23. Pakistan başbakanı
First round of talks between govt, opposition end as PTI’s Oct 4 protest looms over Islamabad
The first round of talks between the PTI-led opposition and the ruling coalition over the party’s proposed Oct 4 long march concluded on Friday, with both sides agreeing to resume the dialogue on Saturday. The meeting between government and opposition representatives, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was aimed at defusing the country’s ongoing political crisis. It comes ahead of the the PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan, which has emerged as the latest point of contention between the party and the federal government. According to a statement issued by the NA Secretariat, the participants held detailed discussions “on the prevailing political situation and exchanged views on various matters of national importance”. “The government, PPP and opposition representatives apprised each other of their respective positions and held a detailed exchange of views in a constructive and cordial manner. The participants emphasised the need to resolve national issues through dialogue and negotiations,” it said. The statement added that the second round of talks would be held on Saturday at 2pm in the NA speaker’s chamber. “NA Speaker Sadiq played a key role in facilitating dialogue among the government, PPP and opposition,” the statement said. The delegations were welcomed by Speaker Sadiq upon their arrival. “I am only playing the role of a mediator,” he said. Sadiq said his office was “always open” to resolving issues through negotiations and that he had consistently invited the opposition to engage in dialogue. He maintained that negotiations were the only way to resolve differences and issues, adding that positions and offices were temporary. “Parliament is the only forum where solutions to issues can be found,” he said. In an earlier post on X, the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan said the opposition side was being led by the leader of the opposition in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry attended the meeting, along with PPP Senator Sherry Rehman and National Assembly members Syed Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani. The opposition was represented by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, Abbas, Amir Dogar, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser and PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja. As the PTI remains resolute to go ahead with the march, federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no other option but to impose governor’s rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in light of the security situation in the province and the PTI’s protest call. For its part, the opposition party has warned the government of dire consequences if such a decision is imposed. ‘PTI will have to call off its march’ Speaking to the media after the meeting, PPP’s Rehman said the party believed in resolving issues through negotiations. She said that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had stated the party’s stance on the long march and that the PTI had to call it off “unconditionally”. “They will have to call it off rather than postponing or deferring,” she said. “Both parties have time; we will meet tomorrow. We will try to conclude this by tomorrow,” she stated. Talking about the opposition’s reported demand of facilitating a meeting with incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, she said she could not answer the question. However, she said the opposition had asked for time and “we should respect it”. “A political and democratic attitude requires sitting at the negotiation table and resolving the issues through dialogue,” she stated. Later, Bilawal welcomed the government’s decision to work with his party and jointly engage with the opposition “to find political solutions to political problems”. “The challenge of terrorism has become an existential threat to Pakistan, particularly given the active support these groups receive from neighbouring countries,” he wrote on X. The PPP chief expressed hope that the talks would conclude with the opposition unconditionally calling off the long march, which would allow the country to come together to address the threat of terrorism and those from neighbouring countries. “The PPP has been, and will always remain, committed to combating terrorism through any and all constitutional means,” he added. ‘Govt should engage with integrity’ The Senate opposition leader, speaking to the media at his office during a break in talks with the government, said the government should engage with the opposition “with integrity” and take steps towards resolving the issues. “If the government cares about the political crisis, then it should sit with the opposition with integrity and step forward to find a solution,” Abbas said. Regarding PTI’s long march, he said the call would remain “intact” until a solution was found. “Negotiating is the way of political leaders; negotiations could resolve gigantic issues and war,” he said, adding that “it, however, depends on the government’s intention”. He questioned whether the government, as the other party to the negotiations, genuinely wanted to resolve the issues. “They are in government and it is their responsibility to maintain peace, resolve crises, and ensure economic stability,” he said. Abbas reiterated that the outcome depended on how “autonomous” the government was and whether it had the “intent” to pursue negotiations. Speaking to the media after the talks, PTI Chairman Gohar said that both parties had shared their stances on “all the issues”. Regarding negotiations with the government, he added that “Abbas and Mehmood Khan Achakzai have the mandate for these things”. During an opposition alliance meeting yesterday, he said, the party had decided to attend the talks with the government and give their stance if it called on the opposition. “The positive aspect of this talk is that it is still continuing and we’ll meet again tomorrow,” he said, adding that tomorrow’s talks would be held by the same opposition committee that held them today. Asked what the party would do if the PTI were to gain access to Imran and he were to once again call for a long march, he said: “We always act upon the directions given by Khan sahab.” A day earlier, it emerged that a joint delegation of the PPP and the government would hold a meeting with the PTI leadership on Friday, during which the “current political situation” in the country would be discussed with the opposition. The decision came after a meeting at President House attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other party leaders. Sanaullah also said on Thursday that the federal government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” regarding PTI’s planned protest. Sanaullah said that the decision on the proposed march rested with PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned.
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrowFirst round of talks between govt, opposition end as PTI’s Oct 4 protest looms
The first round of talks between the PTI-led opposition and the ruling coalition over the party’s proposed Oct 4 long march concluded on Friday, with both sides agreeing to resume the dialogue on Saturday. The meeting between government and opposition representatives, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, was aimed at defusing the country’s ongoing political crisis, with the PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan emerging as the latest point of contention between the party and the federal government. According to a statement issued by the NA Secretariat, the participants held detailed discussions “on the prevailing political situation and exchanged views on various matters of national importance”. “The government, PPP and opposition representatives apprised each other of their respective positions and held a detailed exchange of views in a constructive and cordial manner. The participants emphasised the need to resolve national issues through dialogue and negotiations,” it said. The statement added that the second round of talks would be held on Saturday at 2pm in the NA speaker’s chamber. “NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq played a key role in facilitating dialogue among the government, PPP and opposition,” the statement said. The delegations were welcomed by Speaker Sadiq upon their arrival. “I am only playing the role of a mediator,” he said. Sadiq said his office was “always open” to resolving issues through negotiations and that he had consistently invited the opposition to engage in dialogue. He maintained that negotiations were the only way to resolve differences and issues, adding that positions and offices were temporary. “Parliament is the only forum where solutions to issues can be found,” he said. In an earlier post on X, the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) said the opposition side was being led by the leader of the opposition in the Senate, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. Minister Amir Muqam, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry attended the meeting, along with PPP Senator Sherry Rehman and National Assembly members Syed Naveed Qamar and Ejaz Hussain Jakhrani. The opposition was represented by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, Abbas, Amir Dogar, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser and PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja. As the PTI remains resolute to go ahead with the march, federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no other option but to impose the governor’s rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in light of the security situation in the province and the PTI’s protest call. For its part, the opposition party has warned the government of dire consequences if such a decision is imposed. Sherry says PTI will have to call off its march Speaking to the media after the meeting, PPP’s Sherry said the party believed in resolving issues through negotiations. She said that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had stated the party’s stance on the long march and that the PTI had to call it off “unconditionally”. “They will have to call it off rather than postponing or deferring,” she said. “Both parties have time; we will meet tomorrow. We will try to conclude this by tomorrow,” she stated. Talking about the opposition’s reported demand of facilitating a meeting with incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, she said she could not answer the question. However, she said the opposition had asked for time and “we should respect it”. “A political and democratic attitude requires sitting at the negotiation table and resolving the issues through dialogue,” she stated. Later, Bilawal welcomed the government’s decision to work with his party and jointly engage with the opposition “to find political solutions to political problems”. “The challenge of terrorism has become an existential threat to Pakistan, particularly given the active support these groups receive from neighbouring countries,” he wrote on X. The PPP chief expressed hope that the talks would conclude with the opposition unconditionally calling off the long march, which would allow the country to come together to address the threat of terrorism and those from neighbouring countries. “The PPP has been, and will always remain, committed to combating terrorism through any and all constitutional means,” he added. ‘Govt should engage with integrity’ The Senate opposition leader, speaking to the media at his office during a break in talks with the government, said the government should engage with the opposition “with integrity” and take steps towards resolving the issues. “If the government cares about the political crisis, then it should sit with the opposition with integrity and step forward to find a solution,” Abbas said. Regarding PTI’s long march, he said the call would remain “intact” until a solution was found. “Negotiating is the way of political leaders; negotiations could resolve gigantic issues and war,” he said, adding that “it, however, depends on the government’s intention”. He questioned whether the government, as the other party to the negotiations, genuinely wanted to resolve the issues. “They are in government and it is their responsibility to maintain peace, resolve crises, and ensure economic stability,” he said. Abbas reiterated that the outcome depended on how “autonomous” the government was and whether it had the “intent” to pursue negotiations. Speaking to the media after the talks, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar said that both parties had shared their stances on “all the issues”. Regarding negotiations with the government, he added that “Abbas and Mehmood Khan Achakzai have the mandate for these things”. During an opposition alliance meeting yesterday, he said, the party had decided to attend the talks with the government and give their stance if it called on the opposition. “The positive aspect of this talk is that it is still continuing and we’ll meet again tomorrow,” he said, adding that tomorrow’s talks would be held by the same opposition committee that held them today. Asked what the party would do if the PTI were to gain access to Imran and he were to once again call for a long march, he said: “We always act upon the directions given by Khan sahab.” A day earlier, it emerged that a joint delegation of the PPP and the government would hold a meeting with the PTI leadership on Friday, during which the “current political situation” in the country would be discussed with the opposition. The decision came after a meeting at the presidency attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and other party leaders. Sanaullah also said on Thursday that the federal government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” regarding PTI’s planned protest. Sanaullah said that the decision on the proposed march rested with PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned.
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrowDar says Makkah defence pact committee to meet next week on Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that a meeting of Makkah Defence Alliance’s Strategic Political Defence Committee (SPDC) would take place in Riyadh next week, adding that it would focus on Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia The deputy premier was addressing a press briefing regarding the Pakistan delegation’s engagements at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September, as well as high-level meetings that took place on its sidelines. “We made a plan because all three of us countries were present (in New York),” Dar said, referring to himself, Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. He said the SPDC, established under the trilateral “Makkah Accord”, comprises three members from each country — the foreign ministers, defence ministers and chiefs of army staff. On Sept 25, a special meeting took place of the three army chiefs in Riyadh, he said, adding that the foreign ministers had met prior to this in New York in the wake of increased Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. “Very soon, a meeting of the whole SPDC … has been agreed to in principle, to take place in Riyadh,” the deputy premier said, noting that the current situation and “ground reality” would be examined during the meeting, particularly vis-a-vis Saudi Arabia. Responding to a question, DPM Dar said that this upcoming meeting was an emergency one, and the committee would meet again as planned after “the end of October or beginning of November”, when its work was expected to be completed. He said that the meeting would focus on the Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia, as the previous meeting of foreign ministers in New York had done. Later, he said that the meeting would take place “next week”. Regarding yesterday’s airstrike on a power plant in Madina, which was attributed to the Houthis, he highlighted that Pakistan had already condemned it and said it was “not acceptable”. The deputy prime minister also noted that he had spoken to Iran in detail regarding the Houthi attacks, reminding them that Pakistan had its trilateral agreement to honour. Iran, he said, denied association “both with the Houthis and with the Iraqi militia”. Iran also advised that the Houthis be “engaged politically”, rather than using “kinetic action”, he said, although he clarified that this was simply a “brainstorming between two foreign ministers, and in all good faith, a suggestion”. He added that the decision would be taken between the three countries of the SPDC after the upcoming meeting. DPM Dar also stated, responding to a question about the potential expansion of the Makkah defence pact, that while he would not name them, “at least six countries” were keen to join the accord. He added that this would not be possible until after the agreement was made “fully operational”, which would take at least a year, but stressed that the document of the accord itself stated that it would be open to other countries if they agreed to the principles laid down by the existing members. Dar’s remarks come amid fresh fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis. The Houthis have declared a maritime blockade on the kingdom and targeted its ships in the Red Sea. Both sides have claimed strikes on each other as tensions remain high. Meanwhile, the defence pact, signed on Aug 7, aims to strengthen collective deterrence and empower its signatory states to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all of them. The first meeting of the SPDC was held in Istanbul on Aug 31, during which it was decided that the alliance’s secretariat will be initially headed by Pakistan for three years. Retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood has been appointed as the first secretary general of the alliance. UN chief to visit Pakistan before end of tenure During the briefing, the foreign minister also said that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres would visit Pakistan “soon”, likely before the end of his tenure. He said that the UN chief held a meeting with the Pakistan delegation at the UNGA session, highlighting that “We have invited him to Pakistan and the UN secretary general has accepted”. Calling Guterres a great supporter of Pakistan, the deputy premier recalled the “unforgettable” role he played in aiding the country through calamities. He added that the UN chief’s term will end on Dec 31 of this year, and said that the visit would “likely” take place before this. He noted that the programme for the visit would be released by the government and would take place “very soon” on the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “I think it will be a memorable visit,” Dar added. During the premier’s meeting with Guterres on the sidelines of the UNGA last week, the two exchanged views on major regional and international developments. The UN chief also commended Pakistan’s role in the Middle East peace process, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
DPM Dar says committee under Makkah defence pact to meet in Riyadh 'soon'Dar says Makkah defence pact committee to meet in Riyadh next week on Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that a meeting of Makkah Defence Alliance’s Strategic Political Defence Committee (SPDC) would take place in Riyadh next week, adding that it would focus on Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia The deputy premier was addressing a press briefing regarding the Pakistan delegation’s engagements at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September, as well as high-level meetings that took place on its sidelines. “We made a plan because all three of us countries were present (in New York),” Dar said, referring to himself, Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. He said the SPDC, established under the trilateral “Makkah Accord”, comprises three members from each country — the foreign ministers, defence ministers and chiefs of army staff. On Sept 25, a special meeting took place of the three army chiefs in Riyadh, he said, adding that the foreign ministers had met prior to this in New York in the wake of increased Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. “Very soon, a meeting of the whole SPDC … has been agreed to in principle, to take place in Riyadh,” the deputy premier said, noting that the current situation and “ground reality” would be examined during the meeting, particularly vis-a-vis Saudi Arabia. Responding to a question, DPM Dar said that this upcoming meeting was an emergency one, and the committee would meet again as planned after “the end of October or beginning of November”, when its work was expected to be completed. He said that the meeting would focus on the Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia, as the previous meeting of foreign ministers in New York had done. Later, he said that the meeting would take place “next week”. Regarding yesterday’s airstrike on a power plant in Madina, which was attributed to the Houthis, he highlighted that Pakistan had already condemned it and said it was “not acceptable”. The deputy prime minister also noted that he had spoken to Iran in detail regarding the Houthi attacks, reminding them that Pakistan had its trilateral agreement to honour. Iran, he said, denied association “both with the Houthis and with the Iraqi militia”. Iran also advised that the Houthis be “engaged politically”, rather than using “kinetic action”, he said, although he clarified that this was simply a “brainstorming between two foreign ministers, and in all good faith, a suggestion”. He added that the decision would be taken between the three countries of the SPDC after the upcoming meeting. DPM Dar also stated, responding to a question about the potential expansion of the Makkah defence pact, that while he would not name them, “at least six countries” were keen to join the accord. He added that this would not be possible until after the agreement was made “fully operational”, which would take at least a year, but stressed that the document of the accord itself stated that it would be open to other countries if they agreed to the principles laid down by the existing members. The defence pact, signed on Aug 7, aims to strengthen collective deterrence and empower its signatory states to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all of them. The first meeting of the SPDC was held in Istanbul on Aug 31, during which it was decided that the alliance’s secretariat will be initially headed by Pakistan for three years. Retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood has been appointed as the first secretary general of the alliance. UN chief to visit Pakistan before end of tenure During the briefing, the foreign minister also said that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres would visit Pakistan “soon”, likely before the end of his tenure. He said that the UN chief held a meeting with the Pakistan delegation at the UNGA session, highlighting that “We have invited him to Pakistan and the UN secretary general has accepted”. Calling Guterres a great supporter of Pakistan, the deputy premier recalled the “unforgettable” role he played in aiding the country through calamities. He added that the UN chief’s term will end on Dec 31 of this year, and said that the visit would “likely” take place before this. He noted that the programme for the visit would be released by the government and would take place “very soon” on the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “I think it will be a memorable visit,” Dar added. During the premier’s meeting with Guterres on the sidelines of the UNGA last week, the two exchanged views on major regional and international developments. The UN chief also commended Pakistan’s role in the Middle East peace process, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
