that has extended violence to the region, including Houthi rebel attacks. The joint defence agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence and empowers its signatory states to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all of them. Turkiye’s defence ministry said last week that Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia will form political and military mechanisms under the pact, adding the alliance would also deepen defence industry cooperation. Both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar have said the pact is defensive in nature, with the latter saying that it is also “open to any country in the region” willing to uphold its fundamental principles. Shortly after the agreement was signed, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkiye expected Egypt to join the pact “in the next stage”, telling the Anadolu state news agency only “a few technical issues” stood in the way. However, Egypt has not commented on the agreement nor on the remarks by Fidan. Later, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also said he hoped more countries would join the defence agreement. “Our vision for it is not limited to the three countries,” the Turkish leader told the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat daily. “Rather we aspire for it to grow, and perhaps appropriate conditions will emerge one day for all countries of the region to gather under its umbrella,” he added. Meanwhile, Kuwait, Bahrain and Somalia are among the countries that have welcomed it. Iran’s comments also took a rather positive tone, stressing its stance of pursuing “security mechanisms based on cooperation between regional countries”.
Trump'tan Pakistan-Suudi Arabistan-Türkiye savunma paktına övgüRestored temples of Makhad Sharif revive forgotten heritage
Standing majestically on the eastern bank of the Indus River in Jand, a remote town of Attock, the centuries-old Hindu temples of Makhad Sharif are once again emerging as symbols of Pakistan’s rich and diverse civilisational heritage. Once left to the mercy of time, weather and neglect after Partition, the remarkable monuments are now undergoing a scientifically planned conservation and restoration programme by the Punjab Department of Archaeology, bringing new life to one of Attock district’s significant yet overlooked archaeological treasures. Situated at the confluence of the Indus and Soan rivers, Makhad Sharif has for centuries occupied a strategic position on historic trade routes connecting northern Punjab with Sindh. Long before the advent of the railway system, the town flourished as an important river port where merchant vessels transported grain, textiles, timber and other commodities through the Indus trade network. The restored ceiling and walls reveal original artwork and an architectural landscape reflecting the multicultural character of pre-Partition Punjab. Its commercial prosperity attracted wealthy Hindu merchants, Muslim traders and Sikh businessmen, who collectively transformed Makhad into one of the region’s vibrant trading centres during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Their prosperity gave rise to magnificent temples, imposing merchant havelis, elegant mosques and public buildings, creating a remarkable architectural landscape that reflected the multicultural character of pre-Partition Punjab. The temple is being restored to its original grandeur. Among these monuments, the ancient Hindu temples occupy a special place. Built on elevated ground overlooking the Indus River, the temples are distinguished by towering shikharas, intricate brick masonry, ornamental frescoes and finely executed architectural details. Their commanding location made them visible from passing boats on the Indus, serving both as places of worship and landmarks for traders navigating the river. Following the migration of the Hindu community during Partition in 1947, the temples gradually fell silent. Without caretakers, decades of exposure to harsh weather, moisture, biological growth and structural settlement caused significant deterioration. Cracked masonry, damaged plaster, fading frescoes and weakened foundations threatened the survival of the monuments. Recognising their historical and cultural value, the Directorate General of Archaeology Punjab has initiated an extensive conservation programme aimed at preserving the temples in accordance with internationally recognised principles of architectural conservation. “The restoration project marks a milestone in Punjab’s heritage conservation efforts and reflects a growing commitment to preserving monuments belonging to all faiths and cultures that have shaped the history of the region,” said Director General of the Punjab Department of Archaeology Zaheer Abbas Malik. An artist gives the finishing touches to artwork inside the temple. He said the initiative would not only safeguard an irreplaceable architectural legacy but also transform Makhad Sharif into an important destination for cultural, historical and religious tourism. Mr Malik said one of the most delicate aspects of the restoration was the conservation of the temple’s historic frescoes, which represented an invaluable artistic legacy. Conservation specialists are undertaking painstaking cleaning of painted surfaces, consolidating fragile plaster layers, stabilising detached pigments and preserving surviving decorative motifs using internationally accepted scientific methodologies. “Every intervention is aimed at retaining the maximum amount of original artistic material so that the temple’s historic decorative character remains intact for future generations,” he added. He described the ongoing work as a model of scientific restoration, where the objective was not to create a new structure but to conserve the authentic historic fabric with the least possible intervention. Imran Zahid, director of construction and development at the Directorate General of Archaeology, told Dawn that unlike ordinary renovation, the project followed globally accepted conservation standards that emphasised minimum intervention, preservation of original historic fabric, reversibility wherever possible and the exclusive use of traditional materials and indigenous craftsmanship compatible with the monument’s original construction. He said that before restoration began, conservation architects and heritage specialists carried out an exhaustive condition assessment and scientific documentation of the entire monument. “Every crack, structural weakness, deteriorated surface and damaged architectural component was carefully mapped and analysed to identify the causes of decay and formulate an appropriate conservation strategy,” he said. One of the first phases of the project involved the painstaking removal of biological growth, including algae, moss, lichens and microbial deposits that had accumulated on the historic masonry over several decades. A traditional mural depicting Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, apparently portraying an episode from their forest exile in the Ramayana, is preserved on the walls of the historic Hindu temple at Makhad Sharif. — Photos by the writer Mr Zahid said conservation experts employed carefully controlled cleaning techniques to eliminate harmful biological agents without damaging the original bricks, stone surfaces or decorative elements. “This meticulous process has significantly reduced moisture retention within the masonry, preventing further biological deterioration while revealing much of the temple’s original architectural beauty,” he added. Responding to a question, he said specialised underpinning works were being undertaken beneath the monument to address structural instability caused by foundation settlement. Raja Noor Muhammad Nizami, a historian of the Potohar region, believes that, together with its spectacular Indus River landscape, ancient river port, traditional architecture and rich archaeological remains, the restored temple complex has the potential to place Makhad Sharif prominently on Pakistan’s cultural tourism map. “The site offers exceptional opportunities for archaeological research, heritage education and responsible tourism while contributing to the local economy,” he said. of preserving the nation’s priceless historical legacy for generations to come. Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2026
Punjab Sit-ins to continue until demands are met: JI emir
LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Sunday said the JI’s sit-in against the petroleum levy and rising fuel prices will continue until the government accept their demands, warning that any attempt to block the protest will turn it into a movement to bring down the government. Addressing participants of the sit-in outside the Punjab Chief Minister’s House on The Mall, Mr Rehman described the petroleum levy as an “extortionist” and “jagga tax”, saying the government was increasing both the price of petrol and the taxes imposed on it. He said the rulers should cut their own expenditures and privileges instead of extracting more money from ordinary citizens. The JI on Sunday launched a fresh wave of nationwide protests and sit-ins across Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta, escalating its ongoing campaign against inflation, skyrocketing fuel prices, and the federal petroleum levy. In Lahore, party workers marched down The Mall before establishing a sit-in camp at Charing Cross near the Chief Minister’s House. Addressing the crowd alongside Punjab JI Chief Javed Qasuri, the JI emir slammed the government’s tax policies and pointed out the contrast between heavy taxation on the salaried class – who paid nearly Rs700 billion – and tax exemptions enjoyed by wealthy landlords. Demanding an immediate reduction in petrol prices to Rs225 per liter, Mr Naeem asserted that the party would no longer tolerate a system that exploits ordinary citizens to maintain ruling-class privileges. Major sit-ins simultaneously paralysed key provincial hubs across the country. In Karachi, protesters led by JI Karachi Chief Munim Zafar marched to the Governor House to stage a massive demonstration. Addressing the crowd, Mr Zafar warned authorities against using force and criticised the petroleum levy for heavily burdening students and youth, while taking aim at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over unresolved civic issues like the city’s severe water crisis. In Peshawar, demonstrators staged blockades outside the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor House, closing the main artery between Saddar and the KP Assembly Chowk ahead of an address by JI Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch. At the same time, a parallel sit-in unfolded outside the Governor House in Quetta. These coordinated provincial sit-ins mark the latest escalation in JI’s broader anti-inflation movement, aimed at forcing the federal government to roll back energy taxes, reduce fuel prices, and curb excessive state expenditures. Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2026
Cemaat-i İslami: Petrol vergisi kalkana kadar oturma eylemi sürecekPTI keeps doors open for talks as ‘deal’ rumours swirl
• Insiders say govt approached party senator with proposal to hold meeting in Parliament House • PTI parliamentary party to meet today to prepare strategy ISLAMABAD: As rumours swirl of a possible deal between the main opposition party and the powers that be, senior PTI leaders say that while they have never closed the door on talks, there has been no fresh development so far. However, internal discussions within the PTI’s parliamentary party WhatsApp group suggest the party has received a message from the government, indicating that a meeting could be held in Parliament House, where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif himself could participate and hear their grievances. In anticipation of the huddle, the PTI has called a meeting of its parliamentary party today (Monday), where recent developments and the possibility of headway in talks will be discussed. The reports come even as speculation regarding some sort of backchannel patch-up between the party and the powers that be has reached fever pitch. Observers has pointed to the amount of media coverage being afforded to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, and the sudden increase in activity among party workers on the ground. A senior PTI leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Dawn that two days ago, one of the party’s senators informed colleagues that she had received a call from MNA Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, inviting them for talks with the prime minister. Mashal Yousafzai informed the parliamentary party that she had spoken to Mr Chaudhry, who told her he was sitting with the prime minister and Rana Sanaullah, and offered to hold negotiations with the party. According to Ms Yousafzai, the minister had said the venue for the meeting would be the Constitution Room of Parliament House, where the prime minister would also be in attendance. This lines up with an earlier claim by Senate Opposition Leader Raja Nasir Abbas, a staunch PTI ally, who had indicated that the party wanted to hold discussions with the government at a ‘neutral venue’, such as Parliament House, rather than the PM Office. “A senior leader asked why Tariq Fazal had contacted Mashal Yousafzai when he had the contact numbers of Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Amir Dogar, Gohar Khan and other PTI leaders. However, Ms Yousafzai insisted that she had received the call and that the offer was serious,” the party insider said, recounting the discussion. “We have decided to hold a parliamentary party meeting on Monday (today), where the entire situation will be discussed. Since Imran Khan has authorised Mr Achakzai to hold talks, he will also be consulted,” he explained. However, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja told Dawn that all such reports were purely speculative. “We are standing firm. If the government wants to hold talks, it will become clear soon. We are ready to talk with all segments of society, including political parties and other stakeholders. If the ‘system’ wants to talk, it should take the first step,” he said. Mr Raja said no decision could be made without the will and approval of founding chairman Imran Khan. However, he said PTI’s doors remained open for talks. PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram told Dawn that the party was technically not engaged in any talks with the government. Dawn also reached out to Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry for comment, but did not receive a response until the filing of this report. Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2026
Trump'tan Mekke Paktı'na destek: Büyük, cesur ve önemli bir ilk adım
ABD Başkanı Donald Trump, Türkiye, Suudi Arabistan ve Pakistan arasında imzalanan Mekke Ortak Savunma Anlaşması'nı memnuniyetle karşıladı. ABD Başkanı Donald Trump, Türkiye, Suudi Arabistan ve Pakistan arasında imzalanan Mekke Ortak Savunma Anlaşmasına ilişkin açıklama yaptı. Trump, üç ülkenin uzun süredir üzerinde çalışılan savunma anlaşmasını imzalamasından memnuniyet duyduğunu belirterek, anlaşmanın Ortadoğu'da ülkelerin kendi güvenlikleri konusunda daha fazla sorumluluk üstlenmelerinin göstergesi olduğunu söyledi. Trump, “Suudi Arabistan, Türkiye ve Pakistan'ın kısa süre önce ve nihayet Mekke Ortak Savunma Anlaşması'nı imzaladığını görmekten büyük mutluluk duyuyorum.” dedi. ABD Başkanı, anlaşmanın bölgesel açıdan önemine işaret ederek şunları söyledi: “Bu, Ortadoğu'nun nasıl bir araya geldiğini ve ülkelerin sonunda kendilerini çok daha anlamlı bir biçimde savunabileceklerini gösteriyor.” Trump, Türkiye, Suudi Arabistan ve Pakistan'ın liderlerini de tebrik ederek, “Bu büyük, cesur ve önemli bir ilk adım. Vay canına!” ifadelerini kullandı. MEKKE'DE İMZALANDI Türkiye, Suudi Arabistan ve Pakistan, Mekke Ortak Savunma Anlaşması'nı 7 Ağustos'ta imzaladı. Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Suudi Arabistan Veliaht Prensi Muhammed bin Selman ve Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif tarafından imzalanan anlaşmanın temelini kolektif savunma ilkesi oluşturuyor. Anlaşmaya göre üç ülkeden herhangi birine yönelik silahlı saldırı, diğer ülkelere de yapılmış bir saldırı olarak değerlendirilecek. Düzenleme bu yönüyle NATO Antlaşması'nın kolektif savunmayı düzenleyen 5. maddesine benzetiliyor. Dışişleri Bakanı Hakan Fidan da anlaşmanın teknik olarak NATO'nun 5. maddesine benzer bir mekanizma içerdiğini, saldırıya uğrayan ülkeye verilecek desteğin taraflar arasındaki istişarelerin ardından belirleneceğini açıklamıştı. ORTAK TATBİKATLAR VE SAVUNMA SANAYİSİ İŞBİRLİĞİ Milli Savunma Bakanlığı, anlaşma kapsamında üç ülkenin savunma ve dışişleri bakanları ile genelkurmay başkanları veya silahlı kuvvetler komutanlarının dahil olacağı üst düzey siyasi ve askeri mekanizmaların oluşturulmasının planlandığını açıkladı. Kara, deniz ve hava kuvvetlerinin yanı sıra hava savunma ve insansız sistemleri kapsayan ortak tatbikatlar yapılması da planlanıyor. Üç ülke arasında savunma sanayisinde ortak geliştirme ve üretim, teknoloji paylaşımı, lojistik ve bakım alanlarındaki işbirliğinin artırılması öngörülüyor. İnsansız ve otonom sistemler, elektronik harp ve yapay zeka ise öncelikli alanlar arasında bulunuyor. MISIR DA KATILABİLİR Türkiye, anlaşmanın mevcut ittifaklara alternatif olmadığını ve başka ülkelerin katılımına açık olduğunu açıklamıştı. Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan da Mısır'ın ilerleyen dönemde üçlü savunma mekanizmasına katılabileceğini söyledi. Pakistan ise anlaşmanın herhangi bir ülkeye karşı oluşturulmadığını ve “tamamen savunma amaçlı” olduğunu belirtmişti. Türkiye de paktın İran'ı veya başka bir ülkeyi hedef almadığını vurgulamıştı.
Trump: Mekke Paktı büyük, cesur ve önemli bir ilk adımJI vows to continue sit-in until petroleum levy abolished
Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said on Sunday that the party’s sit-in against the petroleum levy and rising fuel prices would continue until the government accepted its demands, warning that any attempt to obstruct the protest would turn it into a movement to oust the government. Addressing participants at the sit-in outside the Punjab Chief Minister’s House, Rehman described the petroleum levy as “extortionist”, accusing the government of raising both petrol prices and taxes on the fuel He said the rulers should cut their own expenditures and privileges instead of extracting more money from ordinary citizens. “Until the petroleum levy is abolished and our other demands are accepted, the sit-in will continue,” he said. “If the government tries to obstruct it, this sit-in will turn into a movement to bring down the government.” Rehman also rejected the government’s proposed committee of ministers for negotiations, saying the party did not need a briefing from a government committee. “Whoever wants to talk should come to the sit-in and talk to us,” he said, addressing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directly. “We will not go to Islamabad to receive a briefing.” The JI chief claimed that the governments of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had failed, accusing the ruling leadership of “destroying” the entire system. He added that the JI had entered the second phase of its mass campaign for public rights after holding protests at 510 locations across the country on Aug 7. The JI chief added that major sit-ins had begun outside the Governor Houses in Karachi and Peshawar, while a large number of people had gathered at the historic protest site on The Mall in Lahore. “This is an organised struggle by a genuine public party. Our fight is not against any political party; it is against injustice, inflation and anti-people policies,” Rehman said. He said the government had made life increasingly difficult for ordinary families, with parents struggling to pay their children’s school fees and poor people being deprived of adequate healthcare. He also criticised what he described as a class-based education system. The JI chief said the government was increasing petrol prices and taxes separately, forcing people to pay thousands of rupees in fuel-related taxes every month, including those who were otherwise outside the tax net. Rehman rejected the government’s justification that the petroleum levy was being imposed under conditions attached to an IMF programme. He said the government should instead cut its own expenditures and recover taxes from privileged sections of society. He reiterated the JI’s demand for a reduction in petrol prices to Rs225 per litre and the abolition of the petroleum levy. Rehman also criticised the Punjab government’s publicity spending. Rehman said the existing “Form 47” representatives lacked public acceptance, vowing that the JI would continue its struggle to bring about fundamental changes to the system. “We are fighting for the people and against oppression,” he said, adding that the JI was not making demands that could not be implemented and had capable people who could run the country more effectively. He said the protests outside the Governor Houses in Karachi and Peshawar, along with demonstrations elsewhere in the country, showed that people had taken to the streets to demand their rights. “We have come here to get our demands accepted and will not retreat,” he said. “The sit-in will continue until the rulers back down, and our struggle will continue.” The JI’s campaign is also continuing with sit-ins outside the Governor’s House in Karachi and Peshawar. The party also held countrywide protest demonstrations on August 7.