DPM Dar says committee under Makkah defence pact to meet in Riyadh 'soon'DPM Dar says committee under Makkah defence pact to meet in Riyadh 'soon'
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that a meeting of Makkah Defence Alliance’s Strategic Political Defence Committee (SPDC) would take place in Riyadh “soon”. The deputy premier was addressing a press briefing regarding the Pakistan delegation’s engagements at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September, as well as high-level meetings that took place on its sidelines. “We made a plan because all three of us countries were present (in New York),” Dar said, referring to himself, Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The SPDC, established under the trilateral “Makkah Accord”, comprises three members from each country, he noted — the foreign ministers, defence ministers and chiefs of army staff. On Sept 25, a special meeting took place of the three army chiefs in Riyadh, he said, adding that the foreign ministers had met before this in New York, on Sept 24, in the wake of increased Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The joint defence pact, signed on August 7, empowers the member states to treat an attack against one of them as an attack against all of them. “Very soon, a meeting of the whole SPDC … has been agreed to in principle, to take place in Riyadh,” the deputy premier said, noting that the current situation and “ground reality” would be examined during the meeting, particularly vis-a-vis Saudi Arabia. He added that details of the meeting would be shared after it took place. The first meeting of the SPDC was held in Istanbul on Aug 31, during which it was decided that the alliance’s secretariat will be initially headed by Pakistan for three years. Responding to a question, DPM Dar said that this upcoming meeting was an emergency one, and the committee would meet again as planned after “the end of October or beginning of November”, when its work was expected to be completed. He said that the meeting would focus on the Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia, as the previous meeting of foreign ministers in New York had done. Regarding yesterday’s airstrike on a power plant in Madina, which was attributed to the Houthis, he highlighted that Pakistan had already condemned it and said it was “not acceptable”. The deputy prime minister also noted that he had spoken to Iran in detail regarding the Houthi attacks, reminding them that Pakistan had its trilateral agreement to honour. Iran, he said, denied association “both with the Houthis and with the Iraqi militia”. Iran also advised that the Houthis be “engaged politically”, rather than using “kinetic action”, he said, although he clarified that this was simply a “brainstorming between two foreign ministers, and in all good faith, a suggestion”. He added that the decision would be taken between the three countries of the SPDC after the upcoming meeting. DPM Dar also stated, responding to a question about the potential expansion of the Makkah Pact, that while he would not name them, “at least six countries” were keen to join the accord. He added that this would not be possible until after the agreement was made “fully operational”, which would take at least a year, but stressed that the document of the accord itself stated that it would be open to other countries if they agreed to the principles laid down by the existing members. UN chief to visit Pakistan before end of tenure During the briefing, the foreign minister also said that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres would visit Pakistan “soon”, likely before the end of his tenure. He said that the UN chief held a meeting with the Pakistan delegation at the UNGA session, highlighting that “We have invited him to Pakistan and the UN secretary general has accepted”. Calling Guterres a great supporter of Pakistan, the deputy premier recalled the “unforgettable” role he played in aiding the country through calamities. He added that the UN chief’s term will end on Dec 31 of this year, and said that the visit would “likely” take place before this. He noted that the programme for the visit would be released by the government and would take place “very soon” on the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “I think it will be a memorable visit,” Dar added. During the premier’s meeting with Guterres on the sidelines of the UNGA last week, the two exchanged views on major regional and international developments. The UN chief also commended Pakistan’s role in the Middle East peace process, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
DPM Dar says committee under Makkah defence pact to meet in Riyadh 'soon'DPM Dar says committee under Makkah pact to meet in Riyadh 'soon'
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that a meeting of the Strategic Political Defence Committee (SPDC) would take place in Riyadh “soon”. The deputy premier was addressing a press briefing regarding the Pakistan delegation’s engagements at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York in September, as well as high-level meetings that took place on its sidelines. “We made a plan because all three of us countries were present (in New York),” Dar said, referring to himself, Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The SPDC, established under the trilateral Makkah Accord, comprised of three members from each country, he noted: the foreign ministers, defence ministers and chiefs of army staff. On Sept 25, a special meeting took place of the three army chiefs in Riyadh, he said, adding that the foreign ministers had met before this in New York, on Sept 24, in the wake of increased Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. “Very soon, a meeting of the whole SPDC … has been agreed to in principle, to take place in Riyadh,” the deputy premier said, noting that the current situation and “ground reality” would be examined during the meeting, particularly vis-a-vis Saudi Arabia. He added that details of the meeting would be shared after it took place. Responding to a question, DPM Dar said that this upcoming meeting was an emergency one, and the committee would meet again as planned after “the end of October or beginning of November”, when its work was expected to be completed. UN chief to visit Pakistan before end of tenure During the briefing, the foreign minister also said that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres would visit Pakistan “soon”, likely before the end of his tenure. He said that the UN chief held a meeting with the Pakistan delegation at the UNGA session, highlighting that “We have invited him to Pakistan and the UN secretary general has accepted”. Calling Guterres a great supporter of Pakistan, the deputy premier recalled the “unforgettable” role he played in aiding the country through calamities. He added that the UN chief’s term will end on Dec 31 of this year, and said that the visit would “likely” take place before this. He noted that the programme for the visit would be released by the government and would take place “very soon” on the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “I think it will be a memorable visit,” Dar added. More to follow
First round of talks between govt, opposition end as PTI’s Oct 4 protest looms over federal capital
The first round of talks between the PTI-led opposition and the ruling coalition over the party’s proposed Oct 4 long march concluded on Friday, with both sides agreeing to resume the dialogue on Saturday. The meeting between government and opposition representatives was held to defuse the current political crisis in the country, with the PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march to demand party founder Imran Khan’s release becoming the new bone of contention between the party and the Centre. As the PTI remains resolute to go ahead with the march, federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no other option but to impose the governor’s rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in light of the security situation in the province and the PTI’s protest call. For its part, the opposition party has warned the government of dire consequences if such a decision is imposed. In a post on X, the Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Aain Pakistan (TTAP) said negotiations with the government’s committee were underway, with the opposition led by the leader of the opposition in the Senate. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Adviser to the PM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman and PPP MNAs Naveed Qamar and Aijaz Jakhrani are expected to participate from the coalition’s side. From the opposition’s side, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, TTAP spokesperson Akhundzada Yousafzai, Senate opposition leader Abbas and former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar and Haleem Adil Sheikh are among those attending. A day earlier, it emerged that a joint delegation of the PPP and the government would hold a meeting with the PTI leadership on Friday, during which the “current political situation” in the country would be discussed with the opposition. The decision came after a meeting at the presidency attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and other party leaders. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah also said on Thursday that the federal government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” regarding PTI’s planned protest. Sanaullah said that the decision on the proposed march rested with PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” he warned. More to follow.
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrow4 Pakistani crew members from hijacked oil tanker to arrive in Karachi tomorrow: DPM Dar
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that four of the 10 Pakistani crew members of MT Honour 25, an oil tanker hijacked by Somali pirates, had been “safely retrieved” and were scheduled to arrive in Karachi on Oct 3. The four crew members — Yasir Khan, Aqeel Khan, Amin bin Shams and Usman Ghani — were retrieved following “sustained efforts” by the Foreign Office (FO) and Pakistan’s embassy in Djibouti, Dar said. Meanwhile, the “mortal remains” of three Pakistani crew members — Rafi Ullah Khan, Syed Kashif Umer and Mahmood Ahmed Ansari — who “tragically” lost their lives were also being repatriated to Pakistan. “All necessary legal and other formalities [were] being fast-tracked to expedite the process,” Dar said, adding: “My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families, who are going through a deeply painful time.” The remaining three Pakistani crew members — Imran Ali, Yasin Muhammad and Syed Yousuf Hussain — remain aboard the vessel, along with the captain, Dar said. “We are actively coordinating with our friendly countries to facilitate their safe extraction and earliest possible return to Pakistan,” he said. Dar said the Foreign Affairs Ministry, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, “remains fully seized of the matter” and was continuously making every effort to ensure the return of all Pakistani nationals, including the bodies of the deceased, at the earliest. The ministry, he added, would continue extending “all possible support” to the affected families. Armed pirates hijacked the oil tanker off the southeastern coast of Somalia on April 21. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi had said the vessel, which was transporting oil to Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region, had 17 crew members on board, including 10 Pakistanis. Somali maritime police on Sept 29 had recovered the Palau-flagged oil tanker amid reports of casualties among the crew. “The naval and ground units of the Puntland Maritime Police Force conducted a planned operation in the Dharin-Bar area of Bandar Beyla district,” the maritime police had said in its initial statement. In another statement, it announced that the operation had concluded and the recovered vessel “is now safe and under the Puntland government’s control”. During the operation, it said, 21 suspected pirates were apprehended, while operations to locate the remaining members continue. “Before the operation begun, the pirates on board the ship killed five of the crew. Among those killed were three from Pakistan, one from Myanmar and one from India,” it said. Reuters earlier reported, citing Puntland’s state television, that the detained pirates would be brought to court.
PM Shehbaz met Trump at reception banquet on UNGA sidelines
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met United States President Donald Trump during the reception banquet hosted by the latter in honour of world leaders, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York last month, according to details released by the Press Information Department (PID) on Thursday. The PID shared photographs, released by the White House, of the two leaders standing together, smiling and shaking hands. No further details about the interaction were provided. The UNGA debate ran from Sept 22 to 26, with a final sitting on Sept 28. PM Shehbaz addressed the session on Sept 25 and was also mentioned by US President Donald Trump in his speech, who called him a “terrific man”. The premier also held bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA with world leaders, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The premier’s official visit to New York, him meeting Trump and his participation in the UNGA debate came as Pakistan plays the role of a mediator for de-escalation between the US and Iran. More to follow
Govt raises petrol price by Rs3.26 per litre, reduces high-speed diesel rate by Rs1.01 per litre
The government on Thursday raised the price of petrol by Rs3.26 per litre, but reduced that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs1.01 per litre. Following the revision, petrol will retail at Rs390.66 per litre, while HSD will cost Rs399.34 per litre. The government continues to levy Rs114 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel. According to the Petroleum Division’s notification, the new prices are applicable for Oct 2 (Friday). The price of HSD has come down from a peak of Rs520.35 recorded on April 3. Its price had started rising from Rs281 per litre after the US-Iran war broke out on February 28. The petrol price had peaked at Rs458.41 on April 3 after beginning its upward trajectory from Rs266 in the first week of March. Meanwhile, the government has reintroduced a raft of austerity measures in response to rising fuel prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Under these measures, markets are required to close by 9pm and fuel allocations for official vehicles has been cut by 50 per cent for three months. On September 13, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced a “relief scheme” for users of motorcycles, autos and vehicles of up to 800cc to “alleviate the burden” of rising global oil prices. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sept 29 appreciated the success of the scheme, saying that it reflected a “whole of government” approach. Chairing a meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy to review the implementation of the scheme, the deputy premier noted that the information, IT and petroleum ministries, as well as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and all provinces, had made “concerted” efforts for the scheme. It was noted that to date, around 7.60 million registrations have been successfully made, and the token redemption process has entered the second week. Moreover, 7.71m tokens have been redeemed. Previously, on July 17, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced that fuel prices would now be fixed on a daily basis due to fluctuations in international market prices following renewed hostilities between Iran and the US. Prior to this, the government had been announcing weekly revisions to fuel prices since early March, alongside measures for the conservation of fuel amid possible oil supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The federal government in April also announced targeted relief measures to provide subsidised fuel. The petroleum minister stated that the cabinet and the prime minister had decided to give the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) the responsibility of deciding fuel prices on a daily basis based on international market trends. Petrol is mainly used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws and two-wheelers, and changes in its price affect the middle and lower-middle classes. Similarly, changes in diesel prices also impact the public at large, as it is mainly used in the heavy transport sector, power plants and large generators. Petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) are the major revenue earners, with monthly sales of about 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes, compared to just 10,000 tonnes of monthly demand for kerosene.
PPP to join govt representatives as Shehbaz-Zardari meeting yields Friday talks with opposition
A joint delegation of the PPP and the government would hold a meeting with the PTI leadership on Friday, identical statements released by the PPP and the Presidency said. The decision was taken after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad. PTI Chairperson Barrister Gohar Khan also confirmed that a meeting between opposition and government representatives would be held on Friday. “PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan received a message from the government yesterday for a meeting, which he has accepted in light of the decisions made in today’s opposition meeting. God willing, a meeting will take place between the opposition and government delegations in the office of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq tomorrow at 12pm,” he post on Gohar’s X account said. His announcement came after a separate meeting between PTI and opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan leaders in the Senate opposition leader’s chamber. Apart from Gohar, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, NA Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser, NA Chief Whip Aamer Mahmood Kamboh and TTAP spokesperson Akhundzada Yousufzai, among others, attended the meeting. Discussion at the meeting covered the overall political situation in the country, PTI’s planned protest march and other constitutional and parliamentary matters, a statement by opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) said. Following the meeting, Achakzai ruled out his participation at any meeting in the speaker’s chamber. A list of prospective opposition leaders who are to participate in the meeting also did not include his name. Yousufzai told Dawn that he, Abbas and Khokhar would represent the TTAP. A senior TTAP leader further told Dawn that even Abbas was unwilling to visit the speaker’s chamber for the meeting but had agreed to participate at the PTI’s request. The possibility of a meeting between government and opposition representative is being seen as a means to defuse the current political crisis in the country, with the PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march to demand Imran’s release becoming the new bone of contention between the party and the Centre. As the PTI remains resolute to go ahead with the march, federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no other option but to impose the governor’s rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — where Imran’s party is in the government — in light of the security situation in the province and the PTI’s protest call on Oct 4. For its part, the opposition party has warned the government of dire consequences if such a decision is imposed. The TTAP, which is headed by Achakzai and also includes the PTI, has announced that it would join the protest. ‘Anywhere but not at PM Office, speaker’s chamber’ Earlier in the day, Achakzai said he was not ready to hold parleys at the Prime Minister’s House or Office or the Speaker’s Chamber. “The prime minister is illegitimate. The mandate of millions of Pakistanis … Harsh words are rising to my lips; that is why I am silent. “I am ready to sit anywhere in Pakistan, under any tree. I am ready to visit the house of any party [leader]. But I will not go to the speaker house [sic], the Prime Minister’s House or the prime minister’s chamber,” he said while speaking to the media at Parliament House after the opposition leaders’ meeting, standing alongside Gohar. Achakzai’s remarks were in response to a question about the prime minister’s adviser, Rana Sanaullah, inviting him and PTI Chairperson Barrister Gohar to hold a sitting with the premier. The reporter asked him why the meeting was not taking place. In a video clip shared by the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), Achakzai also said the meeting with the prime minister would take place after a meeting with jailed former premier and PTI founder Imran Khan. PM Shehbaz had extended an invitation to the NA opposition leader to sit together for consultations on the issues of national importance and those related to the PTI before leaving for the US. Earlier, the premier also invited Achakzai on Sept 11 for mandatory consultation on the appointment of a new chief election commissioner. Gohar’s warning against imposition of emergency For his part, Barrister Gohar told the media that Raja, Qaiser and Dogar had held a three-hour meeting with Abbas and Achakzai in which they had a detailed exchange of views on the problems facing the country and the current situation, particularly in KP and regarding the march preparations. He condemned the “state oppression and tyranny” inflicted on the PTI and its supporters, as well as the detention and treatment of Imran’s sisters in jail. The PTI chairman claimed that attempts were made to suppress his party “whenever we raise our voice for our rights and for justice in the country”. Gohar also stressed that the party had “always stood with the state and the country”, including during the May 2025 conflict with India. Gohar added that the leaders had also discussed reports regarding the potential imposition of emergency and warned: “The federation becomes strong when the provinces are strong and autonomous, and when the people’s mandate is respected. You will put the federation at risk if you take any action in a province that goes against the will of its people.” He reiterated that the PTI’s march would remain peaceful, saying, “This is our country; for us, Pakistan comes first, the state of Pakistan and its peace and security.” The PTI chairman stated that the way to avoid a long march was not by the imposition of governor’s rule or a state of emergency, but rather by talking to protesters, listening to the purpose for which they were out on the streets, and addressing their concerns. “We went to the Supreme Court 19 times, but were not heard. We went to the high court 25 times but its orders were not implemented. A special committee was formed in Parliament, but a meeting was never called … Even today, the same concerns persist,” he said. Gohar stressed that despite all this, the party was ready for negotiations and had made their demands clear before everyone. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja also stressed that protesting was a constitutional and legal right, and the party would not back down from their protest. “The leader of the long march is Sohail Afridi; Imran Khan has appointed him. We will support him in every possible way,” he added. ‘Opposition ready for dialogue but without conditions’ Speaking to the media alongside Achakzai and Gohar after the meeting in his chamber, Senate Opposition Leader Abbas called for reconciliation and dialogue to resolve the country’s political crisis, saying his side was ready for talks, but without preconditions. He also stressed that the PTI’s protest would be peaceful even when met with violence, and that “no false narrative” should be created against the protest. “I have said before as well that when we leave from there, there will be no weapons in our hands,” he said. “We know the value of human life.” Abbas called for a move towards reconciliation and dialogue in order to improve the country’s situation. “We are fully prepared to hold dialogue and correct the situation, but this will be without any conditions. If anyone thinks that they will hold a dagger of conditions at our necks, then, such a thing will never be accepted,” he said. Regarding the proposed protest, Abbas said the PTI had “decided to adopt a democratic approach by staging peaceful protests and a long march”. He said the government should have “assured the protesters of the protection of their lives and property, provided them with facilities, and, while recognising the right to peaceful protest, designated the routes”. “But, on the contrary, what did the government do? Even before the protests began, containers were placed to seal Islamabad, roads were dug up and nails were hammered into the routes,” he said, claiming that this was the behaviour of “scared people”. Stressing that the Constitution guaranteed the rights of the Pakistani people, Abbas said peaceful protests, sit-ins and long marches were part of democratic politics. The opposition leader also criticised the reported arrests of PTI members under the Maintenance of Public Order law, terming it a completely “illegal practice”. On Imran, Abbas said, “The only personality who can take Pakistan out of the current crisis is Imran Khan, whom the people trust.” “He will go to Balochistan, where Akhtar Mengal and other leaders will be with him. He will sit with the people and talk to them and convince them. What you cannot do through the force of bullets can be done through dialogue because the people trust him,” he added. ‘Off-the-record talks’ In the morning, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said that the federal government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” regarding PTI’s planned protest on Oct 4. Sanaullah made the remarks while appearing in Geo News’ morning show “Geo Pakistan”. Sanaullah said that the decision on the proposed march rested with PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” Sanaullah warned. He likened the PTI’s march to a “provincial government attacking the capital” in an apparent reference to the PTI-led government in KP. “If a political party or a private organisation stages a protest, […] but for a government to attack […] it cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” he held. “The law will be enacted in full force, and they (PTI) will be barred from entering Islamabad,” he added. Responding to a question about governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sanaullah on Thursday said that the option was “on the table”. Sanaullah further clarified that the federal government was in talks with coalition parties about imposing governor’s rule in KP. He added that the final decision rested upon the federal government and the Senate, adding that it would only come into effect with parliament’s approval. Sanaullah alleged that the KP chief minister had not been performing his functions as the province’s chief executive. “For the past two months, he has not done anything, nothing about development or counter-terrorism efforts or for the welfare of people […] in fact, all he has done is talk about marching to Islamabad and toppling the federal government. “They want to take ladders to Islamabad to secure the release of a certain someone,” he added. Sanaullah reiterated that if a province is “engaged in such illegal and unconstitutional activities, then the Centre has the right to declare emergency or governor rule and assume power”. Additional reporting by Ikram Junaidi
Barrister Gohar says opposition, govt representatives to hold meeting tomorrow'Everything necessary will be done': Military spokesman reaffirms Pakistan's right to self-defence against Afghanistan-based terrorism
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Thursday that Pakistan had the right to self-defence and “everything that is necessary will be done” in response to terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. His assertion came during a press briefing that was mainly focused on rebutting Indian media reports that an individual wanted in connection with the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack last year had been killed during an “encounter” in occupied Kashmir. When asked about terrorism and attacks from Afghanistan, the military’s spokesperson said: “Our policy is very clear that there is no compromise on the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and any threat to the security and stability of Pakistan. “Pakistan has a right to self-defence, and come what may, everything that is necessary will be done. I hope that gives you an idea as far as the perspective of the armed forces is concerned.” “What we will do and when we will do (it) with the Afghan Taliban regime is up to us to decide,” the DG ISPR said in response to a question regarding the recent increase in strikes on Afghanistan. “They have made their choice of abetting and sponsoring terrorism.” He added that the question that should be asked by the international media was where Bashir Zeb — “an international terrorist of an internationally recognised terrorist organisation” — and Noor Wali, “the khariji”, were. “Why are there Afghans who are part of the formations coming and exploding here? What is Afghanistan doing about it? That is the relevant question,” he said. The spokesperson added that to safeguard Pakistan’s citizens, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, “whatever needs to be done, we will do it”. More to follow
'Everything necessary will be done': Military spokesman reaffirms Pakistan's right to self-defence against Afghanistan-based terrorismFight against terrorism is 'paramount', cannot be 'sacrificed at altar of anyone’s politics': army spokesperson
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Thursday declared that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism was “paramount” and could not be “sacrificed at the altar of anyone’s politics”. He was addressing a press conference to rebut India’s claims of neutralising an individual linked to the Pakistan Army in an “encounter” in the Korag area of India-occupied Kashmir. Taking on a question regarding political leaders in Pakistan who advocated for negotiating with the Afghan Taliban over terrorism, he said different people could have different thoughts on how to counter the menace. “There is no problem in it. We need to discuss, and we need to come, and we need to say that yes, this is how we need to go forward and fight this.” The military spokesperson maintained that the fight against terrorism was an “enduring fight, and this has to be won”. “We will win it,” he asserted, saying there was no other choice. The DG ISPR said Pakistan was the “largest victim of terrorism” as it had been battling it for more than two decades and had lost more than 100,000 people in the process, besides facing economic losses. “More than this, our political and social fabric has suffered badly.” He recalled that as a result of the debate surrounding Pakistan’s counter-terror fight, the political leadership drafted the National Action Plan (NAP), then revised it, and finally came up with the ‘Azm-i-Istehkam’ vision. “These are the agreed consensual documents. You all and politicians have drafted them. Then follow them,” he emphasised. Replying to the query, he said: “If there is terrorism in the region and if you create confusion in its narrative and don’t do capacity building, then the question comes: is this behaviour only incompetence, lack of understanding, indifference or willful collusion? “These questions will arise because for us, the most important thing is: politics exists if the state does, democracy exists if the state does, you and I exist if the state does.” Lt Gen Chaudhry said that Pakistan had an “existential threat from Indian-sponsored terrorism”. He highlighted that the country’s police, intelligence, soldiers, and officers were fighting this war against terrorism on a daily basis. “But then the other stakeholders, if they are not coming up, then the question is: why are you not fighting it? Why are you not standing [against it]? Are you doing it because you are a coward? Are you doing it because you are complicit?” He further remarked that it was up to the people and government of Pakistan to “realise that”. “This fight against terrorism is paramount. This cannot stop, this cannot be compromised, this cannot be sacrificed at the altar of anyone’s politics,” he asserted. To another question regarding the PTI’s planned march to Islamabad on Oct 4, the DG ISPR said, “The army has got nothing to do with politics, and we will not answer anything about politics. “I have made it repeatedly clear. Politics is for the political parties.”
'Everything that is necessary will be done': DG ISPR asserts right to self-defence against terrorism from Afghanistan
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Thursday that Pakistan had the right to self-defence and “everything that is necessary will be done” in response to terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. His assertion came during a press briefing that was mainly focused on rebutting Indian media reports that an individual wanted in connection with the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack last year had been killed during an “encounter” in occupied Kashmir. When asked about terrorism and attacks from Afghanistan, the military’s spokesperson said: “Our policy is very clear that there is no compromise on the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and any threat to the security and stability of Pakistan. “Pakistan has a right to self-defence, and come what may, everything that is necessary will be done. I hope that gives you an idea as far as the perspective of the armed forces is concerned.” More to follow
Fight against terrorism is 'paramount', cannot be 'sacrificed at altar of anyone’s politics': DG ISPR
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Thursday declared that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism was “paramount” and could not be “sacrificed at the altar of anyone’s politics”. He was addressing a press conference to rebut India’s claims of neutralising an individual linked to the Pakistan Army in an “encounter” in the Korag area of India-occupied Kashmir. Taking on a question regarding political leaders in Pakistan who advocated for negotiating with the Afghan Taliban over terrorism, he said different people could have different thoughts on how to counter the menace. “There is no problem in it. We need to discuss, and we need to come, and we need to say that yes, this is how we need to go forward and fight this.” The military spokesperson maintained that the fight against terrorism was an “enduring fight, and this has to be won”. “We will win it,” he asserted, saying there was no other choice. The DG ISPR said Pakistan was the “largest victim of terrorism” as it had been battling it for more than two decades and had lost more than 100,000 people in the process, besides facing economic losses. “More than this, our political and social fabric has suffered badly.” He recalled that as a result of the debate surrounding Pakistan’s counter-terror fight, the political leadership drafted the National Action Plan (NAP), then revised it, and finally came up with the ‘Azm-i-Istehkam’ vision. “These are the agreed consensual documents. You all and politicians have drafted them. Then follow them,” he emphasised. Replying to the query, he said: “If there is terrorism in the region and if you create confusion in its narrative and don’t do capacity building, then the question comes: is this behaviour only incompetence, lack of understanding, indifference or willful collusion? “These questions will arise because for us, the most important thing is: politics exists if the state does, democracy exists if the state does, you and I exist if the state does.” Lt Gen Chaudhry said that Pakistan had an “existential threat from Indian-sponsored terrorism”. He highlighted that the country’s police, intelligence, soldiers, and officers were fighting this war against terrorism on a daily basis. “But then the other stakeholders, if they are not coming up, then the question is: why are you not fighting it? Why are you not standing [against it]? Are you doing it because you are a coward? Are you doing it because you are complicit?” He further remarked that it was up to the people and government of Pakistan to “realise that”. “This fight against terrorism is paramount. This cannot stop, this cannot be compromised, this cannot be sacrificed at the altar of anyone’s politics,” he asserted. To another question regarding the PTI’s planned march to Islamabad on Oct 4, the DG ISPR said, “The army has got nothing to do with politics, and we will not answer anything about politics. “I have made it repeatedly clear. Politics is for the political parties.”
'No delaying tactics will be accepted': JI warns of resuming march to Islamabad if fuel levy not abolished
LAHORE: The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) on Thursday warned that it would resume its long march to Islamabad with greater force if the government failed to abolish the petroleum levy, saying that the party was not bound by any commitment to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The government is collecting Rs114 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel. The JI had postponed the march, calling for an end to the petroleum levy, just a day after it began on Sept 21 at the PM’s, pending a meeting with him. The prime minister had left for the United Nations General Assembly session soon after the development and returned earlier this week. But no meeting of him with JI leaders has taken place so far. Addressing a press conference at JI’s Mansoorah headquarters in Lahore, party chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said: “The prime minister may or may not talk to us. We are only concerned with relief for the people through the withdrawal of around Rs135 per litre petroleum levy and other taxes.” Rehman said the JI campaign against the levy would continue and warned that the long march would begin from Multan if the government did not abolish the levy. “Caravans from across the country will head towards Islamabad,” he said, adding that public meetings were being held in different cities and a signature campaign was also under way. The JI, he said, would collect more than 20 million signatures against the levy. “PM Shehbaz Sharif has returned to the country. Let’s see what relief he provides. No delaying tactics will be accepted,” he asserted. The JI chief rejected the government’s argument that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme prevented it from abolishing the levy. He alleged that the government was passing the burden of the Federal Board of Revenue’s inefficiency on to ordinary citizens while giving assurances to the IMF to meet revenue targets. He also criticised what he described as excessive government spending, questioning the purchase of an aircraft by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the plan to buy bulletproof vehicles worth billions of rupees for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation conference next year. He asked what would happen to the vehicles after the conference. Rehman accused the government of burdening consumers with fuel adjustment charges while paying billions of rupees to independent power producers in capacity payments. The JI chief also condemned the killing of three Pakistanis by pirates during an operation by Somali security forces. He said the JI had raised its voice at every forum for the release of Pakistani hostages and alleged that the government had failed to play an effective role. “It is extremely shameful and regrettable that the government did not play its role in this matter,” he said, demanding that the bodies of the deceased Pakistanis be brought back home and financial assistance provided to their families. On the political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rehman opposed reports of possible governor’s rule or emergency in the province. He warned that any “unconstitutional action or use of force” would further worsen the situation and alienate the people in the province. He called for dialogue with the PTI, saying that if the government was in a difficult situation, it should opt for negotiations. “The JI is also ready to play a role in this regard,” he said, claiming that the party was in contact with PTI leaders and recognised their right to peaceful protest. The party has been staging regular sit-ins in Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and dozens of other locations across the country since August 16 to protest the levy but has postponed the march to Islamabad.
'No delaying tactics will be accepted': JI warns of resuming march to Islamabad if fuel levy not abolishedReady to sit under any tree but no talks at PM House, Office or speaker's chamber, says Achakzai
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai did not explicitly rule out talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday but said he was not ready to hold parleys at the Prime Minister’s House or Office or the speaker’s chamber. “The prime minister is illegitimate. The mandate of millions of Pakistanis — harsh words are rising to my lips; that is why I am silent. “I am ready to sit anywhere in Pakistan, under any tree. I am ready to visit to house of any party [leader]. But I will not go to the speaker house [sic], the Prime Minister’s House or the prime minister’s chamber,” he said while speaking to the media at Parliament House after a meeting of the opposition leaders. Achakzai’s remarks were in response to a question about PM’s adviser, Rana Sanaullah, inviting him and PTI Chairperson Barrister Gohar to hold a sitting with the premier. The reporter asked him why the meeting was not taking place. In a video clip shared by opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), Achakzai also said the meeting with the prime minister would take place after a meeting with jailed former premier and PTI founder Imran Khan. The possibility of a meeting between the PM and Achakzai is being seen as a means to defuse the current crisis political crisis in the country, with the PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march to demand Imran’s release becoming the new bone of contention between the party and the Centre. The TTAP, which is headed by Achakzai and also includes the PTI, has announced that it would join the protest. And as the PTI remains resolute to go ahead with the march, federal ministers have warned that the Centre would have no other option but to impose the governor’s rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — where Imran’s party is in the government — in light of the security situation in the province and the PTI’s protest call on Oct 4. For its part, the opposition party has warned the government of dire consequences if such a decision is imposed. PM Shehbaz had also extended an invitation to the NA opposition leader to sit together for consultations on the issues of national importance and those related to the PTI before leaving for the US. Earlier, the premier also invited Achakzai on Sept 11 for mandatory consultation on the appointment of a new chief election commissioner. Opposition leaders’ meeting Achakzai and other opposition leaders held a meeting in the Senate opposition leader’s chamber earlier in the day. ‘Off-the-record talks’ In the morning, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said that the federal government and PTI were engaged in “off-the-record talks” regarding PTI’s planned protest on October 4. Sanaullah made the remarks while appearing in Geo News’ morning show “Geo Pakistan”. Sanaullah said that the decision on the proposed march rested with PTI’s senior leadership, “with whom off-the-record consultation is ongoing”. “So let us see, even if they do not postpone it, we have arrangements in place to stop them,” Sanaullah warned. He likened the PTI’s march to a “provincial government attacking the capital” in an apparent reference to the PTI-led government in KP. “If a political party or a private organisation stages a protest, [..] but for a government to attack [..] it cannot be tolerated under any circumstances,” he held. “The law will be enacted in full force, and they (PTI) will be barred from entering Islamabad,” he added. Responding to a question about governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sanaullah on Thursday said that the option was “on the table”. Sanaullah further clarified that the federal government was in talks with coalition parties about imposing governor’s rule in KP. He added that the final decision rested upon the federal government and the Senate, adding that it would only come into effect with parliament’s approval. Sanaullah alleged that the KP CM had not been performing his functions as the province’s chief executive. “For the past two months, he has not done anything, nothing about development or counter-terrorism efforts or for the welfare of people [..] in fact, all he has done is talk about marching to Islamabad and toppling the federal government. “They want to take ladders to Islamabad to secure the release of a certain someone,” he added. Sanaullah reiterated that if a province is “engaged in such illegal and unconstitutional activities, then the Centre has the right to declare emergency or governor rule and assume power”.