Cemaat-i İslami: Petrol vergisi kalkana kadar oturma eylemi sürecekIslamabad High Court to resume hearing of One Constitution Avenue case as JIT finalises probe
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will resume hearing on Monday of a petition filed by the builder of the One Constitution Avenue against a banking court order seeking the recovery of a loan as a joint investigation team (JIT) has finalised its probe into the matter. A division bench, comprising Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro and Justice Umair Majeed Malik, will hear an appeal filed by Abdul Hafeez Sheikh against the banking court order that had directed him to repay the loan. The builder has maintained that the loan liability had been settled after the Bank of Punjab (BoP) acquired a reasonable share in the property. The case is part of the wider legal dispute surrounding the 13.5-acre One Constitution Avenue project located adjacent to the Convention Centre, where the rights of the original lessee, the bank and hundreds of apartment purchasers, have become entangled. The development comes as the BoP and several flat owners have separately challenged before the IHC division bench a single bench judgement upholding the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) cancellation of the project’s lease. On April 30, IHC Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfaraz Dogar had dismissed a petition by BNP (Private) Limited, the original lessee, and upheld the CDA’s decision to cancel the lease over alleged payment defaults. The single bench also held that third-party purchasers and sub-lessees would “sink or sail” with the original lessee, meaning their rights were dependent on the builder’s interest in the property. The BoP has challenged the judgement, contending that it has a direct financial interest in the project. The bank had acquired around 25,420 square feet on sub-lease, comprising space on the lower ground, upper ground and first floors, for establishing its branch. Several apartment owners, including overseas Pakistanis and other purchasers, have also approached the division bench, arguing that the judgement could adversely affect their vested proprietary rights. They have requested that the CDA should not be allowed to dispossess or evict them without following due process. They have also relied on Supreme Court orders of January 9, 2019 and November 6, 2019, under which the CDA was directed to formulate a viable, fair and transparent arrangement for resolving third-party claims. The division bench had temporarily suspended the effect of the single bench decision after the bank and affected buyers approached the court. Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had ordered the formation of a high-level JIT to investigate issues concerning the project after a committee reviewed the matter. The JIT, headed by a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officer, comprised representatives of the Federal Investigation Agency, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Federal Board of Revenue, Intelligence Bureau and Inter-Services Intelligence. It was directed to submit its findings to the prime minister within 60 days. The committee had earlier examined the project following an attempt by the capital administration and CDA to initiate eviction proceedings against residents after the IHC upheld the lease cancellation. The project’s financial dispute dates back to the CDA’s 2004-05 auction of the plot for Rs4.8 billion. Instead of developing the site as originally envisaged, the company constructed around 250 residential apartments and sold them in the market. In 2019, the Supreme Court directed the company to pay Rs17.5 billion for the project in installments over eight years. According to officials, however, only around Rs2.9 billion has so far been deposited. Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2026
Endless wait for a miracle
PAKISTAN celebrated its 79th Independence Day a couple of days ago. Once again, the anniversary arrived wrapped in the optimism that perhaps the next year will be different and bring some relief to ordinary citizens. The source of this optimism is the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Walls have been covered with graffiti, while streets have been decorated with buntings, flags and pictures of the leaders of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Pakistan’s streets witnessed similar enthusiasm just over a decade ago, when the country’s power elites sold the nation the dream of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Though the Makkah Agreement is different from CPEC in essence, as the latter project was conceived as a plan for economic connectivity, the recent trilateral accord is a geopolitical initiative involving the region’s middle powers, and ordinary people have attached their hopes to it. Just as they expected CPEC to bring relief to their lives, create employment and generate economic activity, the perception now being nurtured is that the accord will bring foreign investment into the country, Saudi money, oil on deferred payments and employment for more Pakistanis in the Gulf. Waiting for a miracle to happen is an old practice of Pakistan’s power elite. Every few years, the ruling establishment constructs a new narrative of hope: that a breakthrough is just around the corner, prosperity is waiting beyond the horizon, and Pakistan need only remain patient for the miracle to unfold. This habit of looking abroad for transformation dates back to the country’s inception, when its leadership placed its hopes in the US, joined Seato and Cento, and became a Western defence and security partner alongside Iran. Pakistan’s dreams of geopolitical influence and economic gains through its defence partnership with the US have been shattered repeatedly. Yet, its power elites have repeatedly restored their optimism and embraced new partnerships, expecting external allies to increase the country’s strategic weight and generate financial inflows. The same pattern has extended from Pakistan’s relationship with the US and its Western alliances to its strategic partnership with China, the CPEC, the anticipated opening of Central Asia, and now, the emerging security architecture involving Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. One may recall that when Nawaz Sharif began his third term as prime minister in 2013, and CPEC was formally launched in 2015, it was described as a ‘game changer’. Islamabad’s streets were covered with Pakistani and Chinese flags, creating the impression that an extraordinary partnership was about to transform Pakistan’s economic destiny. China and Pakistan were and remain close strategic partners, and CPEC has delivered important infrastructure and energy projects. But more than a decade after its launch, the promised transformation remains incomplete. Pakistan continues to struggle with debt, inadequate exports, weak productivity and recurring balance-of-payments crises. It still depends on IMF programmes, financial deposits, loan rollovers and other forms of support from friendly countries, including China and Saudi Arabia. CPEC therefore demonstrates the limits of relying on external partnerships as substitutes for the difficult domestic reforms required for sustained economic transformation. Pakistanis have been conditioned to look outward for a change in their fate. In the same sequence, the power elites cultivated the dream of economic transformation through Afghanistan. When the Taliban came to power, Pakistan’s dreams of connecting economically and strategically with Central Asia and regions beyond would come true. One may recall Independence Day in 2021, when the power elites were echoing similar narratives about Afghanistan. As the Taliban approached Kabul, flags of the Islamic emirate appeared at some mosques and other locations in Islamabad. The Taliban entered the Afghan capital on Aug 15, a day after Pakistan celebrated its Independence Day. The mood in influential Pakistani circles was strikingly jubilant. The prime minister at the time, Imran Khan, remarked that Afghans had broken the “shackles of slavery”. Pakistan became one of the strongest advocates of international engagement with the new Taliban administration, although it stopped short of granting formal recognition. At a public seminar, I heard a retired security official confidently predict that the Taliban’s victory would trigger a profound social and political transformation inside Pakistan. He argued that the new order in Afghanistan would eliminate corruption and inspire a more just system in Pakistan. He carefully avoided using the word ‘Sharia’, perhaps because of his professional background, but his meaning was difficult to miss. It was another utopian moment. The reality moved in the opposite direction. Afghanistan’s economic and humanitarian crisis produced new displacement, while the banned TTP intensified its attacks. Relations between Islamabad and Kabul deteriorated sharply. Instead of facilitating regional connectivity, insecurity across the border became one of Pakistan’s gravest internal threats. That episode has been recounted many times, although the security establishment now appears reluctant to revisit the assumptions that shaped its initial enthusiasm. The latest defence pact has sparked another wave of optimism. It may indeed strengthen Pakistan’s strategic position. Its significance should therefore be assessed realistically rather than burdened with promises it may never have been designed to fulfil. Partners and projects change, but the underlying psychology remains remarkably constant. Pakistanis have been conditioned to look outward for a change in their fate. The internal front, however, remains far more complex and generates little optimism. Reforming institutions is more difficult than signing agreements. Building political consensus is less dramatic than receiving a foreign dignitary. Improving governance does not produce the spectacle of flags lining Islamabad’s avenues. One wishes an Independence Day would come when our optimism is the result of something Pakistan had achieved at home: an economic transformation initiated by our own policies; functioning institutions; sustainable peace in Balochistan; stable relationships with Afghanistan and India; the elimination of all insecurities; the rule of law; and, above all, the return of true democracy. Perhaps it is human nature for individuals and nations caught in a crisis to search outside themselves for rescue. Pakistan suffers from the same temptation. Every few years, it discovers another reason to be jubilant, another alliance and another reason to wait for the miracle. The writer is a security analyst. Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2026
Pakistan'ın 79. Bağımsızlık Günü'nde 'Mucize' Beklentisi SürüyorWork on $2.5bn ML-1 to begin in January
Officials from a mission of five multilateral international lenders survey the Karachi Railway Division, as it will be connected to ML-1.—Courtesy Railways • Phase-I covers 480km Karachi-Rohri railway section • Online market engagement with contractors, consultants set for Sept 8 • Project expected to take up to three years to complete LAHORE: Civil work on the $2.5 billion first phase of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project is likely to begin in January 2027, as Pakistan Railways (PR) accelerates market consultations, pre-bid preparations and other processes required to meet the timeline set by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. PR has announced an online early market engagement session for Sept 8, inviting local and international civil works contractors as well as project design and monitoring consultants to discuss project readiness, procurement progress and strategy, developments since March and other matters related to the first phase. “We are trying our level best to launch this project as early as possible. The prime minister wants its commencement by January next year by all means,” Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi told Dawn on Saturday. He said early market engagement, international tendering, bidding, shortlisting of contractors and consultants and award of contracts could take four to five months, but PR would make every effort to have the project launched by the prime minister in January. The first phase of ML-1 covers the 480km Karachi-Rohri/Sukkur section, where new up and down tracks will be laid along with fencing on both sides to prevent unauthorised access by people, animals and vehicles. The project is expected to take between two-and-a-half and three years to complete and will serve a corridor carrying 76 per cent of passenger and 98pc of freight traffic, besides connecting major population centres and industrial zones. The project is expected to be financed by the Asian Development Bank, while co-financing is being explored from AIIB, EIN, the World Bank and IsDB. Its indicative scope includes civil and track works on the Keamari-Landhi-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Nawabshah and Nawabshah-Rohri sections, including track reconstruction, limited realignments, bridges, culverts and other structures, stations, freight yards and buildings. The plan also includes upgrading Walton Academy, signalling and telecommunications across the corridor, project management and supervision consultancy services. During engagement with contractors and consultants, discussions will cover package sizes and scope, qualification criteria and joint-venture structures, experience requirements, signalling and telecommunications packages, bid preparation periods, technical and financial weightings, risk allocation, construction under live railway operations, local industry participation and climate-resilient and digital solutions. “Karachi-Rohri and Rohri-Multan are the most critical railway sections where most derailments and accidents take place due to the existing decaying track, which is repaired off and on at a huge cost. This is why PR has selected the Karachi-Rohri section as the first to start the ML-1 project,” a PR official told Dawn. The official expressed confidence that work could begin in January, or possibly earlier, given the government’s priority attached to the project. He said the upgraded infrastructure would enable trains to operate at speeds of up to 160km per hour. Meanwhile, an important meeting on the ML-1 project was held at PR headquarters on Saturday, chaired by Railway Board Chairman Syed Mazhar Ali Shah and attended by international design and review consultants and senior railway officials. The meeting reviewed the planned upgrade of the Karachi-Rohri section, project preparations, progress and the future course of action. Mr Shah directed that the review phase of the ML-1 project be completed by Oct 30, 2026, and ordered weekly monitoring of progress. It was also decided that the second phase of market consultations would begin on Sept 8, involving detailed discussions with market experts and relevant stakeholders on project preparation, technical issues and the way forward. PR said international experience, market proposals and expert opinions would be used to make the project more effective, modern and viable, while merit, transparency and competitiveness would be ensured throughout preparation and implementation. Mr Abbasi expressed satisfaction over the progress, describing ML-1 as the foundation for the development and modernisation of Pakistan Railways and its future requirements. “The upgradation of the project will significantly improve train speeds, passenger facilities and the overall performance of Pakistan Railways,” he said in a statement. He said the project would be further strengthened in light of expert recommendations and stressed that there would be no compromise on merit, transparency and competitiveness. Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2026
Forces eliminate 10 terrorists in Khuzdar operation
• Several others injured as three hideouts targeted in Shor Pard • Search underway for those who escaped QUETTA: Security forces killed 10 terrorists and injured many others in an intelligence-based operation in Shor Pard area of Khuzdar district on Saturday. During the operation, security forces cordoned off and engaged multiple terrorist hideouts. According to security sources, the terrorists were operating in three separate groups, leading to an intense exchange of fire with the security forces. “As a result of the operation, 10 terrorists were killed, while several others sustained injuries,” security sources said. They said that following the engagement, security forces launched an extensive search and clearance operation across the surrounding area. Efforts were underway to track down the terrorists who managed to escape. Security forces have reaffirmed their determination to continue targeted operations against terrorist elements and to eliminate the threat of terrorism from the region. They pledged that the search operation would continue until all remaining terrorists were located and brought to justice. Tribute paid to forces Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to security forces for the successful operation in the mountainous region of Shor Parod, state-run APP reported. “Security forces killed 10 terrorists in a successful operation. Successful operations against terrorists who are enemies of humanity, are a manifestation of the expertise of our security forces,” he said in a statement. “The entire nation is with the security forces in the war against terrorism. We are determined to completely eradicate terrorism from the country,” he added. The development came a day after Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove survived an armed attack on his convoy while returning to Quetta after attending a flag-hoisting ceremony in Kalat. Armed men hiding in the mountains targeted the convoy in the Kund Umrani area of Khad Kocha as it travelled along the Quetta-Karachi National Highway, injuring nine people, including seven police personnel deployed to protect the minister. On Wednesday, the military’s media wing said eight terrorists were killed when explosive material detonated during the preparation of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device in the Surab district of Balochistan. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, security forces launched a comprehensive clearance operation following the explosion on Monday morning, tracking down and killing another 10 terrorists affiliated with Fitna Al Hindustan. The initial explosion of explosive material also resulted in civilian casualties and ISPR said that at least three civilians lost their lives in a secondary detonation of other explosives stored at the terrorists’ hideout. “In total, 18 terrorists affiliated with Fitna al-Hindustan have been eliminated so far,” the ISPR said, adding that two soldiers were injured during an exchange of fire. Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2026
Erdoğan: Trump’tan F-35 sözü aldım, yerine getirilmesini bekliyorum
Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, F-35'ler konusunda ABD Başkanı Donald Trump’tan söz aldığını belirterek “Sözün yerine getirilmesini bekliyorum.” dedi. Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, El Cezire Arabic'te pazar akşamı yayımlanacak "Al Muqabala" programı için verdiği özel röportajda bölgesel gelişmelere ilişkin açıklamalarda bulundu. Mekke'de imzalanan savunma anlaşmasına değinen Erdoğan, taraflardan birinin dış saldırıya uğraması halinde üç ülkenin birlikte hareket etmesini öngören anlaşmanın dünyaya önemli bir mesaj verdiğini söyledi. Erdoğan, paktın ilerleyen dönemde genişletilebileceğini belirterek, Mısır'ın katılımının da seçenekler arasında olduğunu ifade etti. BİR ÜLKEYE SALDIRI ÜÇÜNE SALDIRI SAYILACAK Türkiye, Suudi Arabistan ve Pakistan arasındaki Mekke Ortak Savunma Anlaşması, 7 Ağustos'ta Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan, Suudi Arabistan Veliaht Prensi Muhammed bin Selman ve Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif tarafından Mekke'de imzalandı. Anlaşmaya göre taraflardan birine yönelik silahlı saldırı, üç ülkeye birden yapılmış kabul edilecek. Bu yönüyle anlaşma, NATO'nun kolektif savunmayı düzenleyen 5. maddesine benzetiliyor. Dışişleri Bakanı Hakan Fidan da daha önce anlaşmanın teknik açıdan NATO'nun 5. maddesindeki karşılıklı savunma mekanizmasına benzediğini belirtmiş, ancak herhangi bir ülkeye, İran dahil, karşı oluşturulmadığını vurgulamıştı. Fidan ayrıca Mısır'ın ilerleyen aşamada pakta katılabileceğini, bunun önünde bazı teknik konular bulunduğunu söylemişti. HÜRMÜZ BOĞAZI MESAJI Erdoğan röportajda Hürmüz Boğazı'ndaki gerilime de değindi. Boğazın yeniden açılmasının Ankara açısından öncelikli olduğunu söyleyen Erdoğan, kapalı kalmasının hiçbir tarafın çıkarına olmadığını belirtti. Erdoğan, bölgede çatışmaların sona erdirilmesine yönelik arabuluculuk girişimlerinde Katar'ın önemli rol oynadığını da ifade etti. “SURİYE'Yİ YALNIZ BIRAKMAYACAĞIZ” Suriye, Gazze ve Lübnan'daki gelişmeler hakkında da konuşan Erdoğan, Türkiye'nin bölgedeki komşularını yaşanan krizlerle baş başa bırakmayacağını söyledi. Suriye'de istikrarın sağlanması için Ankara'nın elinden geleni yapacağını belirten Erdoğan, ülkeyi ziyaret etmeyi planladığını açıkladı. Erdoğan, Suriye'deki Kürtlerin de "barış ve istikrardan paylarını alacağını" söyledi. Türkiye'nin bölgedeki Kürt toplumlarıyla ilişkilerini güçlendirmeyi ve haklarını korumayı sürdüreceğini belirtti. “GAZZE'Yİ YALNIZ BIRAKAMAYIZ” Gazze konusunda Türkiye'nin desteğini sürdüreceğini belirten Erdoğan, "Gazze'yi yalnız bırakamayız." dedi. Hamas'ın yükümlülüklerini iyi niyetle yerine getirdiğini söyleyen Erdoğan, İsrail'in ise savaşı sürdürdüğünü belirtti. Lübnan'a yönelik İsrail saldırılarının Ankara açısından ciddi endişe kaynağı olduğunu ifade eden Erdoğan, ABD Başkanı Donald Trump'ın geçen ay Türkiye'ye yaptığı ziyaret sırasında Lübnan'daki savaşın sona erdirilmesi konusunu gündeme getirdiğini söyledi. Erdoğan, çatışmaların durdurulmasında Washington'a önemli rol düştüğünü belirtti. SUDAN VE LİBYA AÇIKLAMASI Türkiye'nin Sudan'a desteğinin devam edeceğini söyleyen Erdoğan, Sudan Egemenlik Konseyi Başkanı Abdulfettah el-Burhan ile ilişkilerinin iyi olduğunu belirtti. Libya ile ilişkilerin de istikrarlı olduğunu ifade eden Erdoğan, Türkiye'nin Libya'yı yalnız bırakmayacağını söyledi. AB ÜYELİĞİ: ARTIK ÖNCELİĞİMİZ DEĞİL Avrupa Birliği ile ilişkileri de değerlendiren Erdoğan, AB'nin Türkiye'yi birliğe almaya istekli görünmediğini söyledi. Türkiye'nin AB üyeliğinin artık Ankara açısından öncelik olmadığını belirten Erdoğan, bu durumdan "kaybedenin Avrupa olacağını" ifade etti. “TRUMP'TAN F-35 SÖZÜ ALDIM” Erdoğan, Türkiye'nin F-35 savaş uçağı programına dönüşü konusunda da ABD Başkanı Trump'tan söz aldığını söyledi. Erdoğan, bu sözün yerine getirilmesini beklediğini belirtti. Türkiye, Rusya'dan S-400 hava savunma sistemi satın almasının ardından 2019'da F-35 programından çıkarılmış, Washington Aralık 2020'de Ankara'ya CAATSA yaptırımları uygulamıştı. Trump, 7 Temmuz'da Ankara'da düzenlenen NATO Zirvesi sırasında Erdoğan'la görüşmesinde Türkiye'ye yönelik yaptırımları kaldıracağını açıklamış ve F-35 satışı konusunda olumlu mesaj vermişti. Ancak F-35 konusunda ABD Kongresi'ndeki itirazlar ve S-400'lerle ilgili yasal engeller devam ediyor. ABD yasaları, Türkiye S-400 sistemine sahip olduğu sürece F-35'lerin Ankara'ya devredilmesini engelliyor.
Erdoğan: Trump’tan F-35 sözü aldım, yerine getirilmesini bekliyorumPolitical rivals should not let differences turn into animosity, says Nawaz
PML-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Saturday that while political differences between opponents were common during elections, they should never turn into animosity, apparently referring to the deepening differences between the ruling party and its coalition partner, the PPP, at the Centre. Elections are being held across AJK in three division-wise phases amid tensions between protesters and the authorities that have been ongoing for over two months. Addressing a party convention in Murree, the party president congratulated the winners of the elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while extending commiserations to the losing candidates. However, he noted that the complaints from the PPP have been “upsetting”. “We have always maintained good relations with our opponents. There is always disagreement in politics, but it should not reach the point where it creates animosity,” he said. “This is unacceptable.” The PML-N supremo noted that AJK’s atmosphere has always been good, but lamented seeing the buildup of enmity. “I was upset over their losses, and I have good relations with them personally,” Nawaz said. “We need to look at those factors which contributed to their defeat. We had very good candidates who bravely contested these elections. If they were defeated, we must look at the reasons why.” He noted, “We can lose seats, but we cannot lose our spirit. “God has granted us victory in these conditions. As you know, there have been three phases in these elections; the third phase has yet to conclude. But God granted us a majority in the first two phases. We cannot thank Him enough,” Nawaz added, warning that there is “no room” for hurting public sentiment. The PML-N supremo opined that this is the first time that such an environment was created in AJK. He attributed it to successive governments failing to fulfil their duties and meet the needs and requests of the people, regardless of whichever party was in power. “We absolutely need to enable progress in AJK, whatever way we can. We need to resolve problems there, and we will do what we’ve done in Punjab there,” Nawaz stressed. “It should be our duty, and we need to fulfil public sentiment. If, God forbid, we fail to deliver, the people of AJK will grow angry, and the reason behind it is valid. We would then need to look inward.” The PML-N supremo noted that the region needs a great deal of development and tasked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to provide AJK with as much funding as possible to build roads, hospitals, and ensure people have livelihoods. “Tourism needs to be promoted, and industry must be established. Agriculture requires our full attention, and [we can provide] agricultural loans like those in Punjab,” he added. Moreover, he said that people in Punjab are receiving loans for their houses and expressed his intention to launch such schemes in AJK. “I will absolutely direct Shehbaz sahib to launch these schemes in this region, and besides that, provide funding,” Nawaz declared. “People [need to] feel that they are being granted their rights. The people of AJK look at Punjab’s roads, hospitals and hope they are built in AJK; AJK’s children want laptops in their hands, and people should receive Kisaan cards and livelihoods.” Nawaz added that the rest of Pakistan is moving forward and different from the past, hailing PM Shehbaz’s efforts and vowing that current problems would be resolved very soon. The polls and allegations of rigging The polls are being held in phases amid unrest in the region. The PML-N bagged 24 seats — nine from Mirpur division in the first phase on July 27 and 15 in the second phase on Aug 2 comprising Muzaffarabad Division and the 12 refugee seats. The PPP, on the other hand, won only 10 constituencies during these phases. Polling concluded at 23 stations in two constituencies of Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s (AJK) Bagh district, having begun at 8am this morning. The AJK Election Commission earlier said polling was ongoing without any reports of violence, but the turnout in both constituencies was negligible. On Monday, polls went ahead in Bagh and Haveli, but the Election Commission later withheld the results of two constituencies pending repolling at 23 polling stations. It announced the result for LA-14 (Bagh-I), commonly known as Dhirkot, where Jammu Kashmir Awami Dast-o-Bazu Party candidate Sajid Iqbal Abbasi secured a landslide victory with 40,522 votes. The PPP has criticised the conduct of the AJK elections, with a high-level meeting of the party in Islamabad terming the polls “rigged and violent” and expressing serious concern over the role of the AJK Election Commission. Earlier this week a meeting, chaired by PPP Women’s Wing president and AJK affairs in-charge Faryal Talpur, also criticised the phase-wise conduct of the elections and demanded the immediate completion of polling in the remaining two districts of the third phase and seven constituencies of Poonch so that the Legislative Assembly could be fully constituted. The participants raised questions over the suspension of internet services, shortages of polling material and staff at some polling stations, and alleged inadequate security arrangements. The third phase, held on Monday, was originally meant to cover all of Poonch Division, which comprises 11 constituencies, including three in Bagh, one in Haveli, five in Poonch district and two in Sudhnoti district. However, the AJK Election Commission announced that polling would only go ahead as scheduled in Bagh and Haveli because of concerns over the law and order situation. PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari accused the PML-N of “robbing” votes in the second phase of the AJK elections as well. In a post on X, he condemned an “attack” on AJK Speaker and acting President Chaudhry Latif Akbar — also the candidate for LA-31 (Muzaffarabad-V). Accusing “miscreant elements of the PML-N” of being behind the incident, Bilawal said PPP worker Mushtaq Shah was killed in the same constituency. “The PML-N is robbing the votes of the people of Azad Kashmir through bullets, batons and coercion,” he alleged.
Son dakika...Yunanistan'da gündem: Mekke İttifakı! Atina'nın iki büyük kabusu
Yunanistan'da yayımlanan To Vima gazetesi, Türkiye, Suudi Arabistan ve Pakistan arasında imzalanan Mekke Ortak Savunma Anlaşması'nın Türkiye için çok avantajlı olduğunu yazdı. To Vima gazetesinin Mekke Ortak Savunma Anlaşması'nı değerlendirdiği bugünkü haberinde, anlaşmayı önemli kılan şeylerden birinin de tarafların stratejik avantajları olduğu belirtildi. Suudi Arabistan'ın Körfez'in ekonomi ve enerji açısından en önemli ülkelerinden olduğu, Pakistan'ın düzenli bir ordu ve nükleer silahlara sahip olduğu ifade edilen haberde, Türkiye'nin ise savunma sanayisini büyüttüğüne dikkat çekildi. İlginizi Çekebilir Haberde, her üç ülkenin de ABD ile iyi ilişkileri olduğuna işaret edilerek, "Türkiye'nin bu birliktelikte yer alması Orta Doğu'daki konumunu güçlendiriyor ve İran Körfezi'ndeki güçlü ülkelerle ilişkilerinin derinliğini gösteriyor." yorumu yapıldı. BÖLGESEL GÜÇ: TÜRKİYE Bu durumun, Türkiye'nin kendisini bölgesel bir güce dönüştürme yönündeki geniş stratejisini de güçlendirdiği vurgulanan haberde, Türkiye'nin sadece jeopolitik gelişmeleri takip etmekle kalmayıp, sınırlarından yüzlerce kilometre uzaktaki gelişmeleri de şekillendirebileceği kaydedildi. ATİNA'NIN İKİ BÜYÜK KABUSU Kathimerini gazetesinin haberinde ise Mekke Ortak Savunma Anlaşması'nın Atina'ya Orta Doğu'daki güvenlik mimarisi temel prensiplerinin değiştiğini gösterdiği ifade edildi. Haberde, Yunanistan'ın temel endişesinin Türkiye'nin konumunu güçlendirmesi ve Mısır'ın anlaşmaya katılma ihtimali olduğuna değinildi. Bu anlaşmanın aniden ortaya çıkmadığı ve yazın Türkiye'nin bölgede attığı diplomatik adımların bir sonucu olduğunun altı çizilen haberde, Türkiye'nin savunma sanayisinde Suudi Arabistan'la birlikte üretime geçebileceği değerlendirmesi yer aldı. YUNANİSTAN'IN DEZAVANTAJLARI Haberde, anlaşmanın Yunanistan için dezavantajlarından birinin ise Hindistan-Orta Doğu-Avrupa Ekonomik Koridoruna (IMEC) ilişkin planların iptal edilmesi olabileceği aktarıldı. Öte yandan, Türkiye'nin Batı ile açık diyalog kanalları ve dinamik bir savunma sanayisine sahip olmasına, Suudi Arabistan’ın hem büyük enerji rezervlerine sahip olması hem de Müslüman dünyasında önemli bir yerinin bulunmasına ve Pakistan'ın nükleer silaha sahip tek Müslüman ülke olmasının altı çizilen haberde, tüm bu nedenlerle bu birlikteliğin rasyonel bir seçim olduğu belirtildi. İsrail gazetesinde Türkiye ile savaş senaryosu! 'NATO üyeliği Ankara'yı korumaz' MEKKE ORTAK SAVUNMA ANLAŞMASI Cumhurbaşkanı Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Suudi Arabistan Veliaht Prensi Muhammed bin Selman ve Pakistan Başbakanı Şahbaz Şerif, 7 Ağustos'ta Mekke'de "Ortak Savunma Anlaşması"na imza atmıştı. Anlaşma, herhangi bir ülkeyi hedef almayan, külfet paylaşımı ve ortak güvenlik anlayışı temelinde bölgesel ve küresel barış, istikrar ve refahın korunmasına yönelik taahhütleri güçlendirmeyi amaçlayan savunma odaklı işbirliği niteliği taşıyor. Herhangi bir saldırganlık eylemine karşı kolektif caydırıcılığı güçlendirmeyi amaçlayan anlaşma, üç devletten herhangi birine yönelik herhangi bir silahlı saldırının, hepsine yönelik bir saldırı olarak kabul edileceğini öngörüyor. Anlaşmanın, üç ülkenin birbirlerinin güvenliğini destekleme taahhüdünün yanı sıra savunma sanayisi işbirliğini ve askeri birlikte çalışabilirliği geliştirmeyi amaçlayan savunma odaklı bir düzenleme niteliği bulunuyor. İşte Reha Muhtar'ın serveti! Yasal mirasçıları kim?