‘Why the need for all this drama’: DG ISPR lampoons India's 'neutralised Pakistani terrorist' claims, presents him before media
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry lampooned India’s claims of “neutralising” a “terrorist“allegedly linked to the Pakistani military, presenting the individual during a press conference on Thursday. The press conference comes after Indian media reported that an individual wanted in connection with the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack last year had been killed during an “encounter” in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir’s Korag area. The military spokesperson began his media briefing by stating that he would provide details about “another false-flag” operation by India. Addressing the media, DG ISPR said he would talk “about a so-called terrorist incident, a false flag that has been staged by the Indian political military”. He presented a five-point timeline, showing that the whole scenario began on Sept 29. “On the night of Sep 29, the Indian corps deployed in IIOK made a tweet, claiming that, based on joint intelligence reports, the Indian Army, police and CRPF launched an operation in general area of Korag, Yousmarg,” he read from a social media post by Chinar Corps. The DG ISPR then referred to another post by Chinar Corps on Sept 20 morning that claimed the Indian forces had found the body of a “Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist”. The military spokesperson noted that later, India’s ANI news outlet claimed that the deceased had been identified as Mohammad Asif, who had been inducted into the Special Services Group (SSG). The DG ISPR went on to say that India’s Indian Home Affairs and Press Information Bureau also reiterated the supposed details. The Indian PIB said the neutralisation of “Musa alias Asif Fauji” was part of an “ongoing long-sustained Operation Sheruwali” that was launched in May. “After six months of hard work, Musa alias Asif Fauji has been neutralised. Congratulations, applause,” Lt Gen Chaudhry quipped sarcastically. He then read out India’s claims of Asif’s alleged involvement in various attacks, including Halan attack August 23, DKG attack December 23, Kandi attack May 2023, Shah Sitar attack May 2024, Shiv Khori attack June 2024, Gagangeer attack October 2024, Boota Pahari attack October 2024, and Basira attack April 2025. The DG ISPR then noted that the Indian government also claimed to have neutralised three other “members of the group”. “After this [press conference], the shameful characters will have at least the shame to delete this,” he remarked. The DG ISPR then called Asif to join him during the presser, who said he was a resident of Attock district. He narrated: “Yesterday, some friends called me and told me there were reports on social media that I had been martyred by the Indian army in Kashmir. “To their concerns, I responded that I was here, alive and healthy.” Asif said he also received calls from the Indian numbers, asking him for his personal information, identity and whereabouts and his connection with the claims. “Through ANI on social media, I became aware of the reports that Indian media, using my personal data, had named me as a martyr in an operation in Kashmir,” Asif said. Indian claims Indian media had claimed that the supposedly slain individual was affiliated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and a soldier of the Pakistan military. The claim, attributed to “sources”, named the individual as Mohammad Asif. It may be recalled that Indian media and authorities have made several allegations regarding Pakistani involvement in the April Pahalgam incident in the past, but failed to substantiate them. The Pakistan government and security forces have yet to respond to this most recent allegation. “Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa was born on 07 March 1980. He joined the Pakistan Army in 2000 under service number PA-3106947 and retired with the rank of Havildar,” India’s Asian News International (ANI) reported on Thursday. It also provided a detailed profile of the slain man. “In 2005, Mohammad Asif was inducted into the Special Services Group (SSG). He served with 4 Commando ‘Yalgar’ Battalion and was posted to Balochistan from 2006 onward. During his deployment in Balochistan, he reportedly participated in approximately 10 operations against Baloch insurgents and is credited with 13 personal kills,” the ANI news report stated, adding that Asif was also part of the security detail of former president Pervez Musharraf. It was stated by ANI that Asif was “wanted in the Pahalgam terror attack”, and the claim was repeated by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps — part of the Northern Command and headquartered in occupied Kashmir. The corps primary area of responsibility is the Kashmir area of operations. In May 2025, a four-day conflict between Pakistan and India was sparked by an attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which New Delhi, without evidence, linked to Pakistan. Islamabad had strongly denied responsibility while calling for a neutral investigation. After New Delhi launched deadly air strikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir on May 7, Pakistan said it downed at least six Indian aircraft in air-to-air combat, later raising the tally to eight. After tit-for-tat strikes on each other’s airbases, it took American intervention on May 10 for both sides to finally reach a ceasefire. During that conflict, Indian media had been heavily criticised for beating the war drums and regurgitating fake news fed by Indian government sources. Many mainstream Indian channels had also aired inflammatory anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim content. India’s ranking in the Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index has deteriorated sharply over the past decade. The country ranked 122nd in 2010 but fell to 157th out of 180 countries in 2026. In April, on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan had rejected a renewed Indian propaganda campaign linking it to the attack, deploring that the neighbouring country was focusing on “weaponising its false narrative” in the midst of a regional crisis sparked by the US-Israel war on Iran.
DG ISPR addresses media on 'another false-flag' by India‘Why the need for all this drama’: DG ISPR lampoons Indian military's false-flag claims, presents 'neutralised terrorist' in press conference
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry lampooned India’s claims of “neutralising” a “terrorist“allegedly linked to the Pakistani military, presenting the individual during a press conference on Thursday. The press conference comes after Indian media reported that an individual wanted in connection with the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack last year had been killed during an “encounter” in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir’s Korag area. The military spokesperson began his media briefing by stating that he would provide details about “another false-flag” operation by India. Addressing the media, DG ISPR said he would talk “about a so-called terrorist incident, a false flag that has been staged by the Indian political military”. He presented a five-point timeline, showing that the whole scenario began on Sept 29. “On the night of Sep 29, the Indian corps deployed in IIOK made a tweet, claiming that, based on joint intelligence reports, the Indian Army, police and CRPF launched an operation in general area of Korag, Yousmarg,” he read from a social media post by Chinar Corps. The DG ISPR then referred to another post by Chinar Corps on Sept 20 morning that claimed the Indian forces had found the body of a “Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist”. The military spokesperson noted that later, India’s ANI news outlet claimed that the deceased had been identified as Mohammad Asif, who had been inducted into the Special Services Group (SSG). The DG ISPR went on to say that India’s Indian Home Affairs and Press Information Bureau also reiterated the supposed details. The Indian PIB said the neutralisation of “Musa alias Asif Fauji” was part of an “ongoing long-sustained Operation Sheruwali” that was launched in May. “After six months of hard work, Musa alias Asif Fauji has been neutralised. Congratulations, applause,” Lt Gen Chaudhry quipped sarcastically. He then read out India’s claims of Asif’s alleged involvement in various attacks, including Halan attack August 23, DKG attack December 23, Kandi attack May 2023, Shah Sitar attack May 2024, Shiv Khori attack June 2024, Gagangeer attack October 2024, Boota Pahari attack October 2024, and Basira attack April 2025. The DG ISPR then noted that Indian government also claimed to have neutralised three other “members of the group”. “After this [press conference], the shameful characters will have at least the shame to delete this,” he remarked. Indian claims Indian media had claimed that the supposedly slain individual was affiliated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and a soldier of the Pakistan military. The claim, attributed to “sources”, named the individual as Mohammad Asif. It may be recalled that Indian media and authorities have made several allegations regarding Pakistani involvement in the April Pahalgam incident in the past, but failed to substantiate them. The Pakistan government and security forces have yet to respond to this most recent allegation. “Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa was born on 07 March 1980. He joined the Pakistan Army in 2000 under service number PA-3106947 and retired with the rank of Havildar,” India’s Asian News International (ANI) reported on Thursday. It also provided a detailed profile of the slain man. “In 2005, Mohammad Asif was inducted into the Special Services Group (SSG). He served with 4 Commando ‘Yalgar’ Battalion and was posted to Balochistan from 2006 onward. During his deployment in Balochistan, he reportedly participated in approximately 10 operations against Baloch insurgents and is credited with 13 personal kills,” the ANI news report stated, adding that Asif was also part of the security detail of former president Pervez Musharraf. It was stated by ANI that Asif was “wanted in the Pahalgam terror attack”, and the claim was repeated by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps — part of the Northern Command and headquartered in occupied Kashmir. The corps primary area of responsibility is the Kashmir area of operations. In May 2025, a four-day conflict between Pakistan and India was sparked by an attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which New Delhi, without evidence, linked to Pakistan. Islamabad had strongly denied responsibility while calling for a neutral investigation. After New Delhi launched deadly air strikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir on May 7, Pakistan said it downed at least six Indian aircraft in air-to-air combat, later raising the tally to eight. After tit-for-tat strikes on each other’s airbases, it took American intervention on May 10 for both sides to finally reach a ceasefire. During that conflict, Indian media had been heavily criticised for beating the war drums and regurgitating fake news fed by Indian government sources. Many mainstream Indian channels had also aired inflammatory anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim content. India’s ranking in the Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index has deteriorated sharply over the past decade. The country ranked 122nd in 2010 but fell to 157th out of 180 countries in 2026. In April, on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan had rejected a renewed Indian propaganda campaign linking it to the attack, deploring that the neighbouring country was focusing on “weaponising its false narrative” in the midst of a regional crisis sparked by the US-Israel war on Iran.
DG ISPR addresses media on 'another false-flag' by IndiaDG ISPR lampoons Indian military's false-flag claims, presents 'neutralised terrorist' in press conference
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry is currently speaking about “another false-flag” operation by India. The press conference comes after Indian media reported that an individual wanted in connection with the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack last year had been killed during an “encounter” in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir’s Korag area. Addressing the media, DG ISPR said he would talk “about a so-called terrorist incident, a false flag that has been staged by the Indian political military”. He presented a five-point timeline, showing that the whole scenario began on Sept 29. “On the night of Sep 29, the Indian corps deployed in IIOK made a tweet, claiming that, based on joint intelligence reports, the Indian Army, police and CRPF launched an operation in general area of Korag, Yousmarg,” he read from a social media post by Chinar Corps. The DG ISPR then referred to another post by Chinar Corps on Sept 20 morning that claimed the Indian forces had found the body of a “Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist”. The military spokesperson noted that later, India’s ANI news outlet claimed that the deceased had been identified as Mohammad Asif, who had been inducted into the Special Services Group (SSG). The DG ISPR went on to say that India’s Indian Home Affairs and Press Information Bureau also reiterated the supposed details. Indian claims Indian media had claimed that the supposedly slain individual was affiliated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and a soldier of the Pakistan military. The claim, attributed to “sources”, named the individual as Mohammad Asif. It may be recalled that Indian media and authorities have made several allegations regarding Pakistani involvement in the April Pahalgam incident in the past, but failed to substantiate them. The Pakistan government and security forces have yet to respond to this most recent allegation. “Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa was born on 07 March 1980. He joined the Pakistan Army in 2000 under service number PA-3106947 and retired with the rank of Havildar,” India’s Asian News International (ANI) reported on Thursday. It also provided a detailed profile of the slain man. “In 2005, Mohammad Asif was inducted into the Special Services Group (SSG). He served with 4 Commando ‘Yalgar’ Battalion and was posted to Balochistan from 2006 onward. During his deployment in Balochistan, he reportedly participated in approximately 10 operations against Baloch insurgents and is credited with 13 personal kills,” the ANI news report stated, adding that Asif was also part of the security detail of former president Pervez Musharraf. It was stated by ANI that Asif was “wanted in the Pahalgam terror attack”, and the claim was repeated by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps — part of the Northern Command and headquartered in occupied Kashmir. The corps primary area of responsibility is the Kashmir area of operations. In May 2025, a four-day conflict between Pakistan and India was sparked by an attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which New Delhi, without evidence, linked to Pakistan. Islamabad had strongly denied responsibility while calling for a neutral investigation. After New Delhi launched deadly air strikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir on May 7, Pakistan said it downed at least six Indian aircraft in air-to-air combat, later raising the tally to eight. After tit-for-tat strikes on each other’s airbases, it took American intervention on May 10 for both sides to finally reach a ceasefire. During that conflict, Indian media had been heavily criticised for beating the war drums and regurgitating fake news fed by Indian government sources. Many mainstream Indian channels had also aired inflammatory anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim content. India’s ranking in the Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index has deteriorated sharply over the past decade. The country ranked 122nd in 2010 but fell to 157th out of 180 countries in 2026. In April, on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan had rejected a renewed Indian propaganda campaign linking it to the attack, deploring that the neighbouring country was focusing on “weaponising its false narrative” in the midst of a regional crisis sparked by the US-Israel war on Iran.
DG ISPR addresses media on 'another false-flag' by IndiaDG ISPR addresses media on 'another false-flag' by India
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry is currently speaking about “another false-flag” operation by India. The press conference comes after Indian media reported that an individual wanted in connection with the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack last year had been killed during an “encounter” in Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir’s Korag area. Addressing the media, DG ISPR said he would talk “about a so-called terrorist incident, a false flag that has been staged by the Indian political military”. Indian media had claimed that the supposedly slain individual was affiliated with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and a soldier of the Pakistan military. The claim, attributed to “sources”, named the individual as Mohammad Asif. It may be recalled that Indian media and authorities have made several allegations regarding Pakistani involvement in the April Pahalgam incident in the past, but failed to substantiate them. The Pakistan government and security forces have yet to respond to this most recent allegation. “Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa was born on 07 March 1980. He joined the Pakistan Army in 2000 under service number PA-3106947 and retired with the rank of Havildar,” India’s Asian News International (ANI) reported on Thursday. It also provided a detailed profile of the slain man. “In 2005, Mohammad Asif was inducted into the Special Services Group (SSG). He served with 4 Commando ‘Yalgar’ Battalion and was posted to Balochistan from 2006 onward. During his deployment in Balochistan, he reportedly participated in approximately 10 operations against Baloch insurgents and is credited with 13 personal kills,” the ANI news report stated, adding that Asif was also part of the security detail of former president Pervez Musharraf. It was state by ANI that Asif was “wanted in the Pahalgam terror attack”, and the claim was repeated by the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps — part of the Northern Command and headquartered in occupied Kashmir. The corps primary area of responsibility is the Kashmir area of operations. In May 2025, a four-day conflict between Pakistan and India was sparked by an attack on tourists in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which New Delhi, without evidence, linked to Pakistan. Islamabad had strongly denied responsibility while calling for a neutral investigation. After New Delhi launched deadly air strikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir on May 7, Pakistan said it downed at least six Indian aircraft in air-to-air combat, later raising the tally to eight. After tit-for-tat strikes on each other’s airbases, it took American intervention on May 10 for both sides to finally reach a ceasefire. During that conflict, Indian media had been heavily criticised for beating the war drums and regurgitating fake news fed by Indian government sources. Many mainstream Indian channels had also aired inflammatory anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim content. India’s ranking in the Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index has deteriorated sharply over the past decade. The country ranked 122nd in 2010 but fell to 157th out of 180 countries in 2026. In April, on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan had rejected a renewed Indian propaganda campaign linking it to the attack, deploring that the neighbouring country was focusing on “weaponising its false narrative” in the midst of a regional crisis sparked by the US-Israel war on Iran.
DG ISPR addresses media on 'another false-flag' by IndiaPM Shehbaz urges shift from economic stabilisation to growth, job creation and export promotion
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday stressed the need to focus on sustainable economic growth, job creation and export promotion, saying the country had successfully restored macroeconomic stability through a collaborative effort. Addressing the gong ceremony in Karachi virtually to celebrate the listing of the Naya Nazimabad Apartment REIT scheme, the prime minister lauded the joint efforts of the federal and provincial governments and financial institutions in steering the economy out of severe challenges. Recalling his recent interactions with international bankers and financial leaders in New York and London, including executives from Citibank, JPMorgan and Barclays and the managing director of the IMF, the prime minister said global financial institutions had commended Pakistan’s implementation of long-overdue structural reforms, which had created an attractive ecosystem for investment. He particularly thanked the finance minister, cabinet members, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and federal secretaries for establishing a replicable model of teamwork that had helped achieve macroeconomic stability and put Pakistan back on the path to sustainable development. He said the successful implementation of reforms and restoration of macroeconomic stability were the result of a cohesive partnership between the political hierarchy and military leadership working in harmony. Highlighting key economic indicators, he said Pakistan had successfully issued a $3 billion Eurobond against offers worth $6bn, while State Bank foreign exchange reserves had risen to around $21.4bn, alongside commercial bank reserves of $5.5bn. The prime minister also said foreign remittances and IT exports were on an upward trajectory, while the Roshan Digital Account was also performing robustly. However, stressing the need to shift from stabilisation to growth, he called for efforts to achieve economic expansion driven by technology, job creation, increased production and exports. The prime minister recalled that the federal budget for 2026-27 offered hundreds of billions of rupees in tax breaks and incentives for exporters, manufacturers and industries, including the construction sector. The premier further said that the incentives introduced by the government for the construction sector were now bearing fruit. He particularly commended real estate and industrial initiatives spearheaded by business leaders such as Arif Habib in Lahore and Karachi under the REIT structure, and called for further modernisation and improvement of the stock exchange and capital markets by studying other markets in the region. The prime minister expressed concern over the poor performance of certain industries that had received substantial subsidies and benefited from tariff protection, despite repeated commitments to import substitution and improved competitiveness. He called for an honest approach that prioritised the national interest over personal gains, stressing that progress depended on modernised machinery, higher productivity and hard work. Prime Minister Shehbaz particularly appreciated Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his steadfast support and commitment to national security and economic progress, describing him as a great partner throughout the journey. He also lauded the chairman of the National Accountability Bureau for recovering public land worth billions of rupees and for the plan to establish a land bank. He reiterated his resolve that through such dedicated efforts and commitment, Pakistan would emerge as a powerful economy and earn a prominent place in the comity of nations. Addressing the ceremony, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the growing momentum of private-sector participation, saying Rs60bn had been disbursed in housing loans. Reflecting on the country’s economic turnaround, the finance minister said the economy had contracted three years ago, but sentiment had since sharply reversed, with foreign firms, particularly those from the United States, looking to enter the Pakistani market. He said the government would continue to provide the requisite ecosystem for the private sector. Outlining key achievements, he said tax targets had been surpassed and the number of tax filers had crossed 5.7 million, up from 3.9m last year. Prominent business leader Arif Habib, speaking at the ceremony, highlighted Pakistan’s successful return to international capital markets after four and a half years, saying the strong response to the Eurobond showed that global investors were closely tracking the country and had expressed confidence in its economy. He said sovereign ratings had steadily improved from CCC+ to B over the past two years, while the local currency had remained stable for three consecutive years. State Bank foreign exchange reserves had reached a record high of around $22bn, with total liquid reserves touching $27bn, he added. Habib said the current account deficit remained well managed and worker remittances continued to reach new highs, while inflows through the Roshan Digital Account had increased by 58 per cent. The prime minister was accompanied by federal ministers Attaullah Tarar, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Dr Musadik Malik, among others, while Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, State Bank governor, prominent business leader Arif Habib and leading corporate figures also attended the event.
PM Shehbaz urges shift from economic stabilisation to growth, job creation and export promotionMakkah Defence Alliance aims to 'bolster regional stability', says Saudi crown prince
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday said the Makkah Defence Alliance with Turkiye and Pakistan aims to bolster regional stability and shield the region from tensions and conflicts. He made the remarks while delivering the annual royal address on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz during the opening of the third year of the ninth session of Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council. “To strengthen regional stability, shield it from the repercussions of tensions and conflicts, and coordinate efforts, the Makkah Defence Alliance was established between the kingdom, Turkiye and Pakistan,” the crown prince said. He added the alliance was part of efforts to strengthen security and stability in the region, expressing appreciation for the support of “brotherly and friendly countries” and their contributions to regional security and stability. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the Makkah Mutual Defence Agreement on Aug 7 in Makkah. He said attacks targeting Gulf Cooperation Council countries demonstrate that Gulf security and stability are “indivisible.” He said Saudi Arabia is working with fellow Gulf Cooperation Council countries to safeguard them. The crown prince said Saudi Arabia has highly capable human and military resources able to confront and deter threats “regardless of their source.” He said the kingdom is making every possible effort to de-escalate tensions without compromising its security. “We will not hesitate to respond firmly to any threat or attack aimed at undermining our security,” he added. Mohammed bin Salman also said the establishment of a “multinational defensive maritime coalition” was aimed at strengthening maritime security and protecting common interests in international waterways. He rejected the use of international waterways as a tool for political or economic pressure. The crown prince also warned that “the world today is facing an energy crisis open to all possibilities.” He said Saudi Arabia has served as a “safety valve” for global energy security through its ability to provide oil supplies to international markets despite the escalation. He also condemned Israel’s “brutal attacks” against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and its “repeated violations” of Al-Aqsa Mosque. “We strongly condemn the continued brutal attacks by the occupying authorities against our brothers and sisters in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip, as well as their repeated violations of Al-Aqsa Mosque,” he said. He urged the international community and the Peace Council to play their roles in reaching a lasting political solution in Palestine. “The kingdom’s commitment to the rights of the Palestinian people is a firm position and an ongoing effort that will continue until the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state in accordance with international resolutions,” he said. On Yemen, the crown prince reaffirmed Saudi support, through the coalition backing the Yemeni government, for restoring government authority in the country and stability, while confronting Houthi attacks. He also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for Sudan’s unity and stability, the preservation of its state institutions and efforts to spare its people further suffering from war and destruction. Saudi Arabia has led a coalition supporting Yemen’s internationally recognised government against the Houthis since March 2015, after the group took control of the national capital, Sanaa, and several provinces beginning in September 2014.
Premier set to inaugurate major road projects soon
NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Chinese envoy Jiang Zaidong, PM Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar cut a cake to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.—PM Office ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate several major highway projects in the coming months, including the Lodhran–Multan Expressway, expansion of the Pindi Bhattian-Faisalabad Motorway and the Peshawar Northern Bypass, a federal minister said on Wednesday. Federal Minister for Communications Aleem Khan made the remarks while presiding over a meeting of the National Highway Authority (NHA), where ongoing and proposed projects, revenue enhancement, road safety, development programmes and financial matters were reviewed. He said work on the Sialkot-Kharian Motorway was also progressing rapidly, while construction had commenced on the Karachi-Quetta-Chaman Pakistan Expressway (N-25). Expressing concern over the poor condition of the Lahore-Gujranwala GT Road, Mr Khan directed NHA authorities to take immediate measures to improve the road condition and provide relief to citizens travelling on the important route. Aleem Khan seeks Rs108bn from Centre for Balochistan road projects; PM vows to deepen China ties The NHA has successfully met its revenue enhancement targets set two years ago, Mr Khan noted. Moving forward, the agency plans to finance the construction of new roads using existing revenue streams. However, officials during the meeting decided to ask the federal government for Rs108bn to fund separate NHA projects in Balochistan. Highlighting road safety, the minister expressed reservations about the design of the M-4 and other existing highways. He directed the NHA to engage foreign experts to improve engineering and ensure Pakistan’s roads are green, safe and built to modern international standards. “The complete protection of human lives must remain the top priority,” Mr Khan said, instructing NHA engineering staff to adopt international best practices for motorist comfort and safety. During a briefing on the availability of funds for the M-6 Motorway and other ongoing public sector projects, officials highlighted the strain on the national infrastructure. The meeting was informed that the NHA manages just around three per cent of the country’s road network, yet more than 80pc of the country’s traffic moves on this network. The NHA will soon give PM Shehbaz a detailed presentation reviewing the authority’s performance over the past two and a half years. Ties with China Separately, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China, describing the decades-old friendship as a bond built on mutual trust, unwavering support and deep affinity between the two peoples. Addressing a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan and China were also celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. He said China’s transformation and its contribution to global peace, stability and development continued to inspire countries around the world. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong said both countries were all-weather strategic cooperative partners and highlighted growing economic ties, including bilateral trade reaching $16.44bn from January to July, up 13.4pc year-on-year. The ambassador said China would continue cooperation with Pakistan in industry, agriculture, mining, health, education and climate change while advancing the high-quality development of CPEC 2.0. Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2026
PM to gather allies as tensions with PTI mount
• Shehbaz to meet PPP leaders to discuss KP issues, protest threat • Sherry, Qamar meet PML-N leaders • Tariq Fazal says ‘emergency’ in KP under consideration due to ‘terrorism’ • Nayyar Bokhari urges talks, says Constitution provides remedies if govt fails to fulfil responsibilities ISLAMABAD: As political challenges mount for the PML-N government in light of multiple planned protests, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif plans to hold extensive consultations with his allies to discuss the political and security situation, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ruled by archrival PTI. A source in the Prime Minister’s House told Dawn that the PM was likely to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, whose party was invited to a planned opposition multiparty moot. The premier is expected to discuss the imposition of the governor’s rule in KP, apparently due to a rise in terrorism. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called on President Zardari recently in Karachi — a visit seen as quite significant against the backdrop of discussions on the governor’s rule in the PTI-ruled province. The PM had decided to take the president and the PPP into confidence after this meeting. Appearing on TV, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the PM was briefed on the current political situation soon after he arrived from the United States. “The PM was also apprised that the government reserved the right (to impose emergency) under the Constitution,” he said. Over the past week, the KP government had been warned that the Centre would have no other option but to impose the governor’s rule in the province in light of the security situation and the PTI’s protest call on Oct 4. The opposition party had warned the government of dire consequences if such a decision was imposed. However, a meeting between the PM and the National Assembly opposition leader, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, can also take place to defuse the crisis, since the PM had extended an invitation to the opposition leader to sit together for consultations on the issues of national importance and those related to the PTI before leaving for the US. The PTI march on Islamabad would commence on Oct 4, and a meeting with the opposition would bear fruit for the government before this date. Similarly, PM Shehbaz is also expected to meet Jamaat-i-Islami leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman to discuss the petroleum levy. He had warned of resuming his march in the first week of October if the talks with the PM did not succeed. Ruling allies meet Meanwhile, a delegation-level meeting between the PML-N and the PPP took place on Wednesday in the chamber of the National Assembly speaker. PPP’s Sherry Rehman and Syed Naveed Qamar met Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry to discuss KP’s fate. After the meeting, Law Minister Tarar told reporters at Parliament House that emergency was also discussed with the PPP members. “Imposition of the governor’s rule is a constitutional right which can be imposed when the situation requires it. In KP, people are martyred every day,” he added. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told media persons that imposition of emergency through Article 232 of the Constitution was under consideration due to terrorism in KP. “Emergency can be imposed not because of any political reason but due to increasing terrorism in the province,” he added. He claimed that the PPP would support all decisions of the government on security issues. Following the meeting, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and apparently discussed the legislation to be tabled in parliament, while also apprising the premier of the PPP’s stance on imposition of governor’s rule in KP. A source in the NA Secretariat told Dawn that the PPP and the government discussed four important bills to be presented in the forthcoming session of the National Assembly. They included Port Qasim Authority (Amendment) Bill, Gwadar Port Authority (Amendment) Bill, Karachi Port Authority (Amendment) Bill, and Life Insurance Nationalization (Amendment) Bill. The source said the PPP has agreed on three bills while one was rejected. Another source in the NA Secretariat said the bills were related to the directives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Earlier, PPP leader Nayyar Bukhari said that the party will offer its recommendations within the framework of the Constitution and law if it is asked to share an opinion on the governor’s rule, seemingly to control the PTI. In a statement, he said the Constitution provided a course of action if the provincial government failed to fulfil its constitutional and administrative responsibilities. “The security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is extremely alarming,” Mr Bukhari said, adding that residents in various parts of the province, including the chief minister’s home district, were forced to remain indoors after sunset. Mr Bukhari said the PTI priorities appeared to be focused on the release of one individual rather than resolving public issues. He said the use of provincial resources for a march on Islamabad and the use of government authority for political purposes were matters of concern. Mr Bukhari said the PPP had always believed in political dialogue and negotiations, adding that the party had held talks even with its fiercest political opponents because national issues could be resolved through dialogue rather than force and confrontation. Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2026
PM to gather allies as tensions with PTI mountGovt reduces petrol price by Re0.14 per litre, high-speed diesel rate by Rs1.89
if (!window._rawHtmlListenerAttached) { window._rawHtmlListenerAttached = true; window.addEventListener('message', function(event) { if (event.data && event.data.type === 'raw-html-resize' && event.data.id) { var iframe = document.getElementById(event.data.id); if (iframe) { var height = Math.min(Math.max(event.data.height, 50), 30000); iframe.style.height = height + 'px'; } } }); } The government on Wednesday reduced the price of petrol by Re0.14 per litre and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs1.89 per litre. Following the revision, petrol will retail at Rs387.40 per litre, while HSD will cost Rs400.35 per litre. The government continues to levy Rs114 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel. According to the Petroleum Division’s notification, the new prices are applicable for Oct 1 (Thursday). The price of HSD has come down from a peak of Rs520.35 recorded on April 3. Its price had started rising from Rs281 per litre after the US-Iran war broke out on February 28. The petrol price had peaked at Rs458.41 on April 3 after beginning its upward trajectory from Rs266 in the first week of March. Meanwhile, the government has reintroduced a raft of austerity measures in response to rising fuel prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Under these measures, markets are required to close by 9pm and fuel allocations for official vehicles has been cut by 50 per cent for three months. On September 13, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced a “relief scheme” for users of motorcycles, autos and vehicles of up to 800cc to “alleviate the burden” of rising global oil prices. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sept 29 appreciated the success of the scheme, saying that it reflected a “whole of government” approach. Chairing a meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy to review the implementation of the scheme, the deputy premier noted that the information, IT and petroleum ministries, as well as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and all provinces, had made “concerted” efforts for the scheme. It was noted that to date, around 7.60 million registrations have been successfully made, and the token redemption process has entered the second week. Moreover, 7.71m tokens have been redeemed. Previously, on July 17, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced that fuel prices would now be fixed on a daily basis due to fluctuations in international market prices following renewed hostilities between Iran and the US. Prior to this, the government had been announcing weekly revisions to fuel prices since early March, alongside measures for the conservation of fuel amid possible oil supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The federal government in April also announced targeted relief measures to provide subsidised fuel. The petroleum minister stated that the cabinet and the prime minister had decided to give the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) the responsibility of deciding fuel prices on a daily basis based on international market trends. Petrol is mainly used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws and two-wheelers, and changes in its price affect the middle and lower-middle classes. Similarly, changes in diesel prices also impact the public at large, as it is mainly used in the heavy transport sector, power plants and large generators. Petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) are the major revenue earners, with monthly sales of about 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes, compared to just 10,000 tonnes of monthly demand for kerosene.
Govt reduces petrol price by Rs0.14 per litre, high-speed diesel rate by Rs1.89
The government on Wednesday reduced the price of petrol by Rs0.14 per litre and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs1.89 per litre. Following the revision, petrol will retail at Rs387.40 per litre, while HSD will cost Rs400.35 per litre. The government continues to levy Rs114 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel. According to the Petroleum Division’s notification, the new prices are applicable for Oct 1 (Thursday). The price of HSD has come down from a peak of Rs520.35 recorded on April 3. Its price had started rising from Rs281 per litre after the US-Iran war broke out on February 28. The petrol price had peaked at Rs458.41 on April 3 after beginning its upward trajectory from Rs266 in the first week of March. Meanwhile, the government has reintroduced a raft of austerity measures in response to rising fuel prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Under these measures, markets are required to close by 9pm and fuel allocations for official vehicles has been cut by 50 per cent for three months. On September 13, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced a “relief scheme” for users of motorcycles, autos and vehicles of up to 800cc to “alleviate the burden” of rising global oil prices. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sept 29 appreciated the success of the scheme, saying that it reflected a “whole of government” approach. Chairing a meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy to review the implementation of the scheme, the deputy premier noted that the information, IT and petroleum ministries, as well as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and all provinces, had made “concerted” efforts for the scheme. It was noted that to date, around 7.60 million registrations have been successfully made, and the token redemption process has entered the second week. Moreover, 7.71m tokens have been redeemed. Previously, on July 17, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced that fuel prices would now be fixed on a daily basis due to fluctuations in international market prices following renewed hostilities between Iran and the US. Prior to this, the government had been announcing weekly revisions to fuel prices since early March, alongside measures for the conservation of fuel amid possible oil supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The federal government in April also announced targeted relief measures to provide subsidised fuel. The petroleum minister stated that the cabinet and the prime minister had decided to give the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) the responsibility of deciding fuel prices on a daily basis based on international market trends. Petrol is mainly used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws and two-wheelers, and changes in its price affect the middle and lower-middle classes. Similarly, changes in diesel prices also impact the public at large, as it is mainly used in the heavy transport sector, power plants and large generators. Petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) are the major revenue earners, with monthly sales of about 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes, compared to just 10,000 tonnes of monthly demand for kerosene.
Aleem orders NHA to work with foreign experts on road engineering, highway design
ISLAMABAD: Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to work with foreign experts to improve road engineering and highway design in a meeting on Wednesday. The meeting, chaired by Aleem, reviewed the NHA’s ongoing and proposed projects, revenue enhancement, road safety and developmental programmes. The minister directed NHA officials to ensure road safety through improved engineering in the construction of new highways. He stressed that the protection of human lives must remain the top priority. He expressed reservations about the design of the M-4 and other highways, saying that Pakistan’s roads should be green, safe, comfortable, and designed according to modern international standards. To this end, he directed the NHA to engage foreign experts for improved road engineering and better highway design, noting that the authority’s engineering staff should adopt international best practices to develop motorways that were safer and more comfortable for motorists. During the high-level meeting, Aleem said that the NHA had successfully achieved the revenue enhancement target set two years ago. He affirmed that going forward, the NHA would undertake the construction of new roads from the revenue generated from existing revenue streams. Aleem also informed the meeting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would inaugurate major road projects in the coming months, including the Lodhran–Multan Expressway, the Peshawar Northern Bypass and the expansion of the Pindi Bhattian–Faisalabad Motorway. He said that work on the Sialkot–Kharian Motorway was progressing rapidly, while construction work had begun on the Karachi–Quetta–Chaman Pakistan Expressway (N-25). Expressing concern over the poor condition of the Lahore–Gujranwala GT Road, he directed the NHA authorities to take immediate measures to improve the condition of the road and provide relief to travellers. The federal minister was also briefed on the availability of funds for the M-6 Motorway, ongoing projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and NHA projects underway across all four provinces. The meeting was informed that the NHA manages only 3.13 per cent of the country’s road network, yet more than 80pc of the country’s traffic moves on this network. It was also told that the authority would soon give PM Shehbaz a detailed presentation on its performance over the past two and a half years. The federal secretary for communications, Ali Sher Mahsud, and NHA Chairman Sheheryar Sultan both briefed the meeting on the progress of ongoing and proposed projects. It was decided during the meeting to contact the federal government to provide Rs108 billion in funding for NHA projects in Balochistan. In February this year, the NHA was reported as the “largest loss-maker” for the government, operating on a “structural deficit model and reliant on budgetary support”, according to the Annual Aggregate Report on state-owned enterprises (SOEs) by the Central Monitoring Unit (CMU) of the Ministry of Finance for the year ended June 30, 2025, with accumulated losses of Rs2.074 trillion.