Mekke Savunma Anlaşması NATO'ya alternatif değil; ortak mekanizmalar geliyorPM Shehbaz directs NDMA to ensure relief for citizens in flood-hit areas
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to provide every possible assistance and relief to people in flood-affected areas. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the prime minister gave the directives during a meeting with NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik. The prime minister directed that “all available resources should be utilised to provide every possible assistance and relief to the people in flood-affected areas”. He further instructed the NDMA to maintain effective coordination with relevant provincial institutions and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs). The prime minister also appreciated the use of artificial intelligence and modern technology at the National Emergencies Operation Centre. During the meeting, the NDMA chairman briefed the prime minister on the country’s weather situation, particularly the flood situation in the wake of monsoon rains. The chairman also briefed the prime minister on relief activities in flood-affected areas and measures being taken for the rehabilitation of flood victims. With the cooperation of the federal government, NDMA relief operations in flood-affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will continue, the statement quoted the chairman as saying. According to the NDMA, 155 people have lost their lives and 460 have been injured in rain-related incidents from June 26 to August 14. Monsoon rains fall across the region from June to September, offering respite from the summer heat and are crucial to replenishing water supplies. However, heavy downpours also trigger deadly floods, landslides and displacement, particularly in vulnerable, poorly drained, or densely populated areas. On Friday, the Flood Forecasting Division of the Pakistan Meteorological Department warned of possible high flooding in storm-water nullahs linked to the Chenab and Ravi rivers from Aug 15 to 21 as flows in these waterways continue to rise.
- İnsani15 Ağu
PM Shehbaz directs NDMA to ensure relief to citizens in flood-hit areas
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to provide every possible assistance and relief to people in flood-affected areas. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the prime minister gave the directives during a meeting with NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik. The prime minister directed that “all available resources should be utilised to provide every possible assistance and relief to the people in flood-affected areas”. He further instructed the NDMA to maintain effective coordination with relevant provincial institutions and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs). The prime minister also appreciated the use of artificial intelligence and modern technology at the National Emergencies Operation Centre. During the meeting, the NDMA chairman briefed the prime minister on the country’s weather situation, particularly the flood situation in the wake of monsoon rains. The chairman also briefed the prime minister on relief activities in flood-affected areas and measures being taken for the rehabilitation of flood victims. With the cooperation of the federal government, NDMA relief operations in flood-affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will continue, the statement quoted the chairman as saying. According to the NDMA, 155 people have lost their lives and 460 have been injured in rain-related incidents from June 26 to August 14. Monsoon rains fall across the region from June to September, offering respite from the summer heat and are crucial to replenishing water supplies. However, heavy downpours also trigger deadly floods, landslides and displacement, particularly in vulnerable, poorly drained, or densely populated areas.
Rawalpindi, Islamabad mark Independence Day with rallies, ceremonies
People watch fireworks at Zero-Point bridge during Independence Day ceremony at Yadgar-i-Fatah in Islamabad on Thursday night. — Online RAWALPINDI: Like people across the country, the residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad celebrated 79th Independence Day with rallies, seminars and functions of flag hoisting and cake cutting. Special ceremonies were organised in government offices while people thronged public parks and main roads to celebrate the day. The day began with special prayers held in mosques, churches and other worship places for the development and stability of the country. People, including girls, boys and children, visited stalls set up in various parts of the city to buy national flags of different sizes, badges, hair bands, ribbons, masks and bandanas. Many of them got painted their faces with national flags to express their love with Pakistan. Similarly, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, houses, buildings, plazas, markets and shopping malls were decorated with national flags, buntings and electric bulbs. Political and military leaders paid tributes for making Pakistan’s defence impregnable In most areas, business activities remained suspended. Public elected representatives also displayed hoardings and banners along with main roads having pictures of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Fatima Jinnah, Dr Allama Mohammad Iqbal and other prominent figures who played vital role in the Pakistan Movement. In the evening, families thronged parks and other points to enjoy the day. Rush was seen in all the parks and cinema houses of the city and cantonment areas. This year, there was no flag-hoisting ceremony held at commissioner office Rawalpindi but the district administration arranged a function in a private hall adjacent to Ayub National Park. Commissioner Salman Ghani said that Independence Day is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. True service to the country and nation requires that facilities be created for the people. “We all have great responsibilities. We should serve the people with sincerity and passion. Every individual must play their positive and effective role in the development and prosperity of the country,” he said. Deputy Commissioner retired Captain Nadeem Nasir said that Pakistan is on the path of development and prosperity. Pakistan’s defence system has become invincible. Independence Day is a day of renewal of commitment. We must resolve to play our role for the development, stability and prosperity of the country, he said. Furthermore, a grand Independence Day ceremony was held on the premises of Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench. Senior Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan hoisted the flag along with judges Justice Khan said that freedom is the greatest blessing in the world which our ancestors achieved after great sacrifices. He said that we all need to play a positive role in the development of the country in the light of the thoughts of Quaid-e-Azam. Meanwhile, Pir Mehar Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University celebrated Independence Day with a flag-hoisting and cake-cutting ceremony. A special seminar was also organised. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qamaruz Zaman said that Independence Day provides an opportunity to remember and pay tribute to the martyrs who rendered the ultimate sacrifices for the creation and defence of Pakistan. He particularly paid homage to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and his companions and associates whose unwavering struggle and sacrifices paved the way for the establishment of Pakistan. A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Rawalpindi GPO. Chief Postmaster Rawalpindi Atif Naveed Dhothar hoisted the national flag. Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education also arranged a function at its offices where Chairman Prof Dr Iqbal Mehmood hoisted the flag. Meanwhile, functions were held in Rawalpindi Cantonment Board which was attended by RCB Member Zahid Bakhtawari, Additional Cantonment Executive Officer Zia Hussain and others while in Rawalpindi Development Authority also arranged a function. A flag-hoisting ceremony was also held at the Rawalpindi Arts Council, in which Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture Punjab Shazia Rizwan was the special guest. Gilgit-Baltistan Independence Day was celebrated across Gilgit-Baltistan with national zeal and fervour with a 21-gun salute in the Gilgit city. Special prayers were offered in mosques for peace, solidarity and prosperity of the country. Flag-hoisting ceremonies were held in all the 10 district headquarters of GB, while government buildings, streets, markets and public places were decorated with national flags, buntings and colourful lights. The main ceremony in Gilgit was attended by Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate, the deputy speaker of the GB Assembly, provincial ministers and senior officials. At the ceremony held at Chinar Bagh, the chief minister hoisted the national flag and laid a wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial. A rally attended by officials, students, teachers and citizens culminated at Yadgar-i-Shuhada in Skardu, where a flag-hoisting ceremony was held and tributes were paid to the martyrs of the freedom struggle. Addressing the ceremony at the Martyrs’ Memorial in Chinar Bagh, the chief minister said Pakistan was celebrating its 79th Independence Day in a dignified manner. “Today is a day to pay tribute to our elders, thanks to whose sacrifices and struggles we are breathing in a free atmosphere,” he said. He said Pakistan’s defence was impregnable and paid tribute to former prime ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif for their contributions to the country’s nuclear and missile programmes. The chief minister also praised Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the armed forces for responding to the Indian aggression. “Pakistan’s prestige has been raised all over the world. We pay tribute to Chief of Defence Forces General Asim Munir and the Pakistan Armed Forces,” he said. Mr Hussain urged people to pledge to move forward in all fields and overcome the country’s weaknesses. “Together, we have to move this country forward,” he said, stressing the need to fulfil responsibilities with justice, fairness and honesty. — Jamil Nagri contributed to this story from Gilgit Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2026
Rawalpindi ve İslamabad'da 79. Bağımsızlık Günü coşkusuPresidency announces 355 civil awards on Independence Day
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday approved several summaries sent by the prime minister, including the conferment of military and civil awards and a special remission of sentences for eligible prisoners. According to the Presidency, President Zardari approved military awards for 1,172 personnel of the armed forces and civil armed forces in recognition of their services. In addition, the president approved the conferment of national civil awards on 355 individuals on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day, honouring achievement across science, engineering, education, medicine, the arts, literature, sports, journalism, social welfare, philanthropy and public service, alongside a large slate of gallantry decorations dominated by personnel of the Federal Constabulary who were killed in the line of duty. The awards, announced on August 14, will be formally conferred at an investiture ceremony on Pakistan Day, March 23. Nishan-i-Pakistan The country’s highest civil award for a foreign national goes to Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, United Arab Emirates. Nishan-i-Quaid-i-Azam Two physicians who attended to the founder of Pakistan, Dr Jal Rattanji Patel (Late) and Dr Jal Daeboo (Late), are recognised more than seven decades on. Nishan-i-Imtiaz Six government figures and one literary personality will be conferred the award: poet and writer Asad Muhammad Khan, Ishaq Dar, Mohsin Naqvi, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, Bilal Azhar Kayani and the late Austro-Hungarian Muslim scholar Muhammad Asad (Late). Hilal-i-Pakistan Six foreign dignitaries were recognised for their services to Pakistan: Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, Deemah Al Yahya, Russian Deputy PM Alexey Logvinovich Overchuk, and Hiroji Kataoka. Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam The award went to Carey Schofield, an educationist working in Chitral. Sitara-i-Pakistan Three Turkish ministers and a Spanish senator were honoured: Hakan Fidan, Yasar Gular, Omer Bolat and Senator Vicente Azpitarte. Sitara-i-Quaid-i-Azam The award went to six recipients drawn from China, Spain, France and Malaysia. They included Yang Baoning of the China Academy of Space Technology, Master Yuan Xikun, Professor Zhou Yushu, Antonio Gutierrez Limones, Pascal Allizard, and Dr Maszlee bin Malik. Hilal-i-Imtiaz The award was conferred on fifteen recipients across the realms of technology, higher education, medicine, broadcasting, letters, the senior bureaucracy and the diaspora. These included Interactive Group CEO Dr Shahid Mahmud, NUTECH Rector Lt Gen (r) Moazzam Ejaz, renowned transplant surgeon Dr Faisal Saud Dar, HUM Network’s Sultana Siddiqi, and poets Ejaz Rahim and Khurshid Ul Hasan Rizvi. Five senior public servants were also honoured, including DG IB Fuad Asadullah, AGP Mansoor Usman Awan, Finance Secretary Imdadullah Bosal, FBR chief Rashid Mahmood Lagrial, and Establishment Secretary Barrister Nabeel A. Awan. The remaining awards went under the services to Pakistan head to Saudi Assistant Minister for Investment Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, and to three overseas Pakistanis: Dr Ghulam Murtaza in the UK, the late Prof Ahmed Ali in China, and Sardar Muhammad Ilyas Khan in Saudi Arabia. Sitara-i-Imtiaz In science and higher education, the award went to Kohat University of Science and Technology VC Prof Dr Syed Zafar Ilyas and Balochistan Public Service Commission member Prof Dr Mudassir Asrar, along with ICCBS Director and Unesco Chair Prof Dr Muhammad Raza Shah, FJMU Lahore VC Prof Dr Khalid Masood Gondal, PIDE VC Dr Rashid Amjad, and Taaleem Foundation founder Dr Zafar Iqbal Qadir. Two of the five medical awards are posthumous, going to bone marrow transplantation pioneer Prof Dr Tahir Shamsi (Late) and infectious diseases specialist Dr Naseem Salahuddin (Late). The others went to SICHN Executive Director Prof Dr Syed Jamal Raza, Battagram neurosurgeon Dr Shah Khalid, and physician Prof Dr Muhammad Khurram. Ten artists were recognised: actor Balqees Bano (Nisho Begum), comedian Iftikhar Ahmed Thakur, naat khawan Syed Fasih Uddin Soharwardhy, composer and compere Shakir Hussain, singer Taranam Naz, Sufi opera singer Saira John Peter, the late painter and art historian Abida Ehsan (posthumously), painter Raja Changez Sultan, theatre and TV artist Muhammad Naeem Tahir, and miniature painter Bashir Ahmed. In literature, the award went to short story writer Shakeel Adilzada, Iqbal scholar Prof Brig (r) Waheed Uz Zaman Tariq, poet Maqsood Hussain Jafri, naat writer Riaz ul Haq Tahir Riaz Majeed, writer Muhammad Hafeez Khan, historian Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, novelist Hashim Nadeem, and poet Syed Ghulam Abbas (Muhsin Naqvi). Boxing coach Atta Mohammad Kakar and martial artist and yoga pioneer Dr Waseem A Tai were honoured in sports, journalists Muhammad Saleh Zaafir and Haji Nawaz Raza in journalism, WHO technical officer Dr Maryam Mallick and Nayyab Ali in social welfare, and Shanawar Khan in philanthropy. Twenty-eight public servants also received the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, while under gallantry and public service, the award went to Ahmad Arifeen and to three Punjab police officers recognised for the Kacha operation — IGP Abdul Kareem, DIG Waqas Hassan and DIG Tanveer Hussain Tunio. Danish citizen of Pakistani origin Justice Muhammad Ahsan and UAE-based Haji Khan Zaman Saroor were honoured for services to Pakistan. Tamgha-i-Imtiaz The Tamgha-i-Imtiaz is the largest single category on the list. In science, it went to One Health and AMR focal person Dr Sajjad Hussain, PIEAS Deputy Chief Scientist Prof Dr Aneela Zameer Jaffery and GIS specialist Dr Urooj Saeed, and in engineering to UET Peshawar VC Dr Muhammad Sadiq and PIEAS Principal Engineer Prof Dr Naeem-ul-Haq Tariq. Sixteen educationists were honoured: Women University Mardan and Swabi VC Prof Dr Ghazala Yasmeen, AIOU VC Prof Dr Nasir Mahmood, LUMS Dean Prof Dr Faisal Bari, former LCWU VC Prof Dr Sabiha Mansoor, University of Loralai VC Prof Engr Dr Ehsan Ullah Kakar, IBCC chief Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah, TCF’s Riaz Ahmed Kamlani, retired FDE principals Sabah Faisal and Muhammad Rafique Malik, Cambridge Advisors Network co-founder Syed Azhar Afaq Rizvi, former Sindh High Court judge Qazi Khalid Ali, Diamer-Astore Education Director Faqir Ullah, Abdul Sattar, researcher Dr Ruhi Khalid, CPSP fellow supervisor Prof Dr Sardar Muhammad Ali Ayaz Sadiq, and educationist and philanthropist Yasmeen Dadabhai. In medicine, the award went to CDA Hospital surgery head Dr Naeem Taj, Quetta cardiac surgeon Dr Abdul Wasay, Hashmanis Group chairman Dr Mohammad Sharif Hashmani, and bariatric and laparoscopic surgeon Dr Maaz Ul Hassan. Twelve artists were recognised: actor and anchor Noor Ul Hassan Malik, host Shafat Ali, singer and composer Shiraz Uppal, singer Jabbar Abbas, painter Ali Saad, khussa maker Muhammad Ramzan, shoemaker Jahangir Khan, stone carver Ghulam Haider, Balochi chawat maker Rozi Khan, naat khawans Akhtar Qureshi and Khan Muhammad Chachar, and fashion designer Rubina Kazmi. Ten literary figures were honoured: writer Farida Hafeez, novelist Agha Gul, writer Noor Khan Muhammad Hasni, writer and translator Khalid Fateh Muhammad, poet Haleem Qureshi, writers Manzoom Ali and Sherbaz Ali Khan Barcha, the late historian and archaeologist Muhammad Siddique G Memon (posthumously), Iqbal scholar Prof Dr Haroon-ur-Rasheed Tabassum, and author Qaiser Abbas Sabir. Athlete Faiqa Riaz was the sole sports recipient. Seven journalists were recognised — Muhammad Riaz Khan, culture journalist Shoaib Ahmed, Ammar Masood, news anchors Dr Maria Zulfiqar, Adil Shahzaib and Hammad Hassan, and Tasawwar Arafat. Religious scholars Qari Rooh Ullah Madani, Hafiz Asad Ubaid, Syed Riaz Hussain Najfi and Bishop Humphri Sarfraz Peters were honoured under social welfare, while Haripur Chamber of Commerce President Atif Ikram Sheikh, National Forum of Women with Disabilities Chairperson Abia Akram and Pakistan Association of the Blind President Riaz Hussain Memon were recognised for philanthropy. President’s Pride of Performance Forty-six people will receive the President’s Award for Pride of Performance, most of them from the performing and visual arts. Thirty arts recipients were named. Among the actors and directors are Mahmood Aslem, Sarfraz Hussain Ansari, M Ehtesham Warsi, Arshad Hussain, Ghazala Kaifi, Khawaja Saleem Ahmad, Shazma Haleem, Syeda Maria Wasti and Sania Saeed. From music, the award went to sarangi players Ustad Mazhar Umrao Bundu Khan and Zohaib Hassan, singer Rafia Bano, classical musician Jahangir Iqbal (Ustad Ejaz Tawakal Khan), BJS Qawwal Group’s Nadeem Salamat, harmonium soloist Shahbaz Ali, ghazal singer Gulshan Ara Syed, the late folk singer Talib Hussain Dard (posthumously), singers Mushtaq Shifai and Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan (Zulfi), and choreographers Shaukat Hussain Samrat (Pappu Samrat) and Syed Wahab Hussain Shah. In the visual arts and crafts, it went to painter and illustrator Aftab Zafar, painter and sculptor Tayyeba Aziz, artist Aleem Dad Khan, boreendo maker Allah Jurio, Kashmiri embroidery artist Sheikh Muhammad Yousaf, natural-dye block printer Ameer Buksh, painters Nasir Shahzad and Muhammad Imran Qureshi, and sculptor and cultural consultant Hidayat Ullah Khan. Eight literary figures were recognised: Dr Shahida Shaheen, Ali Muhammad Farshi, Aslam Javed, Muhammad Muti-Ur-Rehman Mumtaz (Rehman Faris), Syed Farid Ullah Shah Hassas, Shafqat Ullah Mushtaq, Nizakat Kalsoom (Kalsoom Zeb) and Syed Wasi Ahmad Fatmi. Six athletes made the list — wrestler Bashir Bhola, shooter Kishmala Talat, squash player Noor Zaman, ramp jumper Sultan Muhammad Golden, boxer Muhammad Waseem and cricketer Sadiq Muhammad — along with journalist Syed Hammad Ghaznavi and photojournalist Muhammad Amir Khan. Gallantry awards Security and law-enforcement personnel account for the single largest bloc on this year’s list, with 91 gallantry decorations approved in addition to the awards named above. Forty-eight were conferred Sitara-i-Shuja’at awards, 24 received the Tamgha-i-Shuja’at while 19 officials were awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz for gallantry and public service. These are separate from the military awards for 1,172 serving personnel of the Armed Forces and Civil Armed Forces approved by the president on the same day. Published in Dawn, August 15th, 2026
Başbakan Şahbaz, Suudi Arabistan'a Üç Günlük Ziyarete BaşladıPM Shehbaz briefs President Zardari on Pak-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad on Friday and briefed him on a recently signed defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, according to a statement issued by the Presidency. For his part, 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”, the Presidency’s statement on its X account said. He also appreciated PM Shehbaz’s and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir’s efforts for “further strengthening the longstanding fraternal relations between Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan into a robust strategic partnership”, the statement added. 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 of them. Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia will form political and military mechanisms under the defence pact, Turkiye’s defence ministry said on Thursday, adding the alliance would also deepen defence industry cooperation. Both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Dar have said the pact is defensive in nature, with the latter saying that it is also “open to any country in the region” willing to uphold its fundamental 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 only “a few technical issues” stood in the way. Egypt has not commented on the agreement nor on the remarks by Fidan. Meanwhile, Kuwait, Bahrain and Somalia are among the countries that have welcomed it. Iran’s comments also took a rather positive tone, stressing its stance of pursuing “security mechanisms based on cooperation between regional countries”. Counter-terrorism, peace efforts in the region also discussed Both leaders also appreciated the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their performance in operations against the terrorists of Fitna-al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij. Balochistan-based terrorist groups have been designated as Fitna-al-Hindustan to highlight India’s alleged role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan, and Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. “The resolve was reiterated to completely eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the beloved homeland,” the statement said. In the ongoing Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-3 in Balochistan, security forces killed five terrorists on Monday, a day after they killed 15 terrorists in multiple intelligence-based operations in several areas of the province. On July 9, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the country’s civil and military leadership had taken a “mutual and singular decision” to end terrorism after multiple major terrorist incidents in Balochistan. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies’ (PICSS) monthly security assessment released on July 31, the security situation deteriorated most significantly in Balochistan in the country last month. More to follow
Başbakan Şahbaz, Suudi Arabistan'a Üç Günlük Ziyarete BaşladıWorld leaders extend greetings to Pakistan on Independence Day, hail bilateral ties
Felicitations poured in from other nations on Friday as Pakistan celebrated 79 years of independence. World leaders and diplomats, from the Iranian president to US State Secretary Marco Rubio, not just wished Pakistan and its people on the country’s 80th Independence Day, but also took the opportunity to hail Islamabad’s ties with their countries. Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari, wishing the government and people of Pakistan steady progress and prosperity, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). King Salman also praised the “strong relations” between the two countries, highlighting the “shared commitment to advancing cooperation across all fields”, SPA reported. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a message to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, described Pakistan’s Independence Day as a valuable opportunity to honour the achievements of the nation, reaffirming Tehran’s firm resolve to further strengthen its relations with Pakistan, Iran’s IRNA news agency reported. He also expressed “readiness to take more effective steps to advance bilateral ties” and “secure the common interests of both sides”, the report said. It added that Pezeshkian noted that the “shared interests of the Iranian and Pakistani nations have become inextricably interwoven, a reality that underscores the need for greater synergy and closer cooperation” and stressed that a “new turning point has begun in deepening and expanding the longstanding and strategic relations” between Tehran and Islamabad. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi congratulated his Pakistani counterpart, Ishaq Dar, according to IRNA. The state-run Iranian news agency reported that Araghchi said that continued political consultations and the strengthening of economic, trade, border, security, and cultural cooperation between the two countries would pave the way to leverage existing capacities and secure their shared interests. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in his message on Pakistan’s Independence Day, appreciated “the partnership between our nations and the bonds of friendship between our peoples”. “Together, through our cooperation on regional mediation, critical minerals, energy, counterterrorism, cultural heritage, and trade and investment, we are turning potential into progress and delivering real results for Americans and Pakistanis alike,” Rubio said. In Islamabad, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker met Dar and congratulated him. Turkiye’s foreign ministry also extended felicitations to the “friendly and brotherly Pakistan”. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a phone call with Dar and “extended warm greetings on Pakistan’s Independence Day to the leadership, government and people of Pakistan, and conveyed his best wishes for continued peace, progress and prosperity,” the FO said in another post. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President Zardari and PM Shehbaz, commending Pakistan-Russia relations. “I am confident that we will continue our constructive joint efforts to further strengthen the entire spectrum of our partnership for the benefit of the friendly peoples of Russia and Pakistan, and in the interests of enhancing international security and stability,” a post on the Russian embassy’s X account quoted him as saying. Meanwhile, UK High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott, in a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, “conveyed warm wishes” on Pakistan’s Independence Day, the Foreign Office (FO) said on X. Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, met Dar, congratulated him and reaffirmed the “close and time-tested ties between” Islamabad and China, according to the FO. Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement posted on X, congratulated the Pakistani government and people, adding that “Romania remains committed to further strengthening our bilateral relations, including under the EU-Pakistan framework”. Georgia, meanwhile, expressed its “cordial wishes for peace and prosperity of Pakistani people”, adding that it was looking forward to “further advancing our friendly relations”. Azerbaijan also extended “heartfelt congratulations to the brotherly people and the government of Pakistan”.