Kashmir unresolved
SEVEN years after India revoked occupied Kashmir’s limited autonomy, disquiet continues in the disputed region over the prevailing state of affairs. Even loyalist parties in India’s good books are not happy. This was reflected in a resolution passed by the held region’s assembly on Monday, which called for a restoration of statehood that was scrapped when the Indian constitution’s Article 370 was abrogated in 2019. The occupied area’s chief minister, Omar Abdullah, claimed that statehood was “our right”. BJP lawmakers termed the resolution “anti-national”. Two similar resolutions have been passed over the years by the IHK legislature. The problem goes far deeper than the restoration of the status quo ante that existed before August 2019. The core issue is the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, which India has been blocking since the division of the subcontinent. Unless this core issue is addressed with justice, the problem will linger as Kashmiris in the occupied territory are denied their fundamental rights. While speaking at the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the Kashmir issue, saying that Kashmiris had been waiting “for eight decades” for the UN to fulfil its commitments. He also pointed out the human rights violations that India has carried out against the Kashmiri population. Turkiye’s President Recep Erdogan, while speaking at the UNGA, similarly called for a resolution of the Kashmir question as per the “relevant resolutions”. The human rights situation in the disputed region is very grim. A UN report from November 2025 has condemned the arbitrary arrests, suspicious deaths in custody, torture and “discriminatory treatment of Kashmiri and Muslim communities”. Held Kashmir’s wounds cannot be left to fester. The people of Kashmir, including even those politicians who were or are close to New Delhi, are chafing under the post-Article 370 regime in the held region. Along with rights abuses, there is also alarm over the demographic changes in IHK, as the Kashmiris are being turned into a minority in their own land. The just solution lies in India addressing the issue through a trilateral dialogue involving the legitimate representatives of the Kashmiri people and Pakistan. India’s rulers can continue to believe the fiction that occupied Kashmir is an ‘integral’ part of their country. But that does nothing to address the dissatisfaction that both the common Kashmiri and the political elite of the region feel towards Indian rule. The dispute has poisoned all chances of normalisation in South Asia. Instead of arrogantly dismissing talk of freedom, India’s rulers need to listen to voices from IHK, and together with Pakistan, work towards a just solution to this dispute. Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2026
Sudan: 'Accusation Against Women in Sudan of 'Collaboration' Needs Clearer Definition'
[Dabanga] Khartoum / Amsterdam -- The head of Sudan's Women and Child Advisory Council, Salimi Ishaq Sharif, has said accusations of 'collaboration' brought against a number of detained women in Sudan lacks a clear definition and specific criteria, leaving it open to interpretation, particularly in wartime.
Govt reduces petrol price by Rs1.49 per litre, high-speed diesel rate by Rs2.73
if (!window._rawHtmlListenerAttached) { window._rawHtmlListenerAttached = true; window.addEventListener('message', function(event) { if (event.data && event.data.type === 'raw-html-resize' && event.data.id) { var iframe = document.getElementById(event.data.id); if (iframe) { var height = Math.min(Math.max(event.data.height, 50), 30000); iframe.style.height = height + 'px'; } } }); } The government on Tuesday reduced the price of petrol by Rs1.49 per litre and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs2.73 per litre. Following the revision, petrol will retail at Rs387.54 per litre, while HSD will cost Rs402.24 per litre. The government continues to levy Rs114 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel. According to the Petroleum Division’s notification, the new prices are applicable for Sept 30 (Wednesday). The price of HSD has come down from a peak of Rs520.35 recorded on April 3. Its price had started rising from Rs281 per litre after the US-Iran war broke out on February 28. The petrol price had peaked at Rs458.41 on April 3 after beginning its upward trajectory from Rs266 in the first week of March. Meanwhile, the government has reintroduced a raft of austerity measures in response to rising fuel prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Under these measures, markets are required to close by 9pm and fuel allocations for official vehicles has been cut by 50 per cent for three months. On September 13, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced a “relief scheme” for users of motorcycles, autos and vehicles of up to 800cc to “alleviate the burden” of rising global oil prices. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sept 29 appreciated the success of the scheme, saying that it reflected a “whole of government” approach. Chairing a meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy to review the implementation of the scheme, the deputy premier noted that the information, IT and petroleum ministries, as well as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and all provinces, had made “concerted” efforts for the scheme. It was noted that to date, around 7.60 million registrations have been successfully made, and the token redemption process has entered the second week. Moreover, 7.71m tokens have been redeemed. Previously, on July 17, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced that fuel prices would now be fixed on a daily basis due to fluctuations in international market prices following renewed hostilities between Iran and the US. Prior to this, the government had been announcing weekly revisions to fuel prices since early March, alongside measures for the conservation of fuel amid possible oil supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The federal government in April also announced targeted relief measures to provide subsidised fuel. The petroleum minister stated that the cabinet and the prime minister had decided to give the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) the responsibility of deciding fuel prices on a daily basis based on international market trends. Petrol is mainly used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws and two-wheelers, and changes in its price affect the middle and lower-middle classes. Similarly, changes in diesel prices also impact the public at large, as it is mainly used in the heavy transport sector, power plants and large generators. Petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) are the major revenue earners, with monthly sales of about 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes, compared to just 10,000 tonnes of monthly demand for kerosene.
Govt reduces petrol price by Rs1.49 per litre, high-speed diesel rate by Rs2.73 per litre
if (!window._rawHtmlListenerAttached) { window._rawHtmlListenerAttached = true; window.addEventListener('message', function(event) { if (event.data && event.data.type === 'raw-html-resize' && event.data.id) { var iframe = document.getElementById(event.data.id); if (iframe) { var height = Math.min(Math.max(event.data.height, 50), 30000); iframe.style.height = height + 'px'; } } }); } The government on Tuesday reduced the price of petrol by Rs1.49 per litre and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs2.73 per litre. Following the revision, petrol will retail at Rs387.54 per litre, while HSD will cost Rs402.24 per litre. The government continues to levy Rs114 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel. According to the Petroleum Division’s notification, the new prices are applicable for Sept 30 (Wednesday). The price of HSD has come down from a peak of Rs520.35 recorded on April 3. Its price had started rising from Rs281 per litre after the US-Iran war broke out on February 28. The petrol price had peaked at Rs458.41 on April 3 after beginning its upward trajectory from Rs266 in the first week of March. Meanwhile, the government has reintroduced a raft of austerity measures in response to rising fuel prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Under these measures, markets are required to close by 9pm and fuel allocations for official vehicles has been cut by 50 per cent for three months. On September 13, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced a “relief scheme” for users of motorcycles, autos and vehicles of up to 800cc to “alleviate the burden” of rising global oil prices. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sept 29 appreciated the success of the scheme, saying that it reflected a “whole of government” approach. Chairing a meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy to review the implementation of the scheme, the deputy premier noted that the information, IT and petroleum ministries, as well as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and all provinces, had made “concerted” efforts for the scheme. It was noted that to date, around 7.60 million registrations have been successfully made, and the token redemption process has entered the second week. Moreover, 7.71m tokens have been redeemed. Previously, on July 17, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced that fuel prices would now be fixed on a daily basis due to fluctuations in international market prices following renewed hostilities between Iran and the US. Prior to this, the government had been announcing weekly revisions to fuel prices since early March, alongside measures for the conservation of fuel amid possible oil supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The federal government in April also announced targeted relief measures to provide subsidised fuel. The petroleum minister stated that the cabinet and the prime minister had decided to give the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) the responsibility of deciding fuel prices on a daily basis based on international market trends. Petrol is mainly used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws and two-wheelers, and changes in its price affect the middle and lower-middle classes. Similarly, changes in diesel prices also impact the public at large, as it is mainly used in the heavy transport sector, power plants and large generators. Petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) are the major revenue earners, with monthly sales of about 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes, compared to just 10,000 tonnes of monthly demand for kerosene.
PM Shehbaz meets global financial firms in London, invites them to invest and expand services in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met with senior executives from leading global financial institutions in London and invited them to invest and expand their services in Pakistan. During a busy day in the UK capital, the premier held a series of meetings with top officials of Barclays, JP Morgan, Citi, BlackRock and Rothschild & Co. Earlier in the day, he also became the first Pakistani prime minister to open trading at the London Stock Exchange, according to his office. In a statement, the PM’s Office (PMO) said the premier’s engagements with the global firms “underscored growing international financial sector interest in Pakistan’s economic reform trajectory and improving investment climate”. In his meeting with a high-level JP Morgan delegation led by its co-CEO for Europe, Middle East and Africa Matthieu Wiltz, PM Shehbaz invited the firm to expand its footprint in Pakistan. He discussed deepening the partnership across capital markets, trade finance and investment banking. According to PMO, the JP Morgan delegation “reaffirmed its interest in sovereign debt capital markets and corporate banking opportunities”. Meeting with Mohammad Kamal Syed, head of Private Bank and Wealth Management UK at Barclays, PM Shehbaz briefed him on the government’s macroeconomic stabilisation measures and encouraged Barclays to explore opportunities in the country’s financial sector. The prime minister welcomed the bank’s “interest in Pakistan”, PMO said. PM Shehbaz also met with Rothschild & Co, represented by Chair of Geostrategic Advisory Lord Mark Sedwill and Head of UK Investment Banking Majid Ishaq. “Discussions centred on Pakistan’s geo-economic priorities and potential advisory collaboration on capital markets and investment strategy,” PMO said. The premier also met a group of senior officials of Citi, led by Chief Client Officer David Livingstone, encouraging the bank to expand its “corporate and institutional banking services” in Pakistan. The prime minister commended Citi’s long-standing presence in Pakistan, the statement added. In his meeting with a BlackRock delegation, PM Shehbaz “invited increased allocations to Pakistani equities and fixed income within the firm’s frontier markets strategy, with both sides emphasising the importance of sustained policy consistency in building investor confidence”. The delegation comprised the co-heads of Emerging Markets and Frontiers, Gordon Fraser and Sam Vecht, along with Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst Emily Fletcher. “Across all engagements, the visiting executives expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic reform momentum and reaffirmed their institutions’ commitment to deepening engagement with the country’s financial sector,” PMO said. It asserted that the meetings reflected the “growing traction of Pakistan’s economic reform programme among the world’s leading financial institutions”. The engagements also “mark a significant step in the government’s broader effort to strengthen international investor confidence and attract sustained capital flows into the country”, the statement highlighted. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Adviser to PM on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, who also heads the Privatisation Commission, were present in the meetings as well. London Stock Exchange ceremony In an earlier statement, PMO noted that PM Shehbaz became the first prime minister from Pakistan to open the London Stock Exchange’s (LSE) trading session. He also formally inaugurated Pakistan’s landmark $3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond, raised earlier this month. LSE’s market opening ceremony is held at its headquarters in Paternoster Square and formally marks the start of the trading day in London. London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) Chief Executive Officer David Schwimmer and senior officials of the group welcomed the prime minister on his arrival. Aurangzeb, the LSEG CEO, the Privatisation Commission head, Pakistan High Commissioner Tipu Usman, members of the Pakistani delegation and relevant British authorities attended the ceremony. “Pakistan in recent years has worked very hard to strengthen its economy,” PM Shehbaz said while addressing the audience, terming the country’s improved macroeconomic indicators as “promising” for the future. He went on to praise Aurangzeb and his team for arranging the Eurobond sale, which he said explained “our hard work” in volumes. The premier claimed that if the Middle East conflict had not erupted, Pakistan would have “taken off like other emerging economies”. He also highlighted Islamabad’s role as a mediator in the war between the United States and Iran, “Now is the time, because of this Gulf crisis, new lessons have to be learnt,” PM Shehbaz stressed. “Investors are now trying to evaluate and assess safer markets and Pakistan is a market where we can easily attract foreign investments, which are highly profitable, mutually beneficial, safe and secure,” he noted. The prime minister expressed “his happiness on his participation to open London Stock Exchange session” and termed it a step towards “rebuilding their wonderful connection” with LSE, PMO said. Addressing the LSEG CEO, the premier said that they would like to seek his guidance and advice on how to further engage international financial markets to play a role in Pakistan, not just in terms of sovereign debt but through very attractive investments.
PM Shehbaz meets global financial firms in London, invites them to invest, expand services in PakistanPM Shehbaz meets global financial firms in London, invites them to invest, expand services in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met with senior executives from leading global financial institutions in London and invited them to invest and expand their services in Pakistan. During a busy day in the UK capital, the premier held a series of meetings with top officials of Barclays, J.P. Morgan, Citi, BlackRock and Rothschild & Co. Earlier in the day, he also became the first Pakistani prime minister to open trading at the London Stock Exchange, according to his office. In a statement, the PM’s Office (PMO) said the premier’s engagements with the global firms “underscored growing international financial sector interest in Pakistan’s economic reform trajectory and improving investment climate”. In his meeting with a high-level JP Morgan delegation led by its co-CEO for Europe, Middle East and Africa Matthieu Wiltz, PM Shehbaz invited the firm to expand its footprint in Pakistan. He discussed deepening the partnership across capital markets, trade finance and investment banking. According to PMO, the JP Morgan delegation “reaffirmed its interest in sovereign debt capital markets and corporate banking opportunities”. Meeting with Mohammad Kamal Syed, head of Private Bank and Wealth Management UK at Barclays, PM Shehbaz briefed him on the government’s macroeconomic stabilisation measures and encouraged Barclays to explore opportunities in the country’s financial sector. The prime minister welcomed the bank’s “interest in Pakistan”, PMO said. PM Shehbaz also met with Rothschild & Co, represented by Chair of Geostrategic Advisory Lord Mark Sedwill and Head of UK Investment Banking Majid Ishaq. “Discussions centred on Pakistan’s geo-economic priorities and potential advisory collaboration on capital markets and investment strategy,” PMO said. The premier also met a group of senior officials of Citi, led by Chief Client Officer David Livingstone, encouraging the bank to expand its “corporate and institutional banking services” in Pakistan. The prime minister commended Citi’s long-standing presence in Pakistan, the statement added. In his meeting with a BlackRock delegation, PM Shehbaz “invited increased allocations to Pakistani equities and fixed income within the firm’s frontier markets strategy, with both sides emphasising the importance of sustained policy consistency in building investor confidence”. The delegation comprised the co-heads of Emerging Markets and Frontiers, Gordon Fraser and Sam Vecht, along with Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst Emily Fletcher. “Across all engagements, the visiting executives expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic reform momentum and reaffirmed their institutions’ commitment to deepening engagement with the country’s financial sector,” PMO said. It asserted that the meetings reflected the “growing traction of Pakistan’s economic reform programme among the world’s leading financial institutions”. The engagements also “mark a significant step in the government’s broader effort to strengthen international investor confidence and attract sustained capital flows into the country”, the statement highlighted. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Adviser to PM on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, who also heads the Privatisation Commission, were present in the meetings as well. London Stock Exchange ceremony In an earlier statement, PMO noted that PM Shehbaz became the first prime minister from Pakistan to open the London Stock Exchange’s (LSE) trading session. He also formally inaugurated Pakistan’s landmark $3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond, raised earlier this month. LSE’s market opening ceremony is held at its headquarters in Paternoster Square and formally marks the start of the trading day in London. London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) Chief Executive Officer David Schwimmer and senior officials of the group welcomed the prime minister on his arrival. Aurangzeb, the LSEG CEO, the Privatisation Commission head, Pakistan High Commissioner Tipu Usman, members of the Pakistani delegation and relevant British authorities attended the ceremony. “Pakistan in recent years has worked very hard to strengthen its economy,” PM Shehbaz said while addressing the audience, terming the country’s improved macroeconomic indicators as “promising” for the future. He went on to praise Aurangzeb and his team for arranging the Eurobond sale, which he said explained “our hard work” in volumes. The premier claimed that if the Middle East conflict had not erupted, Pakistan would have “taken off like other emerging economies”. He also highlighted Islamabad’s role as a mediator in the war between the United States and Iran, “Now is the time, because of this Gulf crisis, new lessons have to be learnt,” PM Shehbaz stressed. “Investors are now trying to evaluate and assess safer markets and Pakistan is a market where we can easily attract foreign investments, which are highly profitable, mutually beneficial, safe and secure,” he noted. The prime minister expressed “his happiness on his participation to open London Stock Exchange session” and termed it a step towards “rebuilding their wonderful connection” with LSE, PMO said. Addressing the LSEG CEO, the premier said that they would like to seek his guidance and advice on how to further engage international financial markets to play a role in Pakistan, not just in terms of sovereign debt but through very attractive investments.