Başbakan Şahbaz, Suudi Arabistan'a Üç Günlük Ziyarete Başladı- Güvenlik14 Ağu
Two men charged with attempted murder of Sara Sharif’s father
Steven Sansom and Adam Watson accused of trying to kill Urfan Sharif, who murdered his daughter, in Belmarsh prison Two men have been charged with attempted murder after the father of the murdered schoolgirl Sara Sharif was attacked in prison. Steven Sansom, 47, and Adam Watson, 39, are accused of trying to kill Urfan Sharif at HMP Belmarsh on New Year’s Day last year. Continue reading...
A nation between adversaries
PAKISTAN is currently in the global spotlight for mediating between the United States and Iran. Islamabad’s rigorous mediation efforts helped bring about a much-needed ceasefire between the US and Iran in April, which culminated in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding in June 2026. Analysts see the current mediatory position as a new shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities, with Islamabad attempting to assert itself as a middle power and a relevant strategic player in Middle Eastern geopolitics. However, a comprehensive historical analysis reveals that mediation has remained one of Pakistan’s most essential foreign policy imperatives. Pakistan has long adopted an active strategy of mediation to prevent, manage, and settle disputes in the Middle East and within its immediate western neighbourhood. Far from being a passive regional actor, Islamabad has often positioned itself as a mediator in conflicts ranging from great-power rivalries to intra-Muslim problems. This approach is based on a deliberate foreign policy calculus determined by geography, strategic alliances, and the need to protect national interests while expanding diplomatic influence beyond South Asia. The logic behind Pakistan’s mediating role The primary strategic motive behind Pakistan’s mediation diplomacy is the need to keep regional disputes from spilling over onto its own borders. Unlike great powers, which may approach mediation largely for geopolitical or ideological reasons, Pakistan’s security is immediately influenced by conflicts in its near neighbourhood. Regional conflicts have historically been accompanied by refugee flows, cross-border terrorism, interruption of trade routes, arms trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and humanitarian crises, all of which have imposed significant economic and security costs on Pakistan. For Islamabad, mediation, therefore, constitutes a preventive tactic meant to contain problems before they evolve into greater challenges to Pakistan itself. Afghanistan is a glaring example of this security rationale. For over four decades, Afghanistan’s instability has had far-reaching implications for Pakistan, including inflow of millions of refugees, increased terrorism and border insecurity, and enhanced economic burden. As a result, Pakistan expended enormous diplomatic capital in promoting the intra-Afghan peace process, as well as talks between the Taliban and the US. Islamabad’s coordination and facilitation resulted in the 2020 Doha Agreement. These efforts were primarily motivated by Islamabad’s desire to construct a relatively stable Afghanistan capable of denying space to transnational terrorist organisations and minimising fears of long-term instability along the Pakistan-Afghan border. Thus, mediation is a strategic investment in Pakistan’s domestic security. A comprehensive historical analysis reveals that mediation has remained one of Pakistan’s most essential foreign policy imperatives. A similar rationale supports Pakistan’s efforts to defuse tensions in the Middle East, particularly efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan shares a lengthy border with Iran while also maintaining strong strategic ties with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The signing of the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in 2025 has further increased Pakistan’s geopolitical stakes in the Middle Eastern security environment, as has the recent mutual defence pact with Turkiye and Saudi Arabia. Any escalation between Tehran and Riyadh could place Pakistan in a perilous strategic position. These confrontations have often exposed Islamabad to opposing geopolitical realities, as well as exacerbating local sectarian tensions. The 1990s era of sectarian violence has had a significant impact on Pakistan’s strategic thinking. Islamabad doesn’t want to allow space for another wave of sectarian violence influenced by the Middle Eastern security environment. This is why Pakistan has continuously pursued a policy of passive or active mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran. For instance in 2016, when tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran escalated due to the execution of a famous Saudi Shia cleric, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, Pakistan hurried to utilise shuttle diplomacy to defuse tensions. Pakistan’s then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif and chief of army staff Raheel Sharif advocated holding direct discussions between Saudi Arabia and Iran in Islamabad and recommended that both countries establish focal persons to keep communication lines open for dialogue. These activities were widely considered as an effective tool for reducing tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Similarly, in June 2017, a Saudi-led quartet (also including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt) broke diplomatic relations and implemented a rigorous land, air, and sea blockade against Qatar. Saudi Arabia put enormous pressure on Pakistan to take Riyadh’s side. Rather than supporting the blockade, Pakistan maintained its neutral posture and initiated a joint diplomatic push with Kuwait and Turkiye to ease tensions between Qatar and the Saudi-led quad. Although the attempts did not yield significant results, they did reduce pressure on Pakistan’s foreign policy. An Iranian journalist reports from a media facilitation centre during the April 2026 talks held between the US and Iran in Islamabad.—Dawn Library Similarly, following strikes on Saudi oil sites in 2019, the then-prime minister Imran Khan conducted shuttle diplomacy between Tehran and Riyadh in an effort to ease tensions and foster dialogue. Although Pakistan was not the primary architect of the ultimate Saudi-Iranian rapprochement, its diplomatic efforts highlighted Islamabad’s preference for regional de-escalation over bloc politics. More recently, Pakistan’s co-mediation with Qatar in supporting US-Iran negotiations under the Islamabad MoU demonstrated its broader goal of preventing another potentially destabilising conflict in its western neighbourhood. Secondly, Pakistan’s mediation diplomacy strengthens its strategic relevance within an increasingly competitive international system. As global politics grows more polarised, middle powers seek influence through diplomatic rather than coercive means. Pakistan positions itself as a responsible regional partner or net security stabiliser, capable of maintaining communication lines in situations where direct dialogue has become politically challenging. Islamabad believes that successful mediation in regional conflicts can boost Pakistan’s diplomatic profile by presenting it as a proactive rather than reactive actor in regional disputes. This is especially relevant in the context of global preferences to look at Pakistan through the security and counterterrorism lenses. Mediation allows Islamabad to change global perceptions by demonstrating diplomatic ability and a commitment to peaceful conflict settlement. Pakistan also wants to demonstrate it strategic value to major powers through mediation. High-profile facilitation operations, such as organising Henry Kissinger’s secret 1971 visit to Beijing, highlighted Pakistan’s ability to bridge the gap between Washington and Beijing. As of today, Beijing recognises Pakistan’s facilitation efforts, which have improved its status in Washington and Beijing. Islamabad has been consistently seeking strategic goodwill in the international community. States that successfully facilitate negotiations frequently collect diplomatic capital, which can later be used to gain political support, strengthen bilateral relations, or increase influence within multilateral institutions. Pakistan’s active participation in facilitating dialogue in Afghanistan, and encouraging regional de-escalation in the Middle East, allows it to strengthen ties with a wide range of international actors, including the US, China, Gulf states, Central Asian republics, and Muslim-majority countries. The diplomatic goodwill broadens Pakistan’s foreign policy options while reducing the likelihood of strategic isolation. Islamabad believes that an active mediatory role in regional conflicts can protect and further secure Pakistan’s long-term economic interests. Regional instability discourages foreign direct investment, interrupts trade corridors, increases international trade insurance costs, and causes large infrastructure projects to be delayed. As Pakistan strives to transform itself into a regional connectivity hub through projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), peace in neighbouring regions has become an economic necessity rather than a diplomatic aspiration. Stability in Afghanistan is critical for developing overland trade with Central Asia, while lower tensions between the Gulf states and Iran can improve the security of Pakistan’s energy imports, and enhance the utility of Gwadar port. As a result, mediation indirectly helps to create an external environment that promotes economic growth and regional integration for Islamabad. Furthermore, effective diplomatic engagement can boost investors’ confidence by portraying Pakistan as a stabilising rather than destabilising regional actor. International investors often prefer regions with political certainty and amicable interstate relations. Finally, Pakistan’s mediation efforts are motivated by its overall diplomatic identity. Since independence, succeeding governments have continuously prioritised peaceful conflict resolution, negotiation, and negotiated agreements in their official foreign policy rhetoric. Individual mediation initiatives are definitely shaped by geopolitical goals, but Pakistan has often depicted itself as a country eager to provide good offices whenever conflicts endanger regional peace and international security. Whether facilitating dialogue in Afghanistan, encouraging Saudi-Iran engagement, or launching a diplomatic initiative to defuse tensions between the US and Iran, Islamabad has sought to position itself as a bridge between competing actors rather than a participant in regional rivalries. The historical record Pakistan’s diplomatic role as a successful mediator or back-channel facilitator started in late 1969 when Islamabad facilitated the US-China rapprochement. Pakistan facilitated a secret historic visit of Henry Kissinger to Beijing. The visit paved the way for US-China diplomatic and economic engagement, which dramatically reshaped Cold War geopolitics. This episode remains a typical successful example of Pakistan using its contacts to achieve a significant diplomatic outcome. In Afghanistan’s context, Pakistan was a key player in the 1988 Geneva Accords, alongside Afghanistan, the Soviet Union, and the United States. The accords ultimately resulted in the evacuation of Soviet forces from Afghanistan’s territory. This outcome is widely recognised as Pakistan’s most significant multilateral diplomatic achievement. More recent initiatives have produced mixed outcomes. Pakistan facilitated the 2015 Murree peace talks, which were the first publicly acknowledged direct engagement between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban. However the process eventually halted. Throughout the protracted Afghan peace process (2009-2020), Pakistan continuously promoted negotiations and backed the Doha Agreement. Islamabad’s initial coordination and efforts to bring the Afghan Taliban and the US to the negotiation table eventually resulted in a US-Taliban pact. However, Pakistan’s efforts did not result in a comprehensive intra-Afghan settlement. Limits of Pakistan’s mediation Despite Pakistan’s long history of promoting dialogue and providing good offices in regional and international conflicts, its overall success rate remains low. According to a qualitative assessment of Pakistan’s mediation record, only about one-third of its initiatives have resulted in concrete diplomatic outcomes, with the majority focusing on confidence-building, maintaining communication channels, or preventing further deterioration of warring parties’ relationships rather than achieving comprehensive conflict resolution. This lower success rate does not reflect lack of diplomatic expertise, but rather the institutional and structural limits Pakistan faces. One of the main issues is that Pakistan frequently mediates highly complex disputes. Conflicts such as the intra-Afghan conflict, external invasions in Afghanistan, Saudi-Iran tensions, Middle Eastern conflicts, and US-Iran tensions involve various stakeholders with competing strategic goals that cannot be resolved only by external mediation. Mediators can facilitate discourse, but they cannot compel opposing parties to compromise when the political costs of concessions are excessively high. As a result, Pakistan’s participation has frequently been restricted to facilitating negotiations, with ultimate decisions determined primarily by warring parties on their own political and strategic calculations. Another important restraint is Pakistan’s low diplomatic leverage in comparison to other regional and extra-regional countries. Successful mediation frequently necessitates the capacity to offer economic incentives, security guarantees, reconstruction assistance, or political assurances that motivate opposing parties to reach difficult concessions. Countries with significantly more financial resources, political power, and diplomatic networks to sustain long-term peace initiatives include the US, China, Norway, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. In contrast, Pakistan typically focuses on persuasion, trusted relationships, and geographical familiarity rather than economic incentives. While these assets are valuable, they are largely insufficient to resolve longstanding disputes. Pakistan’s internal security environment further complicates mediation efforts. Persistent tensions with India, ongoing instability along the Pak-Afghan border, menace of terrorism, and periodic economic crises all divert diplomatic focus and reduce the resources available for long-term international mediation. Effective mediation is a long-term process that requires consistent diplomatic engagement, technical expertise, and institutional capacity. Pakistan’s diplomatic machinery usually operates with competing internal and regional environments. This makes it difficult to maintain long-term involvement in various peace processes. Perceptions of neutrality also challenge Pakistan’s mediatory efforts in Middle Eastern conflicts. Theoretically, for mediation efforts to be successful, all parties must believe that the mediator is impartial and trustworthy. However, Pakistan’s deep strategic ties with Saudi Arabia and other Arab Gulf states often cause concern among opposing parties. For example, Pakistan’s longstanding defence and security partnership with Saudi Arabia has historically hampered its ability to be perceived as completely neutral by Iran, despite Islamabad’s consistent efforts to maintain cordial relations with both nations. Similarly, Pakistan’s extensive engagement with the Afghan Taliban has occasionally prompted segments of the former Afghan political elite and some Western policymakers to question Islamabad’s neutrality, even though Pakistan actively encouraged negotiations and political settlements in Afghanistan prior to the fall of Kabul in 2021. These perceptions, whether accurate or not, frequently undermine the warring parties’ willingness to fully embrace Pakistani mediation. The geopolitical climate further limits Pakistan’s effectiveness as a mediator. Many recent conflicts are increasingly impacted by great power competition, and leave little diplomatic space for middle powers to independently secure comprehensive settlements. The Afghan peace process, for example, brought together the strategic interests of the US, China, Russia, Iran, India, Qatar, and numerous other Gulf states. Similarly, the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US is driven by larger issues such as nuclear proliferation, sanctions, Israel’s security, insecurity of GCC states and regional proxy conflict. In such cases, Pakistan can encourage dialogue and propose confidence-building measures, but it lacks the ability to address the underlying strategic calculations that drive the conflict. Another rationale for Pakistan’s relatively low success rate is the nature of the mediation role Islamabad normally adopts. Unlike well-established and well-known mediators such as Qatar, the UAE, and Norway, who aim to reach binding agreements, Pakistan has frequently served as a facilitator, host, bridge-builder, or provider of good offices. These roles are less apparent yet nevertheless diplomatically significant. Facilitators generate opportunities for dialogue, provide conducive environment for dialogue, establish communication channels and decrease misperceptions. Although these measures may not result in landmark peace treaties, they frequently keep preventing crises from escalating into broader armed conflict. Hence, measuring Pakistan’s mediation record exclusively based on the number of signed agreements understates its overall contribution to regional stability. Finally, Pakistan’s mediation activities have occasionally suffered from a lack of follow-up by the opposing parties themselves. Several times negotiations brokered by Pakistan began with hope but later disintegrated due to one or more sides withdrawing due to their domestic political factors or altered external or regional developments. Pakistan’s mediatory experience in intra-Afghan dialogue exemplifies this challenge. Although Pakistan played a crucial role in supporting the Doha talks, the subsequent political trajectory in Afghanistan, combined with deteriorating Pakistan-Afghanistan relations after 2021, proved that successful mediation does not guarantee long-term peace. Similarly, Pakistan’s efforts to de-escalate tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2016 and 2019 were overshadowed by broader regional forces before China helped broker the 2023 diplomatic reconciliation. Nevertheless, Pakistan’s moderate success rate as a mediator should not be regarded as diplomatic failure. International mediation is inherently risky, and even the most experienced mediators have struggled to reach long-term settlements in prolonged conflicts. Pakistan’s comparative advantage is less in imposing solutions than preserving dialogue when contact between adversaries has broken down. Despite Islamabad’s structural limitations, its geographic proximity, long-standing regional relationships, understanding of local political dynamics of Iran and Afghanistan, and ability to maintain engagement with mutually hostile actors such as Saudi Arabia and Iran are valuable diplomatic assets. As regional crises become more frequent, Pakistan’s role as a facilitator and confidence-builder is likely to remain a significant component of Islamabad’s foreign policy strategy. The writer is a strategic analyst of international security. The views expressed are his own.
Pakistan ABD-İran Arasında Arabulucu Rolüyle Küresel GündemdeGreetings to President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif
Vladimir Putin sent greetings to President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif on the country’s national holiday, Independence Day. The message reads, in part: “Russia-Pakistan relations are developing very successfully. Moscow and Islamabad maintain fruitful cooperation in the political, trade, economic, humanitarian, and other spheres, and work closely together on important regional and global issues. I am confident that we will continue our constructive joint efforts to further expand the full range of our cooperation for the benefit of the friendly peoples of Russia and Pakistan, and for strengthening international security and stability.”
Erdogan's party pours millions into new DC pied-a-terre
On Washington’s 16th Street, overlooking Meridian Hill Park, Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) is transforming the former French Embassy into a permanent base for its growing influence operation in Washington. The party bought the Beaux-Arts mansion for roughly $4.9 million in 2024, and its latest July 12th Foreign Agents Registration Act filing shows that another $1.3 million has since flowed from AKP headquarters, much of it going toward renovation work at the property. The office is run by Halil Mutlu, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s cousin and the AKP’s registered representative in the United States. The same filing lists 85 political activities over six months from December until May of this year, including meetings with State Department officials, congressional staff and some of Washington’s most prominent Turkey and Syria think tank experts. Since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel, the relationship between Ankara and Tel Aviv has gradually moved from surface-level diplomatic hostility toward something closer to an open strategic rivalry, with Syria becoming the most visible flashpoint between the two regional middle powers. Much of this tension is airing out in President Donald Trump’s Washington. The Washington battle front A March discussion at the Brookings Institution, which the filing cited, captured this shift. Former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey John Bass discussed rhetoric from Israeli political figures describing Turkey as the “future Iran,” while Brookings fellow Aslı Aydıntaşbaş, referencing statements by former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, said the idea that Türkey could emerge as a greater threat than Iran had moved from the fringe in Israeli security circles into mainstream political discussion . Against this backdrop of escalating tension, Mutlu’s meetings offer a glimpse into the Washington policy circles the AKP has been cultivating. On January 29, the filings show separate meetings with Atlantic Council fellow Rich Outzen and Washington Institute senior fellow Anna Borshchevskaya. Five days later, the party attended a Helsinki Commission hearing on Syria where Outzen and Borshchevskaya testified alongside the Hudson Institute’s Michael Doran. On February 9, the filings report a private meeting between Mutlu and Doran. These three experts approach Turkey from different perspectives, but their public work has generally envisioned a significant positive role for Ankara in the emerging regional order. Outzen has argued that U.S.-Turkey relations are poised to improve as their interests increasingly align; Doran has described Turkey as a key U.S. partner in stabilizing Syria and balancing Israeli security concerns; and Borshchevskaya has called for deeper American engagement in Syria to displace Russian influence, identifying Turkey as one of the regional actors capable of providing Damascus with alternatives to Moscow. In testimony before Congress, Doran argued that pushing Russia out of Syria depended on balancing Turkey and Israel. He later described Turkey as “the arm of NATO into Syria” and said Ankara could help build Syria’s new security forces. Outzen similarly called for a larger Turkish role in Syria’s stabilization and military training, while warning that Israel’s preference for a weak, fragmented Syria could collide with Ankara’s desire for a unified state. That rivalry is already shaping policy on Syria and the sale of advanced U.S. weapons. Erdogan said in June that Israeli attacks on Syria and Lebanon had reached the point of threatening Turkey itself. Israel, meanwhile, has fought Turkey’s return to the F-35 program, with Israeli officials warning that selling Ankara advanced fighters could threaten Israel’s qualitative military edge. That fight has landed directly in the Oval Office. At his July 28 meeting with Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brought a map of Syria to argue that Turkey controlled more Syrian territory than Israel. According to an Israeli official, the map claimed Turkey effectively controlled 5% of Syria compared with a mere 0.1% held by Israel. Trump has been moving in Ankara’s direction. At the NATO summit in Ankara earlier in July, he announced that he would lift CAATSA sanctions imposed over Turkey’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 air-defense system, and he signaled openness to selling Ankara F-35s. A changing regional balance Turkey’s push in Washington also comes as Israel’s political standing in the United States is weakening. A March Pew survey found that 60% of Americans held an unfavorable view of Israel, up from 42% in 2022. Among Republicans under 50 years old, 57% viewed Israel unfavorably. Gallup similarly found that Americans no longer sympathized more with Israelis than Palestinians, ending a pattern that had lasted more than two decades. Israel’s loss of popular support is bound to open some political space for other regional powers to make their case in Washington, and Turkey is trying to occupy some of it. The Meridian Hill headquarters gives the AKP a permanent base, while Mutlu’s meetings place Erdogan’s party inside the policy circles debating the very questions on which Ankara and Jerusalem are clashing. The larger shift now extends far beyond Washington. On Friday, Erdogan joined Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Mecca to sign a mutual defense agreement declaring that an attack on one would be treated as an attack on all three. The pact brings together NATO’s second-largest military, nuclear-armed Pakistan and the Gulf’s most powerful Arab state at a moment when regional governments are reassessing the post-Iran war Middle East geopolitical landscape. The mansion on Meridian Hill is only one piece of this broader realignment. But it gives the competition a physical address. As Israel works to convince Washington that Turkey is emerging as the region’s “next Iran,” Erdogan’s party is building its own infrastructure to make the counterargument.
AKP Washington'da eski Fransa Büyükelçiliği binasını merkez yapıyorPakistan's leadership stresses need for unity, reforms as nation celebrates Independence Day
Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership has stressed the need for unity and reforms as the nation celebrates 79 years of independence today. According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the day dawned with thirty-one gun salute in Islamabad and twenty-one gun salute at provincial headquarters. A change of guards ceremony was also held at the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi. ‘Pakistan’s security linked to peace in our neighbourhood’ In his message, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to Quaid-i-Azam, those behind the Pakistan Movement and those who sacrificed their homes security and livelihoods in the struggle for a homeland. “But independence is not only a historic achievement. It is also a responsibility that each generation must carry forward. The Pakistan that was created through the democratic will of its people must continue to grow stronger, more secure and more prosperous. Our task is not only to remember what earlier generations achieved, but to add to it through our own work,” he said. The president said that the past year had reminded citizens of the strength of the Pakistani nation. Recalling last year’s brief military conflict with India, he said, “The events surrounding Marka-i-Haq demonstrated that Pakistan seeks peace, but also possesses the resolve and capacity to defend its sovereignty and national interests. The lesson of strength is ultimately a lesson of responsibility. A country that can defend itself must also use its strength to prevent conflict, protect peace and serve the interests of its people.” He said that the security and stability enjoyed today had come at a great cost, paying tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and police. “Their courage and commitment have helped safeguard our nation against external aggression and the threat of terrorism. The people of Pakistan remain deeply grateful for their service,” he said. He also highlighted Pakistan efforts to facilitate dialogue in the region. “Pakistan has effectively used its channels of communication, its geographical location and diplomatic capital to encourage dialogue and de-escalation at a time when wider conflict could have serious consequences for the region and the world,” he said. He reiterated that all disputes much be ultimately addresses through dialogue and diplomacy. “Our security is linked to the peace and stability of our neighbourhood and the world at large. Pakistan will continue to support efforts that reduce tensions, protect regional stability and create conditions for cooperation,” he said. The president also went on to say that the country must focus on the work that will determine Pakistan’s future. “We must strengthen our economy, create greater opportunities for our young people, improve education and skills, strengthen institutions through series of governance, economic and social reforms to ensure that the benefits of development and democracy reach every part and community of the country,” he said. “Pakistan’s greatest strength is its young people. Across the country and around the world, they are demonstrating their talent in science, technology, business, education and the creative industries. Our responsibility is to give them the education, skills and opportunities they need to realise their potential. By investing in our youth today, we are investing in Pakistan’s future,” he added. “For ordinary Pakistanis, national progress is measured in practical terms. It means a young person finding the skills and opportunity to build a career. It means a family being able to access quality education and healthcare. It means farmers, workers, traders and businesses being able to plan for the future with greater confidence. The strength of Pakistan will ultimately be judged by whether our national progress improves the lives of its people,” President Zardari said. He also voiced Pakistan’s support for the people of occupied Kashmir, saying Pakistan will continue to support a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with the aspirations of its people and the relevant United Nations resolutions. On Afghanistan, the president said that Pakistan had always respected and supported the national sovereignty of our neighbour Afghanistan and expected the same reciprocity. “It is sad that the current interim regime of Afghanistan is allowing and supporting a cocktail of terror groups to use their soil for launching attacks against neighbouring countries including Pakistan. It is sad the Taliban regime of Afghanistan is collaborating with India in launching terror attacks against Pakistani civilians and security personnel. They are doing this to distract us from the peace building efforts of Pakistan, recognised by entire world,” he said. “I warn them to stop these evil actions against the people of Pakistan and assure all and sundry that the armed forces of Pakistan are capable of defeating these evil designs,” he said. He ended his message by calling on the nation to contribute to the country’s progress in whatever field they serve. ‘Pakistan committed to defending its national interests’ Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also began his message by paying tribute to the founding leaders of Pakistan, saying the nation owed the fulfilment of its dream of an independent homeland to their vision, statesmanship and sacrifices. Highlighting the government’s economic achievements over the past two-and-a-half years, PM Shehbaz said the country had successfully navigated challenging circumstances to achieve economic stability and was now moving towards becoming a developed economy. He noted that remittances from overseas Pakistanis had increased by $11.3 billion over the past two years, which he termed a reflection of their confidence in government policies. The prime minister said harnessing modern information technology, promoting innovation-driven industrial and agricultural development, creating employment opportunities and establishing a world-class education and skills system remained among the government’s top priorities. Paying tribute to the armed forces, the prime minister said the military, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, had demonstrated exemplary unity and courage during Marka-i-Haq, adding another chapter to the country’s history of defence. He said Pakistan remained committed to defending its national interests, including its right to water resources, and reiterated that the country would continue to play its role as a responsible nation and a stabilising force for regional and global peace. He cited the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye as testimony to the country’s growing strategic role in the region. The prime minister also expressed solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir and the Palestinian people. He said lasting peace in South Asia was contingent upon a diplomatic resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations resolutions, international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The prime minister also paid tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies who sacrificed their lives for the country, and called upon all segments of society, particularly political parties, to work together for national unity, integrity and the advancement of national interests. He concluded his message by praying for Pakistan’s continued progress and dignity in the comity of nations. ‘Pakistan’s strength lies in the unity of its people’ CDF Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also issued a message to mark Independence Day. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the armed forces paid tribute to the Quaid and those whose sacrifices resulted in a sovereign Pakistan. “Their vision, courage and resolve remain a guiding force for the nation and continue to inspire us to uphold the principles and ideals of Pakistan,” the statement said. “The armed forces of Pakistan respectfully acknowledge the supreme sacrifices of our martyrs, the services of our veterans, the dedication of law enforcement personnel and the contributions of every Pakistani who has served the nation. Their courage and selfless service have bolstered Pakistan’s resilience and safeguarded its independence, security and national interests,” it added. “As guardians of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the armed forces reaffirm their unwavering resolve to defend the motherland against all threats, uphold the Constitution and discharge the sacred trust reposed in them by the people of Pakistan. United with the nation, the armed forces will remain steadfast in preserving peace and stability while creating an environment conducive to national progress and prosperity,” the statement said. “Pakistan’s strength lies in the unity and collective resolve of its people. On this Independence Day, let us renew our commitment to the enduring principles of faith, unity and discipline, strengthen national cohesion, promote tolerance and work together towards a secure, stable and prosperous Pakistan,” it concluded.
Pakistan 79. Bağımsızlık Yıl Dönümünde Birlik ve Reform VurgusuNo Adiala visit without confirmation of meeting, says KP CM Afridi
ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said on Thursday that he would not visit Adiala jail again before Sept 27 unless the government officially confirmed a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan. He also called for the closure of important government offices, including the Prime Minister’s Office, alleging that they had become dysfunctional. Speaking to the media outside Adiala jail, the KP chief minister said the situation at the prison indicated that the authorities had no intention of allowing him to meet Imran Khan. “I have come to Adiala for the last time before Sept 27. I will return only when the government itself confirms the meeting,” he said. It is worth mentioning that Afridi’s name was also included in the list of people who intended to meet Imran Khan on Thursday. Afridi warned that if the meeting was not allowed, PTI workers would block roads across the country from 10pm on Thursday as part of the party’s “D-Chowk” protest. He urged party workers to prepare to take to the streets carrying national and PTI flags, saying the protest would convey a message that the treatment meted out to the country’s most popular leader since April 2022 was unacceptable. According to PTI media cell, protests were held in different cities. Workers went to the chowks and chanted slogans in favour of Imran Khan. Afridi alleged that even government ministers were acknowledging that the country and its system had been paralysed, claiming that the government had failed. He said the people of Pakistan wanted their issues to be resolved and that this could only be ensured by Imran Khan. He said he would march towards Islamabad on Sept 27 along with two million people. Afridi urged PTI workers and the public to focus on Sept 27, describing the date as a “nightmare” for the authorities. He claimed that people were enthusiastic and that a large number of supporters had gathered in Khyber district at short notice on Wednesday. He said a similar street movement would be launched in other districts and claimed that more than two million people would participate in the Sept 27 mobilisation. He added that a street movement would be held in Bannu on Sunday. He said anyone carrying the flags of Pakistan and PTI would be considered a supporter of Imran Khan. The chief minister’s warning came amid continuing PTI protests and demands for access to its incarcerated founder. The Islamabad High Court has ordered the jail administration to arrange meetings with family members and lawyers on Tuesdays and with party leaders on Thursdays, but the orders have not been implemented for several months. Later in the night, while talking to the media, Afridi said there were orders from three judges allowing meetings with Imran Khan twice a week, but the court orders were not being implemented. “We have filed applications in courts for the implementation of the decisions, but the courts are helpless. In that case, we have every right to hold a protest. Even the prime minister said that he would ask about the meeting and then inform me. If such important offices are dysfunctional, they should be closed as they are consuming public funds. Poor people pay taxes and that money is spent on them,” he said. The KP chief minister said even ministers were saying that the system had collapsed. “Today, labourers, industrialists and all other segments of society have been saying that the country is not going in the right direction. Shehbaz Sharif used to say that if he got 30pc support from the establishment, he would deliver and change the fate of the masses, but he has failed despite getting full support,” he added. Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2026
No Adiala visit without confirmation of meeting, says CM Afridi
ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said on Thursday that he would not visit Adiala jail again before Sept 27 unless the government officially confirmed a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan. He also called for the closure of important government offices, including the Prime Minister’s Office, alleging that they had become dysfunctional. Speaking to the media outside Adiala jail, the KP chief minister said the situation at the prison indicated that the authorities had no intention of allowing him to meet Imran Khan. “I have come to Adiala for the last time before Sept 27. I will return only when the government itself confirms the meeting,” he said. It is worth mentioning that Afridi’s name was also included in the list of people who intended to meet Imran Khan on Thursday. Afridi warned that if the meeting was not allowed, PTI workers would block roads across the country from 10pm on Thursday as part of the party’s “D-Chowk” protest. He urged party workers to prepare to take to the streets carrying national and PTI flags, saying the protest would convey a message that the treatment meted out to the country’s most popular leader since April 2022 was unacceptable. According to PTI media cell, protests were held in different cities. Workers went to the chowks and chanted slogans in favour of Imran Khan. Afridi alleged that even government ministers were acknowledging that the country and its system had been paralysed, claiming that the government had failed. He said the people of Pakistan wanted their issues to be resolved and that this could only be ensured by Imran Khan. He said he would march towards Islamabad on Sept 27 along with two million people. Afridi urged PTI workers and the public to focus on Sept 27, describing the date as a “nightmare” for the authorities. He claimed that people were enthusiastic and that a large number of supporters had gathered in Khyber district at short notice on Wednesday. He said a similar street movement would be launched in other districts and claimed that more than two million people would participate in the Sept 27 mobilisation. He added that a street movement would be held in Bannu on Sunday. He said anyone carrying the flags of Pakistan and PTI would be considered a supporter of Imran Khan. The chief minister’s warning came amid continuing PTI protests and demands for access to its incarcerated founder. The Islamabad High Court has ordered the jail administration to arrange meetings with family members and lawyers on Tuesdays and with party leaders on Thursdays, but the orders have not been implemented for several months. Later in the night, while talking to the media, Afridi said there were orders from three judges allowing meetings with Imran Khan twice a week, but the court orders were not being implemented. “We have filed applications in courts for the implementation of the decisions, but the courts are helpless. In that case, we have every right to hold a protest. Even the prime minister said that he would ask about the meeting and then inform me. If such important offices are dysfunctional, they should be closed as they are consuming public funds. Poor people pay taxes and that money is spent on them,” he said. The KP chief minister said even ministers were saying that the system had collapsed. “Today, labourers, industrialists and all other segments of society have been saying that the country is not going in the right direction. Shehbaz Sharif used to say that if he got 30pc support from the establishment, he would deliver and change the fate of the masses, but he has failed despite getting full support,” he added. Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2026
Coalition buys time on judges, but harder questions persist
WHILE it seems that the deadlock over judges’ appointments has been resolved for now, there are still many sticking points souring ties between the PML-N and PPP, which would have to be addressed in the days to come, Dawn has learnt. The bad blood from recriminations over the conduct of elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir had hardly settled when the two ruling allies found themselves in a standoff over the appointment of high court judges, nominated by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). The matter, which was finally resolved on Tuesday after being delayed for several weeks, is just one of the many bumps on the road for the two coalition partners, who have recently found themselves at odds over three major issues — AJK elections, the appointments of new judges, and the reopening of a debate on new provinces. In background discussions, leaders from both parties told Dawn that while the PPP is looking to their leadership for guidance on how to proceed under the circumstances, the PML-N may prefer to defer discussion on sensitive issues — especially the question of new provinces — for as long as possible, lest it derail the coalition’s ‘marital bliss’, so to speak. PPP insiders say party still mulling course of action; PML-N wants to leave ‘touchy subject’ of new provinces for next assembly to tackle On Monday night, a crucial meeting was held in Parliament House to settle the judges’ issue. In attendance was President Asif Ali Zardari’s legal team, including his legal adviser Irfan Qadir, Sindh Law Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar and Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, meanwhile, was the sole representative from the government’s side. Arranged by the National Assembly Secretariat, the meeting was held on a single-point agenda, i.e. the delayed notification of high court judges, a source privy to the meeting told Dawn. Earlier reports had indicated that the president’s legal team had objected to the JCP proceedings, noting that nearly all PPP nominees had been rejected, and that some of the recommended candidates even had criminal records. While the government had been considering the possibility of invoking Article 48(1) of the Constitution to bypass the need for presidential approval of the decision, the option became less attractive after the Islamabad High Court took up the matter and issued notices to all parties concerned. With the matter becoming sub judice, both sides felt it was more prudent to settle the matter ‘out of court’, leading to Monday’s confab that finally broke the deadlock over the JCP-sanctioned appointments. A senior PPP office-bearer told Dawn that the meeting with the government and President Zardari’s subsequent assent for the judicial appointments were meant to avoid any adverse decision from the court. However, with around a couple of dozen judicial vacancies still to be filled, insiders say it is extremely likely that some PPP nominees will be accommodated in the next round of appointments. According to the PPP leader, the government side had assured the party that in the future, all major decisions will be taken after consultation. However, such promises have been made and broken in the past as well. Future of the coalition? When asked about the future of the coalition partnership, the leader said that barring some political skirmishes — which were par for the course — the alliance between the two parties would continue. However, the PPP office-bearer was adamant that his party would not defend any unconstitutional move, whether regarding the creation of new provinces, or any other issue. Talking to Dawn, another party leader from Karachi said that while the Presidency had broken the ice with the PML-N, party leaders are still waiting for guidance from Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on how to proceed. When asked about the thinking behind the Presidency’s relenting on the issue of judges, the party leader said that while Mr Zardari believed in the “politics of reconciliation” and was “always willing to give others some space”, his son’s stance is usually quite tough. “He does not settle for less,” the PPP leader said of Bilawal’s approach, adding: “That is why I am saying that the party’s direction on its relationship with the government will be determined by the chairman’s actions or statements, and not by the party’s response to any move initiated by the government”. The source said they expected a meeting of the PPP’s Central Executive Committee to be convened very soon, as there were several outstanding issues that warranted discussion at that forum — from the recently-strained relations with the government in the Centre to the fresh debate over new provinces or administrative units. “I think a CEC meeting would be called soon, maybe shortly after August 14. The party ranks also need clarity on several issues… [and] everyone looks towards chairman [Bilawal] for direction and policy,” he added. New provinces ‘off the table’ The PML-N, meanwhile, has also been mulling the aggressive stance adopted by the PPP on certain issues, and if the grapevine is to be believed, the party would prefer to defer discussion on these touchy subjects for as long as possible. A party leader close to the Sharif family told Dawn that the PPP was far more concerned about the proposal for new provinces, and the pressure being exerted by “the powers that be” in this regard. “President Zardari must have sought some assurances from the prime minister on this matter before agreeing to the judges’ appointments,” he said. The insider said that a proposal had been floated by the PML-N leadership that the question of creating new administrative units should be deferred for now, and placed before the next National Assembly and provincial assemblies, which would be elected in 2029. “Until then, the PML-N wants the proposal to remain off the table,” he added. Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2026
Yadgar-i-Fatah monument inaugurated in Islamabad on eve of Independence Day
The Yadgar-i-Fatah monument, built to honour Pakistan’s martyrs and commemorate Marka-i-Haq, was inaugurated by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Thursday night, on the eve of the country’s 80th Independence Day. Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were in attendance and stood for the national anthem, played by a military band. Other distinguished military officers and senior officials attended the ceremony. (From L-R) Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attend the inauguration ceremony of the Yadgar-i-Fatah monument in Islamabad on August 13, 2026. — Screengrab via YouTube/ISPR Official Addressing the ceremony, PM Shehbaz congratulated the nation on Independence Day and said that under Quaid-i-Azam’s leadership, “We entered the realm of freedom from the darkness of slavery. Our elders sacrificed their lives and property. “Yadgar-i-Fatah symbolises our resolve and determination and the domination of our armed forces over the enemy,” he added. The premier also congratulated the nation on Marka-i-Haq and paid tribute to Field Marshal Munir for his leadership during the conflict, as well as Air Chief Marshal Sidhu and Admiral Ashraf. “Under his leadership, we defeated the enemy,” PM Shehbaz said. Paying tribute to the architects and engineers who designed the monument, the premier expressed appreciation for its sleek design and eight-month completion time. “Its completion in eight months would not have been possible if the field marshal hadn’t invested his deep interest,” PM Shehbaz added. Visuals broadcast on television showed a large contingent of personnel from the military, paramilitary forces and police presenting a guard of honour, accompanied by a military band. Personnel from the military, paramilitary forces and police present their standards during the inauguration ceremony of the Yadgar-i-Fatah monument in Islamabad on August 13, 2026. — Screengrab via YouTube/ISPR Official The marble monument was completed within eight months and features five archways, which represent the five pillars of Islam, as well as the five pillars of Pakistan itself — the government, the military, the media, the people and the ideology underpinning the nation. Additionally, they represent the three branches of the military — the Army, the Air Force and the Navy — as well as cyber-defence and space warfare. As part of the inauguration, a light and sound show was presented with moving images projected directly onto the monument, state television showed. One of the sequences highlighted the history of Pakistan and its military up until Marka-i-Haq. Iconic moments from the May war were also projected onto the monument, such as when villagers and Punjab Rangers shot at Indian drones together. Moving graphics are directly projected onto the Yadgar-i-Fatah monument during its inauguration ceremony in Islamabad on August 13, 2026. — Screengrab via YouTube/PTV News Following the light show, Pakistan Air Force fighter jets performed a flypast over the monument, deploying flares in the night sky. A Pakistan Air Force fighter jet performs a flypast over the Yadgar-i-Fatah monument in Islamabad on August 13, 2026. — Screengrab via YouTube/PTV News The monument marks Pakistan’s victory over India in a brief military conflict last May. The conflict with India — starting from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the end of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos with a ceasefire between the two countries on May 10 — has been called “Marka-i-Haq” (Battle of Truth) by the state. More to follow.
Pakistan, Norway reaffirm resolve to strengthen bilateral ties, expand engagement in defence and security
Pakistan and Norway on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in defence and security. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, called on Chief of Defence Forces and the Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, with the two leaders reiterating their resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties and expand engagement in defence and security, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The two sides discussed matters of “mutual interest, regional security, and bilateral relations”. During the meeting, Field Marshal Munir highlighted “Pakistan’s perspective on global peace and regional stability” and stressed the “importance of cooperation and collaborative efforts to address common security challenges”. The Norwegian foreign minister appreciated the “professional role” by Pakistan Armed Forces “in promoting regional peace and stability”. Earlier in the day, Eide addressed a press conference alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, during which he lauded Pakistan’s mediatory role in the US-Iran conflict, saying it was a “service to the world and hence, also to us”. “I also really want to reiterate our strong support for the very important role that Pakistan has taken in this dramatic war that started on February 28 with the US-Israel attack on Iran,” he said, recalling that Norway was one of the Western countries that was “clearest and earliest” in stating that the war was a violation of international rules. “If we stand up for international law, it has to apply to everyone, everywhere, all the time,” he stressed. He said that while Norway had “significant disagreements with Iran on other issues, they also have the right to be protected as a state”. Coming to Pakistan’s mediatory role in the ongoing conflict, he said he realised how difficult mediation and facilitation of parleys between the two sides could be. “I know what a massive task you were taking on when you offered Islamabad not only as the venue but also as the facilitator of these talks,” he said, lauding Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership for their efforts. “What you have been doing is really a service to the world, and hence, also to us.” The Norwegian foreign minister said Pakistan’s mediation efforts also mattered to his country as it was a large shipping nation. “We share an interest in open sea lanes and the ability to trade in the high seas, and to respect the Constitution of the Oceans […] Whatever emerges from this tragic and unnecessary war in Gulf, we need to protect the principle of the free passage,” he explained. “And I am so happy we see completely eye to eye [on this],” he remarked. The visiting minister added that his message to “anyone involved out there in the conflict is that this issue of free passage and an open strait is not an issue for the warring parties alone. It is a global issue that we have a shared interest in promoting”. He said he had discussed other regional issues during the visit as well, ranging from the Kashmir issue to Afghanistan. Moreover, Eide said, he was glad to learn more about a recently signed defence pact between Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia in Makkah. “These are three countries with whom Norway has very good and close relations,” he noted. At the outset of his address, Eide said he was honoured to be in Pakistan, saying the last time a Norwegian foreign minister visited Pakistan was 10 years ago. “So it was about time,” he remarked. “I promised you many months ago that I would come, and today, I live up to my promise. I was looking forward to this visit, which is short but very effective.” Eide said there was a “strong partnership” between Norway and Pakistan, as well as the people of the two countries. “We have a sizeable diaspora of Pakistani descent […] Many of them are in key positions of politics and society and are a very welcome contribution to our country; and the fact that we have so many people who know these two countries intimately is yet another argument for strengthening our economic ties,” he added. The Norwegian foreign minister further said that Oslo and Islamabad were discussing strengthening economic ties “in the context of specifics” and enhancing trade ties in more structural ways. He also mentioned climate change and floods in Pakistan, saying that the two sides agreed it was a foreign policy issue. “And if you need one additional argument for stopping wars apart from relieving suffering and ending economic harm, it is that mankind should collectively try to focus on the real issues that require real cooperative action,” he said. Eide mentioned combatting nature loss, climate change, promoting global health and fighting poverty in this connection, adding that all of them were on his agenda for discussions during the visit. Speaking before him, Dar said the two countries had agreed to enhance their ties and cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, education, defence, climate change, IT and maritime affairs. He said Pakistan greatly valued its relations with Norway and looked forward to further strengthening these ties in the days, weeks and months to come. Moreover, he continued, bilateral political consultations (BPC) between the two countries had become a regular feature. “We are looking forward to hosting the next round of BPC in Islamabad later this year in the winter,” he said. Dar said the two sides also agreed that bilateral trade between Norway and Pakistan was “below the potential of both economies and needs to be enhanced through effective measures”. “Pakistan offers enormous investment opportunities to Norwegian companies, and it is heartening to see many leading Norwegian companies investing in Pakistan. “A renowned Norwegian company, Yara International, is establishing a joint venture in plant nutrition with the Fauji Fertiliser company. I hope this initiative will be a trailblazer for many more future projects between our two great countries,” he added. Dar termed Pakistan’s partnership with Norway in the field of technology “a success story”. “Pakistan’s IT exports to Norway have grown more than five-fold in the last two years, and I have no doubt that this is only the beginning.” He further stated that the two sides also agreed on the expedient finalisation of various agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU). On climate change, he said there was a convergence of perspectives between the two countries. “It is heartening to note that Pakistan and Norway signed the MoU under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on April 1 this year,” he said, adding that the two sides also held talks on cooperation in maritime affairs. He said he had told the visiting dignitary that Pakistan was “one of the world’s largest ship recycling facilities, and our strategic location makes it the most competitive and nearest recycling destination in this maritime region for ships coming from Norway”. Dar thanked Norway’s maritime authorities for their support in capacity building and providing technical training for Pakistan’s shipbreaking industry in line with the Hong Kong International Convention. He added that Pakistan and Norway had agreed to enhance people-to-people contact, which he said could become “defining for our relations and serve as social and cultural bridges between the two countries”. The DPM said the two sides had also discussed labour mobility. “We agreed to continue work on legal pathways for Pakistan’s skilled manpower, expressing the need to combat human smuggling and illegal migration. Both sides agreed that by providing safe, orderly and regular migration channels, we not only protect migrants’ rights and lives but also dismantle the illegal model of smuggling networks,” he elaborated. Dar further said that both Pakistan and Norway shared a commitment to multilateralism, the principles of the United Nations Charter, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes. “Our two countries remain actively engaged on issues related to the UN Security Council, and the two sides have strong convergence of views on major issues. “Building on our previous experience of working together in international bodies and multilateral fora, both sides affirm their desire to continue mutual support and consultations on such forums.” Dar said he had also briefed the Norwegian foreign minister and delegation on the Kashmir issue. He said he told them that India had added a new dimension to an already volatile security situation by unilaterally announcing the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty in contravention of international law. “We reiterate that India must end the weaponisation of water and uphold its treaty obligations under international legal obligations,” he asserted. Dar said he had further briefed the Norwegian foreign minister on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for promoting dialogue, de-escalation and peaceful settlement of the US-Iran conflict. He thanked him for appreciating Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the conflict. Moreover, he said, he had broadly discussed the Makkah defence pact with the visiting dignitary. “We had a great discussion, and it happens that all three countries enjoy the best of relations with Norway,” he said. The DPM concluded his address, saying: “We agreed on the need to find peaceful solutions to the international conflicts in full respect of the principles of international law and the UN Charter. “I thank his excellency, my dear friend, for his visit. I am confident that this visit will open a new chapter in Pakistan-Norway relations and will contribute to greater cooperation and mutual prosperity for the people of both countries in the years ahead.” Delegation-level talks Earlier in the day, Eide held delegation-level talks with DPM Dar, according to the Foreign Office (FO). During the talks, the two sides reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs and education. They recognised the important role of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway and agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the warm and cordial state of Pakistan-Norway relations and agreed to further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” it said. FO said the two sides also held in-depth discussions on regional and international developments of mutual interest. During the delegation-level talks, the visiting dignitary also recognised Pakistan’s role in the US-Iran war as “important and constructive”, lauding the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Munir and DPM Dar, as per the FO statement. Eide had also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and expressed Norway’s desire to further strengthen bilateral ties earlier in the day in televised remarks. He said Norway and Pakistan had a “very strong bilateral partnership”, adding that the presence of a large Pakistani community in Norway, which was “well integrated into Norwegian society”, had helped strengthen ties between the two countries. “There are many leading politicians in Norway and many close colleagues who are actually of Pakistani-Norwegian descent, so it has really made a mark,” he said. Eide said business ties between the two countries were also growing, particularly in the energy and fertiliser sectors, with Norwegian companies increasingly looking at opportunities in Pakistan. He said Norway also saw opportunities for Pakistan to strengthen economic relations through its cooperation with Switzerland and Iceland, noting that the three countries could provide further avenues for expanding business relations. Turning to the regional situation, Eide strongly commended the actions taken by Pakistan’s leadership. Eide described the ongoing war as “incredibly dangerous” for global peace as well as the world economy, and praised Pakistan for stepping forward. He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating the Islamabad talks and maintaining engagement with the parties involved. “I think it is fair to say that the position of Pakistan on the world stage, also in peacemaking, has really been strengthened by this commitment,” he said. Eide said Norway was ready to assist Pakistan’s peace efforts, noting that Oslo had experience in peace negotiations and maintained open dialogue with both Tehran and Washington. “Wherever we can be useful, we will,” he said. He also highlighted Norway’s experience in international maritime affairs, saying the country was among the world’s major seafaring nations despite its relatively small population. He said Norway could therefore play a constructive role in discussions concerning international maritime law and developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Dar, Eide discuss bilateral ties The two ministers also held a “restricted-format meeting” earlier today, FO said. “DPM Dar warmly welcomed Eide to Pakistan. The two ministers discussed the full range of bilateral relations, as well as regional and international developments, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest,” according to FO. Upon his arrival in Islamabad, Eide was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ambassador Ayesha Ali. In a statement on Wednesday, the FO said the minister is undertaking the visit from Aug 13-14 at Dar’s invitation. The visit is the first by a Norwegian foreign minister in a decade, the FO said, adding that the visit would build on high-level engagement between the two countries, including phone conversation between Dar and Eide in March and April, and the visit of Norway’s State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik to Islamabad in May. The FO stated that the visit would provide an opportunity to “further strengthen the longstanding and cordial relations between Pakistan and Norway and to explore new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation”.