PM Shehbaz meets global financial firms in London, invites them to invest, expand services in PakistanDPM Dar hails 'whole of govt' approach as he reviews govt fuel subsidy scheme
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday appreciated the success of the Prime Minister’s Fuel Relief Scheme, saying that it reflected a “whole of government” approach. The relief scheme for owners of motorcycles, rickshaws and vehicles of up to 800cc was rolled out across the country on Sept 17. PM Shehbaz Sharif had announced the subsidies to ease the public’s burden amid rising fuel prices due to the Middle East situation. On Tuesday, DPM Dar chaired a meeting of the National Steering Committee on Fuel Subsidy to review the implementation of the scheme, his office said. The deputy premier noted that the information, IT and petroleum ministries, as well as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and all provinces, had made “concerted” efforts for the scheme. “Dar stressed the need for continued coordination to facilitate beneficiaries and ensure smooth service delivery across the country,” the statement said. It noted that to date, around 7.60 million registrations have been successfully made, and the token redemption process has entered the second week. Moreover, 7.71m tokens have been redeemed. The meeting was attended by IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, PM’s Special Assistant on DPM Office Tariq Bajwa, the federal and provincial secretaries, and officials from SBP, Ogra, National Information Technology Board, and Pakistan Digital Authority. Under the relief scheme, owners of two- and three-wheeled vehicles were to receive a subsidy of Rs100 per litre on a monthly quota of 20 litres, while those owning vehicles of up to 800cc were to receive the same subsidy on a monthly quota of 30 litres. Fuel prices amid Mideast conflict Renewed hostilities in the Middle East, which have resulted in the disruption of major oil supply routes, have caused fuel prices to rise over the past two months. In addition to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Iran war, trade via Bab al-Mandab — which has become a vital route for Saudi oil exports in recent months — is also facing a rising threat from Houthi rebels. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has said that global oil supply and demand will fall further than previously thought this year, as a lack of progress in ending the Iran war delays the return of normal Middle East flows into 2027 and sends fuel prices soaring. In July, the government announced that fuel prices would now be fixed on a daily basis due to fluctuations in international market prices. Prior to this, the government had been announcing weekly revisions to fuel prices since early March, alongside measures for the conservation of fuel. The federal government had also announced targeted relief measures in April to provide subsidised fuel.
DPM Dar hails 'whole of govt' approach as he reviews govt fuel subsidy schemeSecurity forces kill 5 terrorists in KP IBO, 2 eliminated in Balochistan's Chagai: security sources
Security forces on Tuesday killed five terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bara area in an intelligence-based operation (IBO), and another two terrorists were eliminated in an operation in Balochistan’s Chagai, according to security sources. Large quantities of weapons and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists, who belonged to Fitna al Khawarij, security sources said on the operation in Bara. Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. “As a result of the security forces’ operation, Fitna al Khawarij hideouts were completely destroyed,” security sources said. “Security forces remain committed to the complete eradication of the scourge of terrorism from the country and the establishment of lasting peace.” Meanwhile, Pakistan TV, citing security sources, reported that security forces killed two terrorists in operations in Balochistan’s Chagai. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement on Tuesday, commended security forces for successful operations in KP and Balochistan, according to Radio Pakistan. He said the security forces had demonstrated their professional capabilities, courage and bravery, adding that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with its brave security forces in the fight against terrorism. PM further said that operations would continue until terrorism was completely eliminated from the country. The engagement comes two days after more than 71 terrorists were killed in Shaban and other areas of Balochistan, according to the military’s media affairs wing. On Sept 20, two officers and four others were martyred while eight terrorists were killed in a fire exchange in KP’s Hangu. On Sept 17, security forces killed 10 terrorists in separate operations in KP between Sept 15 and 17. Earlier in the month, over 20 terrorists were killed during multiple engagements in KP between Sept 3 and 5. According to the monthly data by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), at least 378 people were killed as the number of terrorist attacks rose in August. The data also showed that operations by security forces resulted in the elimination of 203 terrorists while 54 security personnel were martyred, marking a decrease compared to July. According to the report, Balochistan remained the “most affected” province, followed by KP.
9 terrorists killed in Balochistan operationsFIR in Darazinda attack case registered against TTP factions
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The counterterrorism department (CTD) has registered the first information report (FIR) of the Sept 26 suicide attack on the Aman Mela checkpoint in Darazinda tehsil that left 14 people dead and 35 injured. The case was registered for terrorism, murder, attempted murder, damage to government property and under other provisions of the law. It named unidentified terrorists allegedly affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)’s Sherani faction and the Mishal Group. Police launched an investigation into the attack. The FIR said an explosive-laden vehicle rammed into the joint police, customs and excise checkpoint at Aman Mela on Sept 26. Gunfire was also reported after the explosion but the firing stopped following retaliatory action by police and security personnel. The blast destroyed a large portion of the checkpoint. Rescue teams searched the debris and recovered the injured and bodies of those killed in the attack. The FIR contained the names of the injured, including policemen, customs and wildlife officials and locals. They included constables Faisal Khan, Fazal Rabbi, Taj Wali and Hezbollah, excise official Iftikhar, customs officials Afaqat, Mehboob and Afaq Shah, wildlife official Imran and several other civilians. The deceased, according to the FIR, included customs assistant sub-inspector Farman Khan, customs official Usama, Mohammad Mehran, Mohammad Bilal, Sato Khan, Faisal Aziz, Khan Mohammad, Gul Melaena Bibi, Gul Zareena Bibi, Maqoo Bibi and Abdul Rahim. The FIR also stated that another firing incident occurred near Al-Malika Hotel at Sardgar on the Dera Ismail Khan-Zhob Road after the checkpoint attack. According to police, a Rescue 1122 ambulance was transporting the body of Khan Mohammad when suspected terrorists opened fire on the vehicle. The firing killed Rescue 1122 worker Mohammad Sharif and injured two others, identified as Rais and Imtiaz. Police initially described the attack as an act of terrorism and registered the case against unidentified terrorists. The FIR said that terrorists associated with the TTP’s Sherani and Mishal groups may have been involved. The investigation is under way, with police attempting to establish the identity of those responsible and determine the circumstances surrounding both attacks. Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2026
9 terrorists killed in Balochistan operationsIHC gives federation two weeks to respond to Pims fire petitions
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday granted the federation two weeks’ time to submit para-wise comments on petitions challenging the inquiry into the fire incident at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) and seeking the removal of its executive director. Chief Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar was hearing petitions filed by Nasir Azeem, Nasir Mujahid and Dr Mohammad Iqbal. Additional Attorney General Rashid Hafeez, appearing on behalf of the federation, told the court that the responses of the respondents had not yet been submitted. When the chief justice pointed out the delay, the law officer sought two to three weeks’ time, saying that the inquiry into the matter was nearing completion and orders from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were awaited. Law officer says inquiry is nearing completion, orders from PM are awaited He assured the court that the complete inquiry report and the Federation’s response would be submitted after the process was concluded. The court accepted the request and directed the respondents to submit their para-wise comments by the next hearing. The proceedings were subsequently adjourned for two weeks. The August 26 fire at a nursery in Pims’ Mother and Child Hospital had claimed the lives of 14 newborns. The incident raised concerns over fire safety measures and sparked calls for accountability with criminal action being ordered against eight hospital officials. The inquiry committee formed to probe the deadly fire incident later found “systemic and institutional failure” and determined that an electrical failure was the most likely cause of the blaze. Headed by former interior secretary Shahid Khan, the committee had been formed on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and it presented its findings and recommendations in a 43-page report on September 15. The committee comprised retired Maj Gen Dr Khurshid Uttra, Establishment Division Secretary Dr Barrister Nabeel Awan, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, and Dr Rashid A. Chotani (co-opted member). The committee had submitted an interim report on August 29 after which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the suspension of eight officials, including the executive director of Pims, and directed that criminal proceedings be initiated against them. The prime minister specifically directed that those identified by the inquiry committee face not only departmental action but also criminal proceedings under the relevant laws. He also ordered that criminal proceedings be initiated against those responsible without discrimination and approved action against the company tasked with providing security at the hospital and its officials. The committee in its final report has concluded that “systemic and institutional failure is established, while individual responsibility varies with the strength of the evidence”. It added that Pims and its “senior management bear the principal institutional responsibility for failing to convert known risks, prior warnings and assigned duties into an effective safety system”. “Administrative, disciplinary, contractual and criminal responsibility must attach only where the relevant duty, omission and causal consequence are proved,” the report said. “The electrical spark explains how the fire began; the institutional system explains why it became a catastrophe. “Fourteen newborns were lost not because one safeguard failed, but because too many safeguards were absent, weak, delayed or never verified to be working,” the report has declared. The report pointed out a “history of known but incompletely closed risks”, citing prior warnings. These included earlier correspondence by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the Federal Ombudsman’s 2015 findings, Pims’ own 2025 acknowledgement of ageing fire safety infrastructure, and especially the July 6, 2026 Nursing Hostel fire, which had already highlighted deficiencies in detection, alarms, electrical inspection, evacuation, firefighting equipment, drills and emergency planning. “Yet those warnings had not been converted into a comprehensive, time-bound and independently verified corrective programme before the Nursery fire,” the report regrets. The committee said its conclusions were based on a structured 52-task investigation drawing upon forensic evidence, CCTV, call records, engineering and maintenance documents, clinical and casualty records, duty and attendance material, witness statements, contracts, regulatory records, and earlier inquiries. The report said the record disclosed “prima facie grounds for administrative and E&D proceedings against officers where a defined duty, prior knowledge or foreseeability, authority and corresponding act or omission indicate negligence, inefficiency, misconduct, unauthorised absence, failure of supervision or non-performance of assigned safety responsibilities”. It stressed that final guilt must be determined through due process. According to the committee, the evidence was “not equally mature against all officers”. Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2026
PM to return today after UK, US tour
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to return to the country on Tuesday (today) after wrapping up his two-week tour to the UK and the US. His hard-hitting address at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly focusing on regional security, water rights, and global conflicts was the highlight among his engagements in New York. “The prime minister will return to the country tomorrow night,” said a source in the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday. The source added the prime minister, who reached London from New York a couple of days ago, would leave for home by Tuesday morning. PM Shehbaz had left Islamabad on Sept 16 and reached London for a three-day stopover before proceeding to the US, primarily to attend the UNGA. On his way back, the PM again stayed in London for two days. “In fact, travelling from Pakistan to the US and vice versa is quite a long journey, PM Shehbaz opted to stay somewhere, preferably in London,” the source explained. The PM was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers and senior officials during the New York leg of his visit. In his UNGA address, the premier presented Pakistan’s perspective on regional and global developments with a renewed push for peace through diplomacy. The current war between Iran and the US remained a centrepiece in discussions among world leaders, particularly over the security of the Strait of Hormuz. In this regard, PM Shehbaz’s meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was quite significant as they discussed regional peace, bilateral cooperation, and de-escalation in the Middle East. In his interaction with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, he highlighted climate challenges, Islamophobia, and regional security. The PM also held talks with the Crown Prince of Kuwait, the Chairman of Bosnia’s Presidency, and leaders from Kenya and Austria focusing on economic ties and multilateral cooperation. Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2026
PM Shehbaz reaches London before heading to New York for UNGA sessionGovt reduces petrol price by Rs2.27 per litre, high-speed diesel rate by Rs3.56
if (!window._rawHtmlListenerAttached) { window._rawHtmlListenerAttached = true; window.addEventListener('message', function(event) { if (event.data && event.data.type === 'raw-html-resize' && event.data.id) { var iframe = document.getElementById(event.data.id); if (iframe) { var height = Math.min(Math.max(event.data.height, 50), 30000); iframe.style.height = height + 'px'; } } }); } The government on Monday decreased the price of petrol by Rs2.27 per litre and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs3.56 per litre. Following the revision, petrol will retail at Rs389.03 per litre, while HSD will cost Rs404.97 per litre. The government continues to levy Rs114 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel. According to the Petroleum Division’s notification, the new prices are applicable for Sept 29. The price of HSD has come down from a peak of Rs520.35 recorded on April 3. Its price had started rising from Rs281 per litre after the US-Iran war broke out on February 28. The petrol price had peaked at Rs458.41 on April 3 after beginning its upward trajectory from Rs266 in the first week of March. Meanwhile, the government has reintroduced a raft of austerity measures in response to rising fuel prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. Under these measures, markets are required to close by 9pm and fuel allocations for official vehicles has been cut by 50 per cent for three months. On September 13, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced a “relief scheme” for users of motorcycles, autos and vehicles of up to 800cc to “alleviate the burden” of rising global oil prices. Previously, on July 17, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced that fuel prices would now be fixed on a daily basis due to fluctuations in international market prices following renewed hostilities between Iran and the US. Prior to this, the government had been announcing weekly revisions to fuel prices since early March, alongside measures for the conservation of fuel amid possible oil supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The federal government in April also announced targeted relief measures to provide subsidised fuel. The petroleum minister stated that the cabinet and the prime minister had decided to give the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) the responsibility of deciding fuel prices on a daily basis based on international market trends. Petrol is mainly used in private transport, small vehicles, rickshaws and two-wheelers, and changes in its price affect the middle and lower-middle classes. Similarly, changes in diesel prices also impact the public at large, as it is mainly used in the heavy transport sector, power plants and large generators. Petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) are the major revenue earners, with monthly sales of about 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes, compared to just 10,000 tonnes of monthly demand for kerosene.
Aşırılık yanlısı İsrailli grupların Mescid-i Aksa'ya baskınına peş peşe kınama
TBMM Başkanı Numan Kurtulmuş, aşırılık yanlısı İsrailli grupların Mescid-i Aksa'ya baskınını kınadı. Kurtulmuş, sosyal medya hesabından yaptığı paylaşımda, "soykırımcı Netanyahu ve çetesinin", Mescid-i Aksa'yı hedef alarak hukuk tanımaz saldırganlığını bir kez daha tüm dünyaya gösterdiğini belirtti. Mescid-i Aksa'nın kutsiyetini hedef alan, kutsal mekanların dokunulmazlığını hiçe sayan bu saldırganlığın hiçbir gerekçesi ve izahı olamayacağını vurgulayan Kurtulmuş, şunları kaydetti: "İşlediği insanlık suçları nedeniyle 'insanlık cephesi' karşısında yalnızlaşan Netanyahu, uluslararası toplum nezdinde de meşruiyetini yitirmektedir. Tarih, bu barbarca politikaların sorumlularını unutmayacak. İlk kıblemiz Mescid-i Aksa'nın kutsiyetini ve Filistin halkının onurunu hedef alan bu saldırıları en güçlü şekilde kınıyorum. İsrail yönetimi bilmelidir ki Kudüs'ün tarihi ve dini statüsünü hedef alan hiçbir dayatmayı kabul etmeyeceğiz." İLETİŞİM BAŞKANI BURHANETTİN DURAN: TÜM KARDEŞLERİMİZİN YANINDA OLMAYA DEVAM EDECEĞİZ Cumhurbaşkanlığı İletişim Başkanı Burhanettin Duran, İsrailli aşırılık yanlısı grupların Mescid-i Aksa'ya baskınını kınadı. Duran, NSosyal hesabından yaptığı paylaşımda, Mescid-i Aksa'ya yönelik baskına tepki göstererek, şunları kaydetti: "Mescid-i Aksa'ya yönelik her provokasyon, Kudüs'ün tarihi ve hukuki statüsünü hedef alan kabul edilemez bir saldırıdır. İsrail işgal güçlerinin koruması altında gerçekleştirilen bu baskınları en güçlü şekilde kınıyorum. Kudüs'te gerilimi tırmandıran, kutsal mekanların mahremiyetini hiçe sayan ve bölgedeki hassas dengeleri daha da kırılgan hale getiren bu girişimler, barış ve istikrar arayışlarına ağır zarar vermektedir. Kudüs bütün semavi dinlerin ortak coğrafyası, Mescid-i Aksa Müslümanların ortak mabedi ve tüm insanlığın ortak mirasıdır. Cumhurbaşkanımız Sayın Recep Tayyip Erdoğan'ın belirttiği gibi, 'İlk kıblemiz Mescid-i Aksa kırmızı çizgimizdir.' Kudüs'ün ve Mescid-i Aksa'nın hukukunu savunmak, yalnızca bugünün değil, gelecek nesillere karşı da taşıdığımız tarihi bir sorumluluktur. Bu bilinçle, Mescid-i Aksa'nın kutsiyetine her zaman sahip çıkacak, Filistinli tüm kardeşlerimizin yanında olmaya devam edeceğiz." AK PARTİ SÖZCÜSÜ ÖMER ÇELİK: MÜSLÜMANLARIN KIRMIZI ÇİZGİSİDİR AK Parti Genel Başkan Yardımcısı ve Parti Sözcüsü Ömer Çelik, İsrailli aşırılık yanlısı grupların, Mescid-i Aksa'ya baskınını lanetledi. Çelik, NSosyal hesabındaki paylaşımında şunları kaydetti: "İsrailli aşırılık yanlısı grupların, İsrail işgal güçlerinin koruması altında Mescid-i Aksa'ya gerçekleştirdiği baskını lanetliyoruz. Harem-i Şerif'in kudsiyetini ve tarihi statüsünü hedef alan bu provokasyonların kabul edilemez. İsrail makamlarının gözetiminde yürütülen bu çirkin eylemler, bölgesel gerilimi tırmandıran son derece tehlikeli adımlardır. Mescid-i Aksa Müslümanların kırmızı çizgisidir. İsrail bu sistematik saldırılara derhal son vermelidir. Uluslararası toplumu, uluslararası hukuku ve kutsal mekanların statüsünü korumak adına net bir duruş sergilemeye çağırıyoruz."