ABD-İran Mutabakatına Rağmen İsrail'den Lübnan'a Kanlı Saldırı: 4 ÖlüPakistan, Norway reaffirm resolve to strengthen bilateral ties, expand engagement in defence, security
Pakistan and Norway on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties and expand engagements in areas of defence and security. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, called upon Chief of Defence Forces and the Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, where the two leaders “reiterated resolve to further strengthen bilateral ties and expand engagements in defence and security domains,” according to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The two sides discussed matters of “mutual interest, regional security, and bilateral relations” between Pakistan and Norway. During the meeting, Field Marshal Munir highlighted “Pakistan’s perspective on global peace and regional stability” and stressed the “importance of cooperation and collaborative efforts to address common security challenges”. The Norwegian foreign minister appreciated the “professional role” by Pakistan Armed Forces “in promoting regional peace and stability”. Earlier in the day, Eide addressed a press conference alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, during which he lauded Pakistan’s mediatory role in US-Iran conflict, saying it was a “service to the world and hence, also to us”. “I also really want to reiterate our strong support for the very important role that Pakistan has taken in this dramatic war that started on February 28 with the US-Israel attack on Iran,” he said, recalling that Norway was one of the Western countries that was “clearest and earliest” in stating that the war was a violation of international rules. “If we stand up for international law, it has to apply to everyone, everywhere, all the time,” he stressed. He said that while Norway had “significant disagreements with Iran on other issues, they also have the right to be protected as a state”. Coming to Pakistan’s mediatory role in the ongoing conflict, he said he realised how difficult mediation and facilitation of parleys between the two sides could be. “I know what a massive task you were taking on when you offered Islamabad not only as the venue but also as the facilitator of these talks,” he said, lauding Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership for their efforts. “What you have been doing is really a service to the world, and hence, also to us.” The Norwegian foreign minister said Pakistan’s mediation efforts also mattered to his country as it was a large shipping nation. “We share an interest in open sea lanes and the ability to trade in the high seas, and to respect the Constitution of the Oceans […] Whatever emerges from this tragic and unnecessary war in Gulf, we need to protect the principle of the free passage,” he explained. “And I am so happy we see completely eye to eye [on this],” he remarked. The visiting minister added that his message to “anyone involved out there in the conflict is that this issue of free passage and an open strait is not an issue for the warring parties alone. It is a global issue that we have a shared interest in promoting”. He said he had discussed other regional issues during the visit as well, ranging from the Kashmir issue to Afghanistan. Moreover, Eide said, he was glad to learn more about a recently signed defence pact between Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia in Makkah. “These are three countries with whom Norway has very good and close relations,” he noted. At the outset of his address, Eide said he was honoured to be in Pakistan, saying the last time a Norwegian foreign minister visited Pakistan was 10 years ago. “So it was about time,” he remarked. “I promised you many months ago that I would come, and today, I live up to my promise. I was looking forward to this visit, which is short but very effective.” Eide said there was a “strong partnership” between Norway and Pakistan, as well as the people of the two countries. “We have a sizeable diaspora of Pakistani descent […] Many of them are in key positions of politics and society and are a very welcome contribution to our country; and the fact that we have so many people who know these two countries intimately is yet another argument for strengthening our economic ties,” he added. The Norwegian foreign minister further said that Oslo and Islamabad were discussing strengthening economic ties “in the context of specifics” and enhancing trade ties in more structural ways. He also mentioned climate change and floods in Pakistan, saying that the two sides agreed it was a foreign policy issue. “And if you need one additional argument for stopping wars apart from relieving suffering and ending economic harm, it is that mankind should collectively try to focus on the real issues that require real cooperative action,” he said. Eide mentioned combatting nature loss, climate change, promoting global health and fighting poverty in this connection, adding that all of them were on his agenda for discussions during the visit. Speaking before him, Dar said the two countries had agreed to enhance their ties and cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, education, defence, climate change, IT and maritime affairs. He said Pakistan greatly valued its relations with Norway and looked forward to further strengthening these ties in the days, weeks and months to come. Moreover, he continued, bilateral political consultations (BPC) between the two countries had become a regular feature. “We are looking forward to hosting the next round of BPC in Islamabad later this year in the winter,” he said. Dar said the two sides also agreed that bilateral trade between Norway and Pakistan was “below the potential of both economies and needs to be enhanced through effective measures”. “Pakistan offers enormous investment opportunities to Norwegian companies, and it is heartening to see many leading Norwegian companies investing in Pakistan. “A renowned Norwegian company, Yara International, is establishing a joint venture in plant nutrition with the Fauji Fertiliser company. I hope this initiative will be a trailblazer for many more future projects between our two great countries,” he added. Dar termed Pakistan’s partnership with Norway in the field of technology “a success story”. “Pakistan’s IT exports to Norway have grown more than five-fold in the last two years, and I have no doubt that this is only the beginning.” He further stated that the two sides also agreed on the expedient finalisation of various agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU). On climate change, he said there was a convergence of perspectives between the two countries. “It is heartening to note that Pakistan and Norway signed the MoU under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on April 1 this year,” he said, adding that the two sides also held talks on cooperation in maritime affairs. He said he had told the visiting dignitary that Pakistan was “one of the world’s largest ship recycling facilities, and our strategic location makes it the most competitive and nearest recycling destination in this maritime region for ships coming from Norway”. Dar thanked Norway’s maritime authorities for their support in capacity building and providing technical training for Pakistan’s shipbreaking industry in line with the Hong Kong International Convention. He added that Pakistan and Norway had agreed to enhance people-to-people contact, which he said could become “defining for our relations and serve as social and cultural bridges between the two countries”. The DPM said the two sides had also discussed labour mobility. “We agreed to continue work on legal pathways for Pakistan’s skilled manpower, expressing the need to combat human smuggling and illegal migration. Both sides agreed that by providing safe, orderly and regular migration channels, we not only protect migrants’ rights and lives but also dismantle the illegal model of smuggling networks,” he elaborated. Dar further said that both Pakistan and Norway shared a commitment to multilateralism, the principles of the United Nations Charter, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and the peaceful settlement of disputes. “Our two countries remain actively engaged on issues related to the UN Security Council, and the two sides have strong convergence of views on major issues. “Building on our previous experience of working together in international bodies and multilateral fora, both sides affirm their desire to continue mutual support and consultations on such forums.” Dar said he had also briefed the Norwegian foreign minister and delegation on the Kashmir issue. He said he told them that India had added a new dimension to an already volatile security situation by unilaterally announcing the abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty in contravention of international law. “We reiterate that India must end the weaponisation of water and uphold its treaty obligations under international legal obligations,” he asserted. Dar said he had further briefed the Norwegian foreign minister on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for promoting dialogue, de-escalation and peaceful settlement of the US-Iran conflict. He thanked him for appreciating Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the conflict. Moreover, he said, he had broadly discussed the Makkah defence pact with the visiting dignitary. “We had a great discussion, and it happens that all three countries enjoy the best of relations with Norway,” he said. The DPM concluded his address, saying: “We agreed on the need to find peaceful solutions to the international conflicts in full respect of the principles of international law and the UN Charter. “I thank his excellency, my dear friend, for his visit. I am confident that this visit will open a new chapter in Pakistan-Norway relations and will contribute to greater cooperation and mutual prosperity for the people of both countries in the years ahead.” Delegation-level talks Eide had commended Islamabad’s mediation efforts after his arrival in the federal capital earlier in the day as well, and as he held delegation-level talks with Dar, according to the Foreign Office (FO). The visiting dignitary recognised Pakistan’s role as “important and constructive”, the FO said. “The Norwegian foreign minister commended Pakistan’s important and constructive role during the recent Iran-US conflict, including the leadership and contributions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, DPM Dar and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir,” it said. Both sides reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs and education. They recognised the important role of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway and agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries, it added. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the warm and cordial state of Pakistan-Norway relations and agreed to further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” it said. The FO said the two sides also held in-depth discussions on regional and international developments of mutual interest. In televised remarks, Eide appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and expressed Norway’s desire to further strengthen bilateral ties. He said Norway and Pakistan had a “very strong bilateral partnership”, adding that the presence of a large Pakistani community in Norway, which was “well integrated into Norwegian society”, had helped strengthen ties between the two countries. “There are many leading politicians in Norway and many close colleagues who are actually of Pakistani-Norwegian descent, so it has really made a mark,” he said. Eide said business ties between the two countries were also growing, particularly in the energy and fertiliser sectors, with Norwegian companies increasingly looking at opportunities in Pakistan. He said Norway also saw opportunities for Pakistan to strengthen economic relations through its cooperation with Switzerland and Iceland, noting that the three countries could provide further avenues for expanding business relations. Turning to the regional situation, Eide strongly commended the actions taken by Pakistan’s leadership, including the prime minister and foreign minister, in efforts to promote peace in the Middle East. Eide described the ongoing war as “incredibly dangerous” for global peace as well as the world economy, and praised Pakistan for stepping forward. He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating the Islamabad talks and maintaining engagement with the parties involved. “I think it is fair to say that the position of Pakistan on the world stage, also in peacemaking, has really been strengthened by this commitment,” he said. Eide said Norway was ready to assist Pakistan’s peace efforts, noting that Oslo had experience in peace negotiations and maintained open dialogue with both Tehran and Washington. “Wherever we can be useful, we will,” he said. He also highlighted Norway’s experience in international maritime affairs, saying the country was among the world’s major seafaring nations despite its relatively small population. He said Norway could therefore play a constructive role in discussions concerning international maritime law and developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Dar, Eide discuss bilateral ties Earlier, the two ministers held a “restricted-format meeting”. “DPM Dar warmly welcomed Eide to Pakistan. The two ministers discussed the full range of bilateral relations, as well as regional and international developments, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest,” it said. Upon his arrival in Islamabad, Eide was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ambassador Ayesha Ali. In a statement on Wednesday, the FO said the minister is undertaking the visit from Aug 13-14 at Dar’s invitation. The visit is the first by a Norwegian foreign minister in a decade, the FO said, adding that the visit would build on high-level engagement between the two countries, including phone conversation between Dar and Eide in March and April, and the visit of Norway’s State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik to Islamabad in May. The FO stated that the visit would provide an opportunity to “further strengthen the longstanding and cordial relations between Pakistan and Norway and to explore new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation”.
ABD-İran Mutabakatına Rağmen İsrail'den Lübnan'a Kanlı Saldırı: 4 Ölü'A service to the world': Norwegian minister praises Pakistan's leadership for US-Iran mediation efforts
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide reiterated his country’s appreciation of Pakistan’s mediatory role in the ongoing US-Iran conflict on Thursday, saying it was a “service to the world and, hence, also to us”. Eide, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, expressed these views while addressing a press conference alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad. He had commended Islamabad’s mediation efforts after his arrival in the federal capital earlier in the day and as he held delegation-level talks with Dar, according to the Foreign Office (FO). The visiting dignitary recognised Pakistan’s role as “important and constructive”, the FO said. “The Norwegian foreign minister commended Pakistan’s important and constructive role during the recent Iran-US conflict, including the leadership and contributions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, DPM Dar and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir,” it said. Both sides reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs and education. They recognised the important role of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway and agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries, it added. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the warm and cordial state of Pakistan-Norway relations and agreed to further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” it said. The FO said the two sides also held in-depth discussions on regional and international developments of mutual interest. In televised remarks, Eide appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and expressed Norway’s desire to further strengthen bilateral ties. He said Norway and Pakistan had a “very strong bilateral partnership”, adding that the presence of a large Pakistani community in Norway, which was “well integrated into Norwegian society”, had helped strengthen ties between the two countries. “There are many leading politicians in Norway and many close colleagues who are actually of Pakistani-Norwegian descent, so it has really made a mark,” he said. Eide said business ties between the two countries were also growing, particularly in the energy and fertiliser sectors, with Norwegian companies increasingly looking at opportunities in Pakistan. He said Norway also saw opportunities for Pakistan to strengthen economic relations through its cooperation with Switzerland and Iceland, noting that the three countries could provide further avenues for expanding business relations. Turning to the regional situation, Eide strongly commended the actions taken by Pakistan’s leadership, including the prime minister and foreign minister, in efforts to promote peace in the Middle East. Eide described the ongoing war as “incredibly dangerous” for global peace as well as the world economy, and praised Pakistan for stepping forward. He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating the Islamabad talks and maintaining engagement with the parties involved. “I think it is fair to say that the position of Pakistan on the world stage, also in peacemaking, has really been strengthened by this commitment,” he said. Eide said Norway was ready to assist Pakistan’s peace efforts, noting that Oslo had experience in peace negotiations and maintained open dialogue with both Tehran and Washington. “Wherever we can be useful, we will,” he said. He also highlighted Norway’s experience in international maritime affairs, saying the country was among the world’s major seafaring nations despite its relatively small population. He said Norway could therefore play a constructive role in discussions concerning international maritime law and developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Dar, Eide discuss bilateral ties Earlier, the two ministers held a “restricted-format meeting”. “DPM Dar warmly welcomed Eide to Pakistan. The two ministers discussed the full range of bilateral relations, as well as regional and international developments, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest,” it said. Upon his arrival in Islamabad, Eide was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ambassador Ayesha Ali. In a statement on Wednesday, the FO said the minister is undertaking the visit from Aug 13-14 at Dar’s invitation. The visit is the first by a Norwegian foreign minister in a decade, the FO said, adding that the visit would build on high-level engagement between the two countries, including phone conversation between Dar and Eide in March and April, and the visit of Norway’s State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik to Islamabad in May. The FO stated that the visit would provide an opportunity to “further strengthen the longstanding and cordial relations between Pakistan and Norway and to explore new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation”.
ABD-İran Mutabakatına Rağmen İsrail'den Lübnan'a Kanlı Saldırı: 4 ÖlüHow Pakistan emerged as an indispensable actor in Middle Eastern security dynamics
For decades, the world assessed Pakistan through a narrow lens: a frontline state in the war on terror, a nuclear power locked in rivalry with India, a country defined by its instability rather than its influence. That lens was always too small, and the past year has proven it. The US-Iran war and its aftermath have done what years of diplomatic messaging could not: they have forced Washington, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi to recognise what Pakistan has quietly known for a long time: Pakistan is not a peripheral actor in Middle Eastern politics; it is fast becoming one of the region’s most indispensable players. The proof came in September 2025, when Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in Riyadh, a pact that formalised what had long been an informal reality: Pakistan is Saudi Arabia’s most credible security partner outside the American umbrella. Security guarantor That agreement came just a week after Israeli strikes on Hamas officials inside Qatar, which exposed the limits of relying exclusively on Washington. When the Iran war escalated and missiles struck Saudi energy infrastructure, US bases in Bahrain, and Qatari gas facilities, Gulf capitals did not simply hope Pakistan would help. They turned to Islamabad because Pakistan had already proven, over decades of training Gulf militaries and building deep intelligence ties, that it was the one partner capable of delivering real deterrence rather than rhetorical solidarity. That deterrence matters because it is backed by something no other Gulf partner can offer: an ally that is willing to raise the cost of aggression against the Kingdom. Pakistan’s growing visibility as a complementary security guarantor alongside the United States is not an accident of circumstance. It reflects a decades-long investment by Islamabad in becoming the kind of partner Gulf states could count on when the moment actually arrived. That moment arrived in August 2026, and Pakistan delivered. Pakistan’s value to the region goes well beyond hard power. Its geography puts it at a genuine crossroads: a direct border with Iran, a working relationship with Tehran, and simultaneously decades-deep security and economic ties to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council states. Add Pakistan’s defence cooperation with the United States, its strategic partnership with China, and its improving channels with Russia, and Islamabad occupies a position no other country in the region can match. It can talk to everyone, and it is precisely this ability that makes Pakistan uniquely qualified to stabilise a region other powers can only destabilise further. Actions speak louder than press releases That is exactly why Pakistan, not a larger or wealthier power, was able to step into the role of formal mediator and witness to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding during the Iran war. Skeptics will point out that Pakistan had its own interests in ending the conflict quickly, given the economic and border pressures a wider war would have created. Fair enough. But statecraft has never required purity of motive, only competence and trust, and Pakistan delivered both when it mattered. The fact that all sides accepted Islamabad’s role says more about Pakistan’s credibility than any press release could. This dynamic also fits neatly into Washington’s own stated priorities. The Trump administration has repeatedly pressed allies, from NATO to the Gulf, to shoulder more of their own security burden rather than lean indefinitely on American forces, and an arrangement that strengthens regional stability without requiring additional US troops or bases is exactly the kind of contribution the administration has said it wants from regional partners. Turkiye has already won recognition in Washington as a rising security anchor precisely because it can engage nearly every actor in the region at once. Pakistan, with its own web of relationships spanning Riyadh, Tehran, Washington, and Beijing, is positioned to make that same case, and to finally share, rather than shoulder alone, the burden it has historically carried whenever Saudi security has been threatened. The Gulf relationship also runs through Pakistan’s economy in ways too significant to ignore. Remittances from Gulf-based Pakistani workers reached close to four billion dollars in a single month earlier this year, according to Pakistan’s central bank, a lifeline that sustains millions of families and drives real economic activity. The UAE and Saudi Arabia continue weighing deeper investment and defence cooperation with Pakistan even as they recalibrate their own security postures elsewhere, and that is a strong signal of where they see reliability. Gwadar Port and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor add yet another layer, positioning Pakistan as the future logistics and energy hub linking the Gulf, Central Asia, and South Asia. A mature response Critics have tried to spin Pakistan’s measured posture during the Iran war, its decision not to respond militarily and its refusal to abandon its relationship with Tehran, as evidence of unreliability. That reading gets it backward. Pakistan’s refusal to be dragged into a wider war it did not start, while still standing by its Gulf commitments diplomatically and materially, is precisely the kind of strategic discipline the region needs more of, not less. The opportunity in front of Pakistan now is real. Gulf states are actively diversifying their security partnerships as trust in unconditional American protection erodes, and Pakistan has a genuine window to convert its geography, its military credibility, and its diplomatic standing into durable, structural relationships rather than crisis-driven ones. That means sustained investment in the economic and diplomatic ties underpinning the security relationship, and it means Pakistan continuing to do exactly what it did during the Iran war: showing up as the stabilising force the region can actually depend on. Pakistan did not ask to take on this larger role in Middle Eastern security. It has earned recognition for it through years of quiet, consistent engagement, and that recognition is likely to keep growing as the region continues to change. The real question now is how well Pakistan builds on it.
Pakistan Ortadoğu Güvenliğinde Vazgeçilmez Aktör Konumuna YükseldiNorway commends Pakistan's 'constructive role' in US-Iran conflict
Norway on Thursday commended Pakistan’s “important and constructive role” to mediate between the United States and Iran amid the Middle East conflict. The development came as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held delegation-level talks with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, who arrived in Islamabad earlier in the day, the first such visit in a decade. “Both sides reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs and education. They recognised the important role of the Pakistani diaspora in Norway and agreed to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries,” the Foreign Office (FO) said. The two sides expressed satisfaction at the warm and cordial state of Pakistan-Norway relations and agreed to further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” it said. The FO said the two sides also held in-depth discussions on regional and international developments of mutual interest. “The Norwegian foreign minister commended Pakistan’s important and constructive role during the recent Iran-US conflict, including the leadership and contributions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, DPM Dar and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir,” it said. In televised remarks, Eide appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and expressed Norway’s desire to further strengthen bilateral ties. He said Norway and Pakistan had a “very strong bilateral partnership”, adding that the presence of a large Pakistani community in Norway, which was “well integrated into Norwegian society”, had helped strengthen ties between the two countries. “There are many leading politicians in Norway and many close colleagues who are actually of Pakistani-Norwegian descent, so it has really made a mark,” he said. Eide said business ties between the two countries were also growing, particularly in the energy and fertiliser sectors, with Norwegian companies increasingly looking at opportunities in Pakistan. He said Norway also saw opportunities for Pakistan to strengthen economic relations through its cooperation with Switzerland and Iceland, noting that the three countries could provide further avenues for expanding business relations. Turning to the regional situation, Eide strongly commended the actions taken by Pakistan’s leadership, including the prime minister and foreign minister, in efforts to promote peace in the Middle East. Eide described the ongoing war as “incredibly dangerous” for global peace as well as the world economy, and praised Pakistan for stepping forward. He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating the Islamabad talks and maintaining engagement with the parties involved. “I think it is fair to say that the position of Pakistan on the world stage, also in peacemaking, has really been strengthened by this commitment,” he said. Eide said Norway was ready to assist Pakistan’s peace efforts, noting that Oslo had experience in peace negotiations and maintained open dialogue with both Tehran and Washington. “Wherever we can be useful, we will,” he said. He also highlighted Norway’s experience in international maritime affairs, saying the country was among the world’s major seafaring nations despite its relatively small population. He said Norway could therefore play a constructive role in discussions concerning international maritime law and developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Dar, Eide discuss bilateral ties Earlier, the two ministers held a “restricted-format meeting”. “DPM Dar warmly welcomed Eide to Pakistan. The two ministers discussed the full range of bilateral relations, as well as regional and international developments, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest,” it said. Upon his arrival in Islamabad, Eide was received at the airport by Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe) Ambassador Ayesha Ali. In a statement on Wednesday, the FO said the minister is undertaking the visit from Aug 13-14 at Dar’s invitation. During the visit, the two will hold delegation-level talks covering the full spectrum of Pakistan-Norway relations, it said. “The two sides will discuss avenues for further expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade and investment, climate change, renewable energy, education and people-to-people contacts. “They will also exchange views on important regional and international developments,” it added. It said that the visit would build on high-level engagement between the two countries, including phone conversation between Dar and Eide in March and April, and the visit of Norway’s State Secretary Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik to Islamabad in May. The FO stated that the visit would provide an opportunity to “further strengthen the longstanding and cordial relations between Pakistan and Norway and to explore new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation”.
ABD-İran Mutabakatına Rağmen İsrail'den Lübnan'a Kanlı Saldırı: 4 Ölü'We aspire for it to grow': Turkiye's Erdogan eyes expansion of Makkah Joint Defence Agreement
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that he hoped more countries would join a defence agreement signed last week between Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, aimed at stabilising a region wracked by conflict. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed on Friday as the Middle East grapples with fallout from the US-Iran war, which has dragged in regional players and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. “Our vision for it is not limited to the three countries,” the Turkish leader told the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat daily. “Rather we aspire for it to grow, and perhaps appropriate conditions will emerge one day for all countries of the region to gather under its umbrella.” 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 only “a few technical issues” stood in the way. Egypt has not commented on the agreement nor on the remarks by Fidan, who will visit Cairo on Thursday and Friday. Cairo has robust military cooperation with Ankara, but has given no indication it intends to sign up to the new security alliance, which contains a Nato-style clause saying any attack on one would be seen as an attack on all. The five-month US-Iran war has upended the security architecture in the region and forced a rethink of decades of conventional wisdom rooted in US military supremacy. Erdogan said the pact emerged out of the “new circumstances” in the Middle East with regional players seeking to assume greater responsibility for their own security and stability. “Regional issues should be resolved by regional actors, and with this action, we consider that we have taken a first step toward achieving that goal,” he told the Saudi-owned newspaper. “Resolving regional issues must be carried out away from formulas imposed from the outside. We know very well that solutions imported from abroad only bring disasters.” The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement has been hailed by the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as an “important strategic step”. Kuwait, Bahrain and Somalia are among the countries that have welcomed it. Iran’s comments also took a rather positive tone, stressing its stance of pursuing “security mechanisms based on cooperation between regional countries”. On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed that the defence pact was “entirely for defensive purposes”, and not for any aggression. Addressing the federal cabinet on Monday, PM Shehbaz stressed that the objective of the pact is to “promote peace, progress, and prosperity in the region”. While the pact comes in the backdrop of the US-Israel war on Iran, Bloomberg had reported in January — before the conflict began — that Ankara was seeking to join a separate mutual defence pact between Islamabad and Riyadh. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had already signed the “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” in Riyadh last September, pledging that any attack on either nation would be treated as an act of aggression against both. In January, Reuters quoted Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj as saying that a draft had been prepared after 10 months of talks. Turkish FM Hakan Fidan had said Ankara favoured an “inclusive platform that creates wider, bigger cooperation and stability”. Pakistan has also sought to mediate efforts to end the US-Iran war, while Turkiye has played a diplomatic role in negotiations aimed at ending the war in Gaza. Israel ‘removing Palestine’ from world agenda Erdogan also accused the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to “remove Palestine” from the world’s agenda. “The aim of the Netanyahu government is to remove Palestine from the common agenda of humanity by profiting from chaos and new conflicts in the region,” Erdogan said at a joint news conference with his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas. “No matter what they do, they will not succeed. The Palestinian cause will continue to grow in people’s hearts as they try to destroy it,” he stressed, vowing Turkiye would fight for the establishment of a Palestinian state. A strong advocate of the Palestinian cause, Erdogan has repeatedly lambasted Netanyahu’s government, accusing the Israeli prime minister of committing “genocide” in Gaza and of pursuing expansionist policies in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and beyond. Abbas arrived in Ankara on Tuesday accompanied by his diplomatic adviser Majdi Khalidi, intelligence chief Majed Faraj and senior Palestinian official Ziad Abu Amr. He met Erdogan on Wednesday with the pair discussing developments in the region in talks the Palestinian leader described as “important and fruitful”. “I hope the decision to hold legislative and presidential elections in Palestine after a long time will bring good fortune … [and] will advance the reconciliation process,” Erdogan said, in a nod to the historic rivalry between Abbas’ Fatah movement and Gaza’s Hamas rulers. Abbas also hailed the defence pact between Ankara, Riyadh and Islamabad, saying it was “of utmost importance” and expressing hope it would help enhance security and stability in the region.
Erdoğan Mekke Ortak Savunma Anlaşması'nın Genişlemesini Hedefliyor'Our vision is not limited': Turkiye's Erdogan eyes expansion of Makkah Joint Defence Agreement
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that he hoped more countries would join a defence agreement signed last week between Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, aimed at stabilising a region wracked by conflict. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was signed on Friday as the Middle East grapples with fallout from the US-Iran war, which has dragged in regional players and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. “Our vision for it is not limited to the three countries,” the Turkish leader told the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat daily. “Rather we aspire for it to grow, and perhaps appropriate conditions will emerge one day for all countries of the region to gather under its umbrella.” 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 only “a few technical issues” stood in the way. Egypt has not commented on the agreement nor on the remarks by Fidan, who will visit Cairo on Thursday and Friday. Cairo has robust military cooperation with Ankara, but has given no indication it intends to sign up to the new security alliance, which contains a Nato-style clause saying any attack on one would be seen as an attack on all. The five-month US-Iran war has upended the security architecture in the region and forced a rethink of decades of conventional wisdom rooted in US military supremacy. Erdogan said the pact emerged out of the “new circumstances” in the Middle East with regional players seeking to assume greater responsibility for their own security and stability. “Regional issues should be resolved by regional actors, and with this action, we consider that we have taken a first step toward achieving that goal,” he told the Saudi-owned newspaper. “Resolving regional issues must be carried out away from formulas imposed from the outside. We know very well that solutions imported from abroad only bring disasters.” The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement has been hailed by the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as an “important strategic step”. Kuwait, Bahrain and Somalia are among the countries that have welcomed it. Iran’s comments also took a rather positive tone, stressing its stance of pursuing “security mechanisms based on cooperation between regional countries”. On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed that the defence pact was “entirely for defensive purposes”, and not for any aggression. Addressing the federal cabinet on Monday, PM Shehbaz stressed that the objective of the pact is to “promote peace, progress, and prosperity in the region”. While the pact comes in the backdrop of the US-Israel war on Iran, Bloomberg had reported in January — before the conflict began — that Ankara was seeking to join a separate mutual defence pact between Islamabad and Riyadh. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had already signed the “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” in Riyadh last September, pledging that any attack on either nation would be treated as an act of aggression against both. In January, Reuters quoted Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj as saying that a draft had been prepared after 10 months of talks. Turkish FM Hakan Fidan had said Ankara favoured an “inclusive platform that creates wider, bigger cooperation and stability”. Pakistan has also sought to mediate efforts to end the US-Iran war, while Turkiye has played a diplomatic role in negotiations aimed at ending the war in Gaza. Israel ‘removing Palestine’ from world agenda Erdogan also accused the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to “remove Palestine” from the world’s agenda. “The aim of the Netanyahu government is to remove Palestine from the common agenda of humanity by profiting from chaos and new conflicts in the region,” Erdogan said at a joint news conference with his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas. “No matter what they do, they will not succeed. The Palestinian cause will continue to grow in people’s hearts as they try to destroy it,” he stressed, vowing Turkiye would fight for the establishment of a Palestinian state. A strong advocate of the Palestinian cause, Erdogan has repeatedly lambasted Netanyahu’s government, accusing the Israeli prime minister of committing “genocide” in Gaza and of pursuing expansionist policies in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria and beyond. Abbas arrived in Ankara on Tuesday accompanied by his diplomatic adviser Majdi Khalidi, intelligence chief Majed Faraj and senior Palestinian official Ziad Abu Amr. He met Erdogan on Wednesday with the pair discussing developments in the region in talks the Palestinian leader described as “important and fruitful”. “I hope the decision to hold legislative and presidential elections in Palestine after a long time will bring good fortune … [and] will advance the reconciliation process,” Erdogan said, in a nod to the historic rivalry between Abbas’ Fatah movement and Gaza’s Hamas rulers. Abbas also hailed the defence pact between Ankara, Riyadh and Islamabad, saying it was “of utmost importance” and expressing hope it would help enhance security and stability in the region.
Erdoğan Mekke Ortak Savunma Anlaşması'nın Genişlemesini HedefliyorPakistan ‘still far’ from becoming a social welfare state: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that Pakistan was “still far” from becoming a social welfare state, which he said was the original purpose of the country’s formation. The premier was speaking at an event in Islamabad to mark International Youth Day 2026, observed on August 12. He also inaugurated several initiatives for the youth, including the Power Sector Innovation Programme, the National Youth Employment Policy and the Skills Ambassador Programme. In his speech, PM Shehbaz said that Daanish schools were a step towards making Pakistan a country where young people would have equal opportunities for advancement, irrespective of their financial status. He said that during his tenure as Punjab chief minister, he had established Daanish schools to improve access to quality education for the poor. “How unfortunate is it that, on the one hand, there is a Pakistan for the children of the elite, who not only receive the best education in Pakistan but also attend the best international institutions in the UK and North America? “Contrastingly, there is another Pakistan where millions of parents’ children, who desperately want an education, are not provided even basic educational opportunities.” The ceremony also highlighted high-achieving students from Daanish schools. Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan said, “We work day and night for our youth.” He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz for providing opportunities for the youth during his tenure as chief minister of Punjab and commended the premier’s leadership in advancing Pakistan, adding that under his leadership, no one could stop the country from moving forward. “The world is talking about Pakistan’s progress today,” he said. More to follow
All but three new judges sworn in after Zardari’s nod
• Three SHC additional judges to take oath today ISLAMABAD: Sixteen of the 19 additional judges of the four high courts across the country were sworn in on Tuesday within hours after President Asif Ali Zardari assented to their appointments, ending a weeks-long deadlock between the Presidency and the PML-N government over the judicial appointments. A permanent judge of the Lahore High Court (LHC) and four Peshawar High Court (PHC) permanent judges also took their oath the same day after the president approved their confirmations. Of the 19 additional judges, 10 were appointed to the LHC and three each to the Islamabad, Balochistan and Sindh high courts. The new appointments were made for one year from the date of their oath. While all the newly appointed judges took oath of their offices, the three additional judges of the SHC will be sworn in on Wednesday. The appointments of additional judges and confirmation of permanent judges had been pending since July 20 and July 21, when the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) — the body responsible for appointing judges to the superior judiciary — recommended them. After approval of the summary based on the JCP recommendations and forwarded by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to the Presidency, the Ministry of Law and Justice issued notifications. The oath-taking ceremony for the additional judges, scheduled for July 27, was indefinitely postponed after President Zardari neither approved the summary nor returned it for reconsideration. The government maintained there was no legal justification for the delay. The president’s legal team had raised objections to the JCP proceedings, noting that nearly all PPP nominees were rejected and that some recommended candidates had criminal records. The delay prompted the federal government to consider invoking Article 48(1) of the Constitution to bypass presidential approval, arguing that the president was required to act on the summary within a fortnight, sources said. However, officials later maintained that, with the matter sub judice, notifications could not be issued. Sources said the government’s legal team planned to seek an “out-of-court” settlement with the Presidency. The approvals followed a meeting between the two legal teams, with sources describing the matter as “on its way to resolution”. Another meeting was expected in the coming days. The delay had created practical difficulties for the high courts. Four PHC additional judges whose confirmation had been recommended by the JCP ceased to hold office after their terms expired on August 4. Similarly, the term of SHC Additional Judge Justice Khalid Hussain Shahani expired on July 29 after completion of his six-month extension. To address the issue, the law ministry’s notifications said the four PHC judges’ appointments would take effect from July 20, the date of the JCP recommendations. Justice Shahani’s term was also extended for six months from July 29. The judges The JCP had recommended 19 additional judges — 10 for the LHC and three each for the IHC, SHC and BHC. Five additional judges were also confirmed as permanent, while the term of SHC Additional Judge Justice Khalid Hussain Shahani was extended by six months. The LHC nominees were Shireen Imran, Aamir Ajam Malik, Asad Ali Bajwa, Barrister Muhammad Usman Ghani Rashid Cheema, Ghulam Sarwar Nihung, Khalid Ibn-i-Aziz, Muhammad Ajmal Khan Zahid, Muhammad Amjad Pervaiz, Munawar Iqbal Duggal and Syed Farhad Ali Shah. The SHC nominees were Muhammad Humayon Khan, District and Sessions Judge Suresh Kumar and Dr Shah Nawaz Memon, while the IHC nominees were District and Sessions Judge Shahrukh Arjumand, Ayyaz Shaukat and Umair Majeed Malik. The BHC nominees were District and Sessions Judges Allah Dad Roshan and Abdul Qayyum Lehri and Muhammad Rauf Atta. The four PHC additional judges confirmed as permanent were Justices Farah Jamshed, Inamullah Khan, Sabitullah Khan and Aurangzeb. LHC Additional Judge Justice Tariq Mehmood Bajwa was also confirmed as a permanent judge. IHC plea The matter had also been sub judice before the IHC, where advocate Luqman Zafar Chaudhary had challenged the delay in notifying the appointments. On Tuesday, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir adjourned the petition after counsel Zahid Asif Chaudhry requested the court to keep it pending until the law ministry issued a formal notification. Other approvals President Zardari also approved the equalisation of the salaries, allowances and pensions of Supreme Court judges with those of Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) judges. He also approved amendments to the 1997 order concerning the leave, pensions and privileges of high court judges, and assented to the appointment of Haroon Akhtar as adviser to the prime minister on industries and production. He also approved five summaries, including three bills, including the Export-Import Bank of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill 2026, the Financial Institutions (Recovery of Finances) (Amendment) Bill 2026, and the Federal Board of Revenue (Amendment) Bill 2026. Oath-taking Ten additional LHC judges took oath at a ceremony administered by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum. Justice Tariq Mahmood Bajwa also took oath as a permanent judge after completing his probationary period. With the new appointments, 10 vacancies remain against the LHC’s sanctioned strength of 60 judges. The number will rise to 11 next week following the retirement of Justice Shahid Karim. CJ Muhammad Kamran Khan Malakhail administered the oath to three new BHC additional judges — Muhammad Rauf Atta, Allah Dad Roshan and Abdul Qayyum Lehri — at a ceremony attended by judges, lawyers and judicial officers. The three new SHC additional judges — Muhammad Humayon Khan, District Judge Suresh Kumar and Dr Shah Nawaz Memon — will take oath at the main SHC building on Wednesday (today). Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput will administer the oath. With input from Wajih Ahmed Sheikh in Lahore, Saleem Shahid in Quetta and Ishaq Tanoli in Karachi Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2026
Pakistan, US extend higher education partnership for 5 years
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have renewed their longstanding partnership in higher education through a new five-year agreement between the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP). According to the federal ministry of education, the renewal of partnership reaffirmed shared commitment to academic excellence, human capital development, research, and international educational cooperation. The agreement was signed by USEFP Executive Director Dr Peter Moran and HEC Executive Director Professor Dr Ziaul Haq at the USEFP headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Moran stated: “USEFP-administered programs empower participants to develop skills and practical knowledge that directly benefit Pakistan’s development across all sectors of society. We are grateful for the continued partnership of the governments of the United States and Pakistan in advancing this mission.” Agreement signed to support 66 PhD scholars while expanding opportunities for advanced education, research and academic exchange Prof Haq on the occasion remarked: “The HEC–Fulbright long-standing partnership stands as a hallmark of educational cooperation and continues to deliver immense value to Pakistan’s higher education landscape.” “The United States is proud to renew this partnership with Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission,” said David Moyer, Acting Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the US Embassy. According to a press release issued by the embassy, the programmes supported through the agreement reflect both governments’ investment in empowering future leaders, scholars, and professionals who will contribute to Pakistan’s progress while strengthening US-Pakistan ties. “Through this partnership, Pakistani students and scholars gain access to the renowned American education system while improving capacity across Pakistan’s higher education sector. Americans coming to Pakistan collaborate on innovative research, business, and public health ventures that benefit U.S. universities, businesses, and the wider public,” it added. Meanwhile, a statement issued by the education ministry said Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar took the lead from the ministry in advancing Pakistan–United States educational cooperation. “A significant milestone under Wajiha Qamar’s leadership has been the revival and activation of the Pakistan–U.S. Higher Education Working Group after a gap of nearly 14 years. The Working Group has provided an important institutional platform for sustained engagement between the two countries on higher education, scholarships, academic mobility, skills development, research collaboration, and other areas of mutual interest. The renewed Fulbright-HEC partnership represents an important outcome of this renewed momentum in Pakistan–U.S. educational engagement,” said the press release. “The Ministry of Education welcomes the new five-year agreement, covering Financial Year 2026–27 through Financial Year 2031–32, encompassing the Fulbright Master’s and PhD Programmes, Visiting Scholar Programme for post-doctoral scholars, Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Programme, and Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Programme.” Under the agreement, the programme has set a target of supporting 66 PhD scholars over the five-year period, in addition to opportunities provided through the other programme streams. The initiative will continue to enable Pakistani scholars and academics to pursue advanced education, undertake high-quality research, strengthen professional expertise, and contribute to Pakistan’s socioeconomic and institutional development upon their return. As part of the financial commitment, HEC will provide at least $4.54 million annually, with the total funding commitment capped at Rs6.48 billion over the five-year period. The agreed payment schedule provides for $2 million by June 30, a further $2 million by January 31, and the remaining balance by April 30, subject to the timely release of government funds. Any interest earned on HEC funds held by USEFP will be reinvested in student grants, further supporting the educational objectives of the partnership. The selection process under the renewed agreement will remain strictly merit-based, with no fixed quotas for any particular group, region, or category. HEC will participate directly in the selection panels and contribute to identifying priority fields of study aligned with Pakistan’s national development and strategic priorities. To strengthen oversight and assess programme effectiveness, a Joint Review Committee, comprising representatives of the partner institutions, will meet twice annually to review programme performance and impact. USEFP will also provide HEC with annual audited financial statements, while relevant records will remain open for review by HEC upon reasonable notice, reinforcing transparency, accountability, and sound financial governance. The new agreement builds upon the original Fulbright-HEC PhD partnership signed in February 2016, under which $25.786 million was committed to support 125 Pakistani scholars during the fiscal year 2016–20. That landmark initiative emerged from high-level engagement between Pakistan and the United States, including the meeting between then US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Mohammad Nawaz Sharif in October 2015, and was linked to the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor launched in June 2015. Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2026
Pakistan warns UN Security Council of ‘tipping point’ in occupied West Bank
• Calls on international community to pressure Israel to halt settlement expansion on Palestinian land • Guterres says Israeli settlements in occupied West Bank have no legal validity and violate international law WASHINGTON: Pakistan on Tuesday urged the international community to persuade Israel to halt new Jewish settlements on Palestinian lands, warning that the situation was approaching a “dangerous tipping point”, as UN Secretary-General António Guterres said all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank had no legal validity and constituted a “flagrant violation” of international law. Britain urged Israel to do more to prevent and prosecute settler violence, while Russia warned that the West Bank was approaching a “point of no return” and risked profound regional destabilisation, as the UN Security Council debated escalating attacks on Palestinians and settlement expansion. “The situation is approaching a dangerous tipping point. Unless this trajectory is reversed, the consequences for the two-state solution — and for peace and stability across the region — could be catastrophic,” Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad told the Council. He told the Security Council that settlement expansion, settler violence, land seizures and the extension of Israeli authority over Palestinian land were part of a broader effort to entrench the occupation and undermine the prospects of a Palestinian state. He said these measures were fragmenting Palestinian territory and, together with settler violence, had produced the largest displacement crisis in occupied West Bank since 1967. Pakistan also expressed alarm over escalating provocations at Al Aqsa Mosque, calling on Israel to respect the historical and legal status quo at the holy sites and halt provocative actions. Ahmad called for international protection for Palestinians and accountability for those responsible for settler violence. He also urged Israel to immediately release Palestinian tax revenues it was withholding, saying the money belonged to the Palestinian people and that its continued withholding was severely undermining Palestinian institutions. British Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh condemned escalating violence across the occupied West Bank, describing attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian villages and communities, sometimes alongside Israeli Defence Forces, as “appalling”. She said children were being exposed to repeated violence, displacement and disruption, citing the August 4 demolition by Israeli forces of three donor-funded classrooms at Shaab al-Butum school. MacIntosh said Israeli settlers had acted with impunity for too long. “Much more must be done to prevent and prosecute acts of violence,” she said. She also called for a halt to settlement expansion, saying the settlements were illegal under international law and undermined the viability of a two-state solution. Russian Ambassador Vassily A. Nebenzia said the West Bank was “approaching a point of no return”, warning of the risk of profound regional destabilisation. He blamed Israel for its “creeping” settlement expansion, escalating violence and an “unprecedented” tightening of movement restrictions on Palestinians. Nebenzia said Israel continued its “illegal policy of building new settlements”, pointing to a government tender issued last week for more than 600 housing units in Ramallah al-Bireh. The UN relief agency OCHA reported that 1,122 Palestinians were killed in the occupied West Bank between Oct 7, 2023, when the Gaza conflict began, and July 24, 2026. The toll included 76 Palestinians killed this year. OCHA said Israeli forces or settlers injured at least 37 Palestinians between July 28 and August 3, while 35 settler attacks were documented during the same period. The UN human rights office said last month that settler violence had reached an “all-time high” as new settlements were approved. It said Israeli settlers and Israeli security forces had “often” acted together in attacks on Palestinian communities. Pakistan said the cumulative effect of settlement expansion, settler violence, land seizures and other measures was intimidation, dispossession and forced displacement. “The path to peace lies in ending the Israeli occupation and enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination,” Ahmad said, calling for an independent, sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2026
Pakistan'dan Batı Şeria'daki Yerleşimler İçin 'Kırılma Noktası' UyarısıMideast outreach
OVER the past few days, Pakistan has been going the extra mile to assure Iran that the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement it signed last week with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye poses no threat to Tehran. In a recent telephone call, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that the pact is “not an instrument of confrontation”. Moreover, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the cabinet that the agreement is “entirely for defence purposes”. Tehran seems to have understood the messaging, as the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said his country had no reason to believe the pact was aimed at encircling it, and that it showed that countries of the region could not depend on the American security umbrella. Perhaps the reason for speculation surrounding the deal was the mutual defence component, which says that an attack on one signatory is an attack on all. Considering the targeting of US military assets in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states by Iran during the active phase of hostilities with America, observers have debated whether the signatories of the deal could step in militarily. However, the clarifications regarding Iran are welcome. In fact, what is needed is a new regional security architecture that binds the Arabs, Iranians and other states together. Achieving this would be difficult, considering the pro-America stance of the GCC states. However, the American military footprint in the Gulf and larger Middle East may eventually shrink, which means that regional states will have to eventually work out a security framework amongst themselves. The Makkah pact could provide a blueprint for such defence cooperation. The Turkish president has already said that the pact is open to other countries. If Iran were to be brought on board, it could significantly alter the regional security landscape. For this to happen, the existing high levels of mistrust between the Arabs, particularly Saudi Arabia, and the Iranians, would need to be reduced. But states such as Pakistan and Turkiye, which maintain cordial ties with both sides, can attempt to bridge the gap. As a CBM, Iran should open up the Strait of Hormuz, as its continued closure is battering Gulf economies. The Arab states should also pledge to disallow outsiders from staging aggression against Iran from their soil. Instead of depending on extra-regional powers, the states of the Gulf and Middle East must themselves create a new security architecture. Not only would this reduce the tensions that exist between them, it could also serve as an expanded defence pact to deter Israel from attacking regional states. Tel Aviv has attacked Iran and its allies, as well as pro-America states like Qatar, hence an effective regional defensive bloc could make Israel think twice about its violent adventurism. Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2026
Mekke'de Savunma Anlaşması: Pakistan, Suudi Arabistan ve Türkiye'den Ortak HamleColombia earthquake death toll surges to 224 as search for survivors continues
The death toll from a devastating earthquake that flattened dozens of buildings in western Colombia jumped to 224, local authorities said on Tuesday as emergency workers dug through the wreckage for survivors. Rescue efforts carried into a second day as emergency workers dug through collapsed buildings and flattened homes, amid expectations that the death toll from the country’s most powerful earthquake in decades could rise. The 7.4 magnitude earthquake, the most powerful to strike the South American country in decades, tore through Colombia’s coffee-growing heartland early on Monday, reduced multi-story buildings to rubble in cities such as Pereira and Cali, and caused one of the spires of a cathedral in the city of Manizales to collapse. Emergency teams aided by police, soldiers and volunteers worked through the night with excavators and, at times, their bare hands, hunting for survivors beneath debris. Rescuers work at the site of a collapsed building following an earthquake, in Cali, Colombia, August 10, 2026. — Reuters Jose Fernando Usma, head of search and rescue for the Quindio branch of the Colombian Red Cross, said rescuers had detected sounds and some signs that could indicate survivors beneath the rubble, and were assessing damaged structures and removing debris to reach people trapped deeper inside. “We still have a big window of time. We have approximately 24 more hours to have hope of life,” he said. In Cali, home to about 2.2 million people, at least 95 people were killed. Dozens of buildings were left leaning precariously or destroyed outright, forcing residents into the streets. Several of the top floors of one of the city’s hospitals — some dedicated to pediatric care — collapsed upon themselves, leaving some patients trapped and forcing some 600 others to be tended to on a street strewn with rubble, hospital director Irne Torres Castro told Caracol television. Carmen Yasmin Garcia, 43, a Cali resident volunteering with rescue teams, said on Monday afternoon that her group had freed seven people from a collapsed building, but four others and a dog remained trapped. “A moment ago there was scratching, but now we can’t hear anything; we still have faith that the dog is alive and we can get these people out,” Garcia said. “We need people with sticks and spades, the more people lending a hand the better.” In Pereira, the capital of the hard-hit Risaralda region, authorities reported 72 deaths, while officials in neighbouring Valle del Cauca, which includes Cali, reported 38 fatalities. Pereira also bore some of the most visible destruction, with entire residential blocks reduced to piles of concrete and twisted steel. Video posted on social media and verified by Reuters showed the city’s airport violently swaying during the quake, with large chunks of the ceiling collapsing as people took shelter. Another 13 people died in Choco, the rural province closest to the quake’s epicenter. Security forces headed to Cali President Abelardo De La Espriella, who assumed power just days ago, said 1,000 members of the security forces would be deployed to the city by dawn, following reports of looting. Cali, as well as Pereira, implemented curfews on Monday night. “Our intention is to cooperate in any way necessary. Here, there are no distinctions or ideological divisions when it comes to defending our people or showing solidarity,” De La Espriella told journalists on Monday evening. The disaster has drawn comparisons to a deadly 1999 earthquake that devastated the same coffee-growing region, killing more than 1,000 people, as well as to catastrophic quakes that killed more than 6,300 in neighboring Venezuela in June. EU providing support: Kallas European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday the EU was providing funding to support the rescue efforts. “The EU has mobilised Copernicus, our satellite service, to support rescue and relief operations. We are providing funding to support the response, including through the Red Cross,” Kallas posted on X. “We have also activated the EU’s crisis consular assistance mechanism to support EU citizens caught in the disaster,” she said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and widespread devastation in Colombia. “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and widespread devastation caused by the powerful earthquake in Colombia. On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, I extend my heartfelt condolences to President Abelardo De La Espriella, the people of Colombia, and all the families who have lost their loved ones. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and all those affected by this tragedy. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Colombia in this difficult hour,” he wrote on X.
Kolombiya depreminde ölü sayısı 300'ü aştı, arama çalışmaları sürüyorPresident Zardari confers Nishan-i-Imtiaz on National Strategic Command Commander Gen Aamer Raza
President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on General Aamer Raza, commander of the National Strategic Command, during an investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-i-Sadr, Islamabad. On July 31, President Zardari approved the conferment of the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on Gen Raza. According to state media, the ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the services chiefs, and senior military and government officials. In July, he was promoted to the rank of a four-star general and appointed to the position of Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC), according to an announcement by PM Shehbaz. The CNSC post was created under last year’s 27th Constitutional Amendment, which made significant changes to the military’s chain of command, to assume the nuclear manager role previously exercised by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), a post which was abolished. Gen Raza has previously been awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Basalat (Star of Valour). Before his elevation, he was serving as the chief of general staff — the army’s principal operational appointment — and oversaw the implementation of organisational changes necessitated by the 27th Amendment and the restructuring that followed last year’s conflict with India, including the establishment of the Army Rocket Force Command. A cavalry officer from the Officers Training School (OTS) and commissioned into the 6th Lancers in 1988, he has commanded an armoured regiment, an armoured brigade, an infantry brigade in South Waziristan, an infantry division, and Lahore’s IV Corps. He also headed Heavy Industries Taxila and served as the director general of Weapons and Equipment and the chief of staff at II Corps. Gen Raza has, however, not served in the Strategic Plans Division, the Army Strategic Forces Command or the country’s strategic missile programme, with his career largely rooted in conventional operations and force development.
Bahrain FM congratulates Dar on Makkah defence pact, expresses desire to visit Pakistan
In a phone call with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani congratulated Pakistan on the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Tuesday. The joint defence agreement, signed on August 7 between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, aims to strengthen collective deterrence and empowers its signatory states to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all of them. In a post on X, FO said that the two leaders spoke last night, during which Dar’s Bahraini counterpart congratulated him on the agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye and also expressed intentions to visit Pakistan in the near future. Dar, for his part, welcomed the Bahraini foreign minister’s desire to visit and expressed appreciation for his comments. FO said that during the call, DPM Dar “reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to promoting dialogue and diplomacy to achieve peace and stability in the region and beyond”. Both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Dar have said the pact is defensive in nature, with the latter saying that it is also “open to any country in the region” willing to uphold its fundamental principles. A day earlier, Dar had felicitated the nation on the agreement’s signing. The foreign minister noted that the term of treating an attack on one of them as an attack against all three was “consistent with the inherent right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter”. The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement has been hailed by the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as an “important strategic step”. Kuwait, Bahrain and Somalia are among the countries that have welcomed it. Iran’s comments also took a rather positive tone, stressing its stance of pursuing “security mechanisms based on cooperation between regional countries”.
Colombia rescue efforts press on after earthquake; death toll stands at 164, expected to rise
Rescue efforts across western Colombia carried into a second day on Tuesday as emergency workers dug through collapsed buildings and flattened homes, amid expectations that the death toll from the country’s most powerful earthquake in decades could rise. The 7.4-magnitude earthquake tore through Colombia’s coffee-growing heartland early on Monday, killing at least 164 people. The quake reduced multi-story buildings to rubble in cities such as Pereira and Cali, and cracked apart one of the towers of a historic cathedral in the city of Manizales. Emergency teams aided by police, soldiers and volunteers worked through the night with excavators and, at times, their bare hands, hunting for survivors beneath debris. Rescuers work at the site of a collapsed building following an earthquake, in Cali, Colombia, August 10, 2026. — Reuters In Cali, home to about 2.2 million people, at least 85 people were killed. Dozens of buildings were left leaning precariously or destroyed outright, forcing residents into the streets. Several of the top floors of one of the city’s hospitals — some dedicated to pediatric care — collapsed upon themselves, leaving some patients trapped and forcing some 600 others to be tended to on a street strewn with rubble, hospital director Irne Torres Castro told Caracol television. Carmen Yasmin Garcia, 43, a Cali resident volunteering with rescue teams, said on Monday afternoon that her group had freed seven people from a collapsed building, but four others and a dog remained trapped. “A moment ago there was scratching, but now we can’t hear anything; we still have faith that the dog is alive and we can get these people out,” Garcia said. “We need people with sticks and spades, the more people lending a hand the better.” In Pereira, capital of the hard-hit state of Risaralda, authorities reported 66 dead. The city also bore some of the most visible destruction, with entire residential blocks reduced to piles of concrete and twisted steel. Video posted on social media and verified by Reuters showed the city’s airport violently swaying during the quake, with large chunks of the ceiling collapsing as people sheltered. Another 13 people died in Choco, the rural province closest to the quake’s epicenter. Security forces headed to Cali President Abelardo De La Espriella, who assumed power just days ago, said 35 people died in Cali alone, while 188 were missing. He said 1,000 members of the security forces would be deployed to the city by dawn, following reports of looting. Cali, as well as Pereira, implemented curfews on Monday night. “Our intention is to cooperate in any way necessary. Here, there are no distinctions or ideological divisions when it comes to defending our people or showing solidarity,” De La Espriella told journalists on Monday evening. The disaster has drawn comparisons to a deadly 1999 earthquake that devastated the same coffee-growing region, killing more than 1,000 people, as well as to catastrophic quakes that killed more than 6,300 in neighboring Venezuela in June. EU providing support: Kallas European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday the EU was providing funding to support the rescue efforts. “The EU has mobilised Copernicus, our satellite service, to support rescue and relief operations. We are providing funding to support the response, including through the Red Cross,” Kallas posted on X. “We have also activated the EU’s crisis consular assistance mechanism to support EU citizens caught in the disaster,” she said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and widespread devastation in Colombia. “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and widespread devastation caused by the powerful earthquake in Colombia. On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, I extend my heartfelt condolences to President Abelardo De La Espriella, the people of Colombia, and all the families who have lost their loved ones. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and all those affected by this tragedy. Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people of Colombia in this difficult hour,” he wrote on X.
Kolombiya depreminde ölü sayısı 300'ü aştı, arama çalışmaları sürüyorTopic of no importance
THE past couple of weeks have been packed with news and not just of the international kind. There were elections in Azad Kashmir, verbal duelling between the PPP and PML-N and an intense debate on a system that has collapsed. And in the midst of this came the matter of superior sounding administrative units versus local governments. What more could a journalist want? Yet more bad news it seems. For there was a relatively unimportant news item in the oft-ignored city pages of this paper, which announced a new underpass at the injunction of Margalla Road and Eighth Avenue. It seems as if someone, somewhere in the hallways of CDA has decided the short wait at the crossing is a wait too long. And Dubai-like, the rich residents of Islamabad should also not have to wait at all, for modernity means zooming around wide roads. So a new underpass the city shall have — at a junction where the avenue is called Faisal Avenue, for it leads up to the mosque, in the green lap of the Margallas. It is hard to keep count of the underpasses and flyovers CDA has inflicted upon this small city, especially in recent times. The new boss of the city, Mohsin Naqvi, is surely inspired by his boss, Shehbaz Sharif. As chief minister of Punjab, Naqvi was praised for his ‘Mohsin speed’, a term which paid homage to him and Shehbaz Sharif who too had been awarded a similar epithet. Both were praised for the speed at which they built projects. It’s hard to keep count of the underpasses and flyovers CDA has inflicted on Islamabad. In a country where visible brick-and-mortar projects pass for development, speed is seen as a virtue, rather than decision-making which is sustainable and helps improve people’s lot. And while Shehbaz junior now does illustrate the difference between building bridges and running a country, Naqvi has brought the speedy flair to Islamabad, where CDA has built flyovers in every nook and cranny of the city that can fit one. After all, if Shehbaz Sharif could take away university land to build roads, why can’t others build on existing roads? In so doing, the current government has contributed to turning a small green city into a grey shadow of Lahore. It is more unfortunate for the capital, for Islamabad has little of the old charm or history that Lahore can lay claim to. The greenery and hills are all the capital can offer but between its rapid expansion, numerous housing societies, and our planners’ obsession with Dubai-style traffic, Islamabad is losing its uniqueness. Over time, the construction is also becoming as durable as the governments in Islamabad. Each time, it rains, a newly built road reveals the poor standards of construction, so much so that media organisations are stopped from covering the quick wear and tear. This was seen when the roads in front of a known hotel needed quick repairs after rain, and when a fancy sculpture at a new roundabout couldn’t withstand a monsoon spell. But it was perhaps just a coincidence for had the construction standards been really poor, more attention would have been paid to another news story that got very little attention. Recently, a story appeared in a paper about audit objections to the new underpass built near the F-9 park in Islamabad. It reported that the audit highlighted faults in the design of the underpass. However, the little attention that was paid to the story shows it really wasn’t all that significant or newsworthy. My objections however are different. Dangerous turns in underpasses, which require cars to suddenly slow down, are hardly important in a city built for speed — half of Islamabad is now built to allow vehicles to zip around. However, why do those running this city want ugly bridges and underpasses near the F-9 park? For those who are unfamiliar with Islamabad, the F-9 park comprises an entire sector in the heart of the city and perhaps is comparable to Central Park in Manhattan, New York. Anywhere else in the world, such a large green space would be protected and so would the real estate around it. But not in Islamabad. Years ago, a part of it was given to an international franchise; despite a court order, the city found a way to let the corner be, and even give it legal cover. Now, two sides of the park boast flyovers that obstruct the view of the greenery. Imagine if someone suggested constructing bridges on Fifth Avenue next to Central Park. In Pakistan, we have no such concerns. Cars have a need to speed through signal-free corridors — and if it means ruining the roads and the serene views next to the city’s green spaces, so be it. And now Faisal Avenue is next. It is a wide road so named because it leads down to the Faisal Mosque, synonymous with Islamabad in some ways. The decision, it seems, has been made — and with little input from either the city’s residents or others. If some feel the idea is not a good one, there is little that can be done about it. And neither can the courts provide a recourse — for obvious reasons. It may seem like a frivolous issue to write about at a time when so much is happening in the country and the region, but there is a point to be made here. The local government or smaller provincial debate is not an abstract one about what theory says. And neither will it yield the results its proponents are boasting about if the representatives are not accountable to the people. And accountability, first and foremost, comes from genuine representation. If the residents of Islamabad had that, instead of bureaucrats and MNAs with controversial electoral wins, perhaps some of this construction could have been questioned. The writer is a journalist. Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2026
Govt-Presidency deadlock over judges’ appointment ‘close to resolution’
• Legal teams hold ‘positive’ talks, hope to resolve issue amicably • IHC seeks reports over delay in notifying judges • Asks govt to explain constitutional implications of keeping PM’s advice pending ISLAMABAD: As the Islamabad High Court on Monday expressed concern over the delay in notifying the appointment and confirmation of high court judges and sought reports, the deadlock over the issue is likely to end in the next couple of days following a positive meeting between the legal teams of the Presidency and the federal government. Sources privy to the development told Dawn that the “matter is on its way to resolution”. They said another meeting between the two legal teams was likely to be held in the next couple of days and expressed the hope that the issue would be resolved amicably. The sources, however, expressed surprise over the proceedings before the IHC, saying that the bench had earlier questioned the maintainability of a petition seeking directives for the federal government to issue notifications regarding the appointment and confirmation of judges, but subsequently appeared to have adopted a different approach. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir of the IHC had reserved his order on the maintainability of the petition on August 6. According to the sources, the petition was fixed for hearing on Monday without the issuance of a proper cause list, while the judge adjourned the matter for the day after passing an order. The sources said the matter essentially involved the constitutional roles and authority of the President and the government and should be settled through mutual understanding. They cautioned that any unilateral action, even if taken pursuant to a court order, could be viewed as being in bad taste. The IHC order The IHC issued a ruling on a public interest petition challenging President Asif Ali Zardari’s delay in approving judicial appointments, directing the government to explain the constitutional consequences of keeping the prime minister’s advice pending for an indefinite period. Justice Arbab Tahir issued notices to President Zardari, the federation and the attorney general and directed them to submit separate concise reports explaining the timeline and present status of the summary forwarded by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concerning the judicial appointments. The petition was filed by Advocate Luqman Zafar through his counsel Zahid Asif Chaudhry against delay by the president in approving the judicial appointments recommended by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). The JCP recommended the appointment of 19 additional judges and confirmation of five judges of the high courts during its meetings held on July 20 and 21. The summary was subsequently forwarded by PM Shehbaz to President Zardari for assent under Article 48 of the Constitution. However, the president has yet to accord his assent to the summary. During Monday’s proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel argued that Article 48(1) of the Constitution used the expression “shall”, imposing a constitutional obligation on the president to act on the advice tendered by the prime minister. The proviso to Article 48(1) permits the president to return the advice for reconsideration within 15 days, after which the president is required to act within 10 days on the advice tendered after reconsideration. The counsel relied on judicial precedents to argue that the president was constitutionally bound to act on the prime minister’s advice and could not convert the constitutional process into a power of indefinite deferral or veto. He contended that the prolonged delay in implementing the judicial appointments was adversely affecting the administration of justice and the public’s fundamental right to timely access to justice, particularly when the superior courts were already facing an increasing backlog of cases. Justice Tahir directed that notices be served through all modes of service. Additional Attorney General Rashid Hafeez was also directed to ensure that the respondents submitted separate concise reports specifying the dates on which the advice was submitted to the president and the action, if any, taken thereon. The case has been fixed for hearing on Tuesday. The delay has already created practical complications for the high courts. Four additional judges of the PHC whose confirmation had been recommended by JCP, ceased to hold office after their tenure expired on Aug 4 in the absence of formal notifications. Similarly, an additional judge of the SHC, whose term had been extended for six months, relinquished office after his tenure expired on July 29. The oath-taking ceremony for the judges had been scheduled for July 27 but was indefinitely postponed after President Zardari neither accorded assent to the summary nor returned it for reconsideration, with the government maintaining there was no legal justification for keeping it pending. Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2026
Cabinet okays housing policy, cybersecurity framework
PM Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting of the federal cabinet.—Online ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Monday approved the National Housing Policy 2026 along with an action plan for its implementation, directing that housing projects comply fully with zoning laws and that vertical construction be prioritised to make more efficient use of land. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. The cabinet was told that the policy had been prepared by a working group made up of national and international experts, and that federal ministries, provincial governments and development partners had been consulted during the drafting process. Its core objective, members were informed, is the provision of sustainable, safe and quality housing for all citizens. Alongside the zoning and vertical-housing directives, the cabinet instructed that energy-efficiency codes be made an integral part of the National Housing Policy, so that new construction conforms to energy-efficient and environmentally friendly requirements. Housing projects must comply fully with zoning laws and prioritise vertical construction, cabinet rules Members were also briefed on progress under the prime minister’s Apna Ghar scheme. The cabinet was informed that various banks had approved loans worth Rs220 billion for applicants seeking to build or purchase homes, and that more than Rs32 billion had already been disbursed to successful applicants. In a separate decision, the cabinet approved the withdrawal of the notice terminating the 1981 bilateral investment treaty between Pakistan and Sweden. The approval came on a summary submitted to the meeting by the Board of Investment. The Ministry of Information Technology placed before the cabinet the draft Pakistan Information Security Framework 2026, known as PISF 2026. The cabinet was told that the framework had been prepared under the CERT Rules 2023, and that it seeks to establish a comprehensive and unified system of baseline information-security standards while ensuring central oversight. Approving the framework, the cabinet described it as an important guiding document for cybersecurity and directed that its effective implementation be ensured within the prescribed timeframe. The cabinet further ratified a decision taken at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy held on July 28. Under that decision, proposed amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023 were endorsed, providing for the upgrading of oil refineries so that the country’s energy requirements can be met more effectively. Decisions taken at two meetings of the Economic Coordination Committee, held on July 27 and August 4, were also ratified, as were decisions taken at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases held on July 24. Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2026