Aşırılık yanlısı İsrailli grupların Mescid-i Aksa'ya baskınına peş peşe kınamaTürkiye'den İsrailli aşırılık yanlısı grupların Mescid-i Aksa'ya düzenlediği baskına tepki
Dışişleri Bakanlığı, İsrailli aşırılık yanlısı grupların, İsrail işgal güçlerinin koruması altında Mescid-i Aksa’ya düzenlediği baskını en güçlü biçimde kınadı. Dışişleri Bakanlığından İsrailli aşırılık yanlısı grupların Mescid-i Aksa'ya düzenlediği baskına ilişkin yazılı açıklama yayımlandı. İsrail Başbakanı Binyamin Netanyahu hükümetinin, Müslümanlara ait kutsal mekanları hedef alan ihlal ve provokasyonlarla bölgedeki gerilimi daha da körüklemeyi ve barış ile istikrar çabalarını baltalamayı amaçladığının açıkça görüldüğü belirtilen açıklamada, "İsrailli aşırılık yanlısı grupların, İsrail işgal güçlerinin koruması altında Mescid-i Aksa'ya düzenlediği baskını en güçlü biçimde kınıyoruz." ifadesine yer verildi. Açıklamada, İsrail'in, Mescid-i Aksa'nın tarihi ve hukuki statüsünü ihlal eden uygulamalarına karşı uluslararası toplumun caydırıcı tedbirler alması yönündeki çağrı da yinelendi. ÖMER ÇELİK: MESCİD-İ AKSA'YA BASKINI LANETLİYORUZ AK Parti Sözcüsü Ömer Çelik de sosyal medyadan yaptığı paylaşımla İsrail'e tepki gösterdi. Çelik paylaşımında şu ifadelere yer verdi: "İsrailli aşırılık yanlısı grupların, İsrail işgal güçlerinin koruması altında Mescid-i Aksa’ya gerçekleştirdiği baskını lanetliyoruz. Harem-i Şerif’in kudsiyetini ve tarihi statüsünü hedef alan bu provokasyonlar kabul edilemez. İsrail makamlarının gözetiminde yürütülen bu çirkin eylemler, bölgesel gerilimi tırmandıran son derece tehlikeli adımlardır. Mescid-i Aksa Müslümanların kırmızı çizgisidir. İsrail bu sistematik saldırılara derhal son vermelidir. Uluslararası toplumu, uluslararası hukuku ve kutsal mekanların statüsünü korumak adına net bir duruş sergilemeye çağırıyoruz."
SCO meeting in Islamabad from Sept 28-30 to discuss activities under Pakistan's chairmanship
National coordinators of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are set to meet in Islamabad from Sept 28 to 30 to discuss the programme of activities under Pakistan’s chairmanship and other matters. In a statement on Sunday, the Foreign Office (FO) said the first meeting of the SCO Council of National Coordinators (CNC) will be convened under Pakistan’s chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) for 2026-27. The meeting would be chaired by the national coordinator of the SCO for Pakistan and attended by their counterparts from SCO member states, along with representatives of the SCO Secretariat. “The national coordinators would discuss a wide range of issues relating to SCO cooperation and coordination, including the programme of activities under Pakistan’s chairmanship, preparations for upcoming SCO meetings and events, and other matters on the agenda of the organisation.” As the chair of the SCO CHS for 2026-27, Pakistan would seek to advance the group’s objectives under the theme “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity”. “Pakistan’s chairmanship would focus on promoting greater connectivity, fostering innovation, enhancing economic cooperation, and strengthening people-to-people contacts, with a view to translating the shared vision of member states into practical and mutually beneficial initiatives,” FO noted. It added that Pakistan would work closely with all member states and the SCO Secretariat to “advance these priorities and further strengthen cooperation within the SCO”. “The meeting marks an important initial engagement under Pakistan’s chairmanship and would contribute to preparations for various high-level engagements and activities to be undertaken during the chairmanship, including the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State to be hosted by Pakistan in August 2027.” Pakistan assumed the chairmanship of the SCO CHS for 2027 during an annual summit held in Kyrgyzstan in September. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had proposed an “excellent plan that will prioritise key sectors, including IT and AI, energy development, poverty reduction, disaster management, health, culture and sports”. He called for turning the SCO vision into action and its promises into progress, advocating for greater regional connectivity. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has invited bids for the upgradation of Jinnah Convention Centre, besides construction of a new block for the SCO summit next year. CDA was also making all-out efforts in August to ensure the availability of 4,000 top-class hotel rooms in Islamabad for the SCO moot. CDA officials said that although various hotels had more than 4,000 rooms available, around 1,000 did not meet international standards. Therefore, CDA had decided to encourage the hotel industry to construct new rooms, complete ongoing hotel construction projects early and start work on new hotels. In July, Pakistan hosted the 12th meeting of the Heads of Border Services of the Competent Authorities of the SCO. Islamabad also chairs SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS), a role it assumed last September.
SCO members to meet in Islamabad from Sept 28-30 to discuss activities under Pakistan's chairmanship
National coordinators of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) are set to meet in Islamabad from Sept 28 to 30 to discuss the programme of activities as Pakistan chairs the group, among other matters. In a statement on Sunday, the Foreign Office (FO) said the first meeting of the SCO Council of National Coordinators (CNC) will be convened under Pakistan’s chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) for 2026-27. The meeting would be chaired by the national coordinator of the SCO for Pakistan and attended by their counterparts from SCO member states, along with representatives of the SCO Secretariat. “The national coordinators would discuss a wide range of issues relating to SCO cooperation and coordination, including the programme of activities under Pakistan’s chairmanship, preparations for upcoming SCO meetings and events, and other matters on the agenda of the organisation.” As the chair of the SCO CHS for 2026-27, Pakistan would seek to advance the group’s objectives under the theme “Turning Vision into Action: Connectivity, Innovation and Shared Prosperity”. “Pakistan’s chairmanship would focus on promoting greater connectivity, fostering innovation, enhancing economic cooperation, and strengthening people-to-people contacts, with a view to translating the shared vision of member states into practical and mutually beneficial initiatives,” FO noted. It added that Pakistan would work closely with all member states and the SCO Secretariat to “advance these priorities and further strengthen cooperation within the SCO”. “The meeting marks an important initial engagement under Pakistan’s chairmanship and would contribute to preparations for various high-level engagements and activities to be undertaken during the chairmanship, including the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State to be hosted by Pakistan in August 2027.” Pakistan assumed the chairmanship of the SCO CHS for 2027 during an annual summit held in Kyrgyzstan in September. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had proposed an “excellent plan that will prioritise key sectors, including IT and AI, energy development, poverty reduction, disaster management, health, culture and sports”. He called for turning the SCO vision into action and its promises into progress, advocating for greater regional connectivity. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has invited bids for the upgradation of Jinnah Convention Centre, besides construction of a new block for the SCO summit next year. CDA was also making all-out efforts in August to ensure the availability of 4,000 top-class hotel rooms in Islamabad for the SCO moot. CDA officials said that although various hotels had more than 4,000 rooms available, around 1,000 did not meet international standards. Therefore, CDA had decided to encourage the hotel industry to construct new rooms, complete ongoing hotel construction projects early and start work on new hotels. In July, Pakistan hosted the 12th meeting of the Heads of Border Services of the Competent Authorities of the SCO. Islamabad also chairs SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS), a role it assumed last September.
Progress at UNGA
ALTHOUGH no breakthrough was achieved at the UN General Assembly, there has been some progress where finding a negotiated solution to the US war on Iran is concerned. For example, both the American and Iranian delegations held talks mediated by Qatar, while the Iranian president told Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that Tehran was still committed to the Islamabad MoU. Moreover, other reports indicate that both the US and Iran are looking for an off-ramp, with Tehran offering to open the Strait of Hormuz for marine traffic if Washington ends its blockade of Iran. The key question is: who will blink first in this battle of wits, as neither side will want to appear weak? Now it is up to both sides — as well as the states mediating this conflict — to take forward the progress made in New York. As the US, along with Israel, initiated this aggression, it should take the first step and offer confidence-building measures to Iran in order to de-escalate the situation and come to a long-term settlement. Though White House officials have said Iran is ‘desperate’ for a deal, the fact is that high fuel prices are also hurting the Trump administration at home. An unpopular war coupled with high inflation is not likely to have a positive effect on the Republicans’ chances going into November’s midterm elections. In a meeting on the UNGA sidelines, Mr Trump’s Gulf allies reportedly asked him for a post-midterm strategy regarding Iran. Perhaps something can come out of the interactions at the UN. However, the talks must not be a ruse to open Hormuz and to merely suspend hostilities and stabilise oil prices until the US midterms. There are some indications that the Trump administration may be considering kinetic action after the elections. It would mean a disastrous new confrontation in the Middle East. Hopefully, wiser counsel will prevail in Washington. The way forward seems simple. The US must approach Iran with sincerity, and the talks must not be a smokescreen for further military action later. The blockade of Iran should be lifted and its funds released to enable a longer-term peace. Tehran, on its part, should commit to keeping Hormuz open in the interest of both its neighbours and the wider international community, while also refraining from targeting the Gulf states. Also, any new agreement should cover all fronts: Gaza, Lebanon and Yemen. Although these are separate conflicts, they are also interlinked as Iranian allies are involved in all of them fighting Israel, the US and Saudi Arabia. Hence, a peace treaty with Iran alone may not last unless there is also calm in other regional theatres, while there is a particular need to rein in Israel’s murderous attacks on regional states. Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2026
PM Shehbaz reaches London before heading to New York for UNGA session'Protest everyone's right but minus Islamabad': Sanaullah says 'practice' of marches to capital should end
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah contended on Saturday that everyone had a constitutional and legal right to protest, but Islamabad should be off-limits for demonstrations and urged people to “end the practice” of staging long marches and protests in the federal capital. PTI had been gearing up for a nationwide protest and march towards Islamabad to press for the release of its founder, Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail. However, CM Afridi announced a day ago that the march had been postponed to Oct 4. Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) had also launched a march towards Islamabad against the petroleum levy, but it postponed the move at the request of PM Shehbaz Sharif, pending a meeting with him. “If anyone needs to protest, they can do so in Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Karachi, Peshawar, or Multan. This practice needs to end,” Sanaullah said on Geo News programme ‘Jirga’. He pointed out that the ban on protests in Islamabad did not apply only to the PTI. Gatherings in the capital without prior permission are also banned under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024, which had been rushed through the National Assembly ahead of a PTI gathering that month. “Peaceful protest is everyone’s constitutional and legal right, but they need to minus Islamabad from that,” Sanaullah stated. “It is everyone’s right, but minus attacks on Islamabad. This must be ensured.” He highlighted that a message had been sent that no protests would be allowed within Islamabad, as foreign diplomats were present in the federal capital and demonstrations would send a “bad message”. The PML-N leader accused PTI of aiming to overthrow the government, alleging that their goal is to “erect ladders next to the walls of Adiala jail and break in to meet Imran Khan”, who has been incarcerated there since an Aug 5, 2023 conviction. “How is this peaceful?” Sanaullah asked. “Party leaders have been threatening to overthrow the government or free someone from jail and then go back,” he outlined. “Permission for a long march will not be granted if this is their intent.” The PM’s aide stressed that no streets in Islamabad, besides those in the Red Zone and the M-1 Motorway, were shut for traffic. He clarified that containers had only been placed “at the corners” of the city’s roads for “safety”. “There are containers on every corner of Islamabad, but as we speak right now, no roads have been closed with them,” he said, explaining that containers have been placed at those points so they can be deployed as and when needed. “The situation in Islamabad is not as it is being described in the media,” he asserted, noting that some were referring to the capital as a “container city”. The PM’s aide stressed that PTI also did not submit any application to the Islamabad administration seeking permission for a gathering, nor inform it of its expected time and duration. Sanaullah added that PTI should approach the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and provide their “required guarantees”, contending that they did not intend to do that. Asked if the authorities’ response to any march would be similar to the Nov 26, 2024 crackdown on PTI’s ’Final Call’ protest, Sanaullah said he did not want to “say any such thing” as there were fellow Pakistanis, friends and colleagues in the party. However, he warned that PTI “should not hold such a march at any cost that would attempt to push back law enforcement agencies and move towards D-Chowk”. “Under no circumstance will they be granted access,” Sanaullah warned, cautioning PTI supporters against using force, noting that such an action, in the wake of IHC’s recent ruling, would provide authorities with “legal backing” to respond. Hearing a plea against the planned march, the IHC on September 14 ruled that no political party or its leadership has the “lawful right to occupy public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas and buildings in Islamabad”. Meanwhile, in the Rawalpindi Division and the federal capital territory, security measures and preparations to deal with any emergency situation remain in place despite the postponement of the march. Punjab had already imposed a ban on gatherings across the province until Oct 5 and prohibited inciting people to “unlawful assembly”. A similar ban under Section 144 has been enforced in Islamabad for two months. The federal government has also approved the deployment of Rangers in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab from Sept 20 to Oct 5.
Suicide blast targeting DI Khan checkpost claims 12 lives, injures 30
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A dozen people lost their lives while 35 others were injured on Saturday when a vehicle laden with explosives was rammed into the Aman Mela police checkpost in Dera Ismail Khan’s Darazinda tehsil, officials said. Separately, two rescue workers were killed and another was injured when a Rescue 1122 ambulance came under fire while transporting bodies of victims from the blast. DI Khan Regional Police Officer (RPO) Ghulam Mubashir Maken, citing an initial assessment, confirmed the casualties from the blast. He clarified that no law enforcement or security personnel were among the deceased, which included a Customs official and civilians. The deceased comprised nine men, two women and a minor. According to police and Rescue 1122 officials, an unidentified attacker rammed the explosives-laden tractor trolley into the checkpost. DI Khan District Police Officer (DPO) Ziauddin Ahmed confirmed that it was a suicide blast. The blast destroyed a large portion of the checkpost and completely demolished a house adjacent to the post. The intensity of the explosion was such that it was heard over a considerable distance, according to local officials and residents. Heavy firing was also heard following the blast. The Aman Mela checkpost, located near Mughal Kot and Darazinda on the DI Khan-Quetta Road, is used by police for security and checking along the route. It is situated close to the border between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to RPO Maken, 25 of the injured were taken to the district headquarters (DHQ) hospital. Meanwhile, District Excise Officer Faheem Wazir said Excise personnel present at the checkpost remained safe. A bomb disposal team was also sent to the site to determine the nature of the explosion and examine the scene, police said. DPO Ahmed and the superintendent of police for the Saddar area had reached the site soon after the explosion and supervised the rescue operation. A Rescue 1122 spokesperson noted that their teams were on the site for relief operations, but mobile phone services were unavailable in the area. Later in the day, a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said the search, recovery and relief operation at the site had been completed. More than 25 personnel, six ambulances and a fire vehicle took part in the relief operations, according to the rescue service. On the directions of District Emergency Officer (DEO) Mohammad Arif Khan, four additional ambulances with staff were dispatched from DI Khan to assist in evacuating the injured. 2 killed as ambulance comes under fire Rescue 1122 said two of its workers were killed while another was seriously injured when an ambulance transporting some bodies recovered from the blast site was targeted by unidentified assailants near Aman Mela. The deceased rescue workers were identified as Sharifullah and Imtiaz, while Anees sustained injuries in the firing, according to a Rescue 1122 spokesperson. The injured worker was provided immediate medical treatment and taken to a hospital. Despite the firing incident, rescue teams had continued the operation to transport the bodies and assist those affected by the blast. State broadcaster Radio Pakistan attributed the attack to Fitna al Khawarij, a term the state uses to refer to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The report added that an operation by the security forces against the terrorists was underway. ‘Political priorities must reflect the pain of our people’ Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, in a video statement, condemned the attack and highlighted the funds allocated for police in KP’s budget. He also once again called for a “policy shift” on the federal government’s part regarding counterterrorism. Meanwhile, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi sought a report from senior officials on the incident and directed that every possible medical facility be provided to those injured. “The attack is a nefarious conspiracy by Fitna al-Hindustan Khawarij,” the governor said. The state refers to designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna al Hindustan to highlight India’s role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan. In the wake of the blast, Kundi also requested the PTI to call off its march to Islamabad planned for Oct 4. Tagging CM Afridi’s X account, he wrote: “For the sake of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and our people, let us put political differences aside and stand together as one. “Our people are paying the price in blood. They deserve solidarity, security and leadership focused on protecting their lives.” In an earlier post on X, Kundi said, “At a time when KP is mourning, political priorities must reflect the pain of our people.” He asserted that the provincial government “must take responsibility and put the security and lives of our people at the centre of its priorities”. “They do not need test matches or long marches. They need peace.” Condemnations President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the blast in a statement issued by the Presidency and expressed grief over the lives lost. The president ordered that the best medical facilities be provided to the injured, and that relief operations be made “more effective”. “Making innocent citizens and law enforcement personnel a target of terrorism is highly condemnable,” he was quoted as saying. “Operations against terrorists belonging to Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khawarij, who perpetrate heinous acts with foreign support, must be made more effective.” Denouncing the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the loss of precious human lives. He said the sacrifices of the nation’s guardians in the war against terrorism “will never be allowed to go in vain”. “The government is determined to completely eradicate terrorism from the country,” he was quoted as saying. In a statement issued by his ministry, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also strongly condemned the “suicide blast at the anti-smuggling Aman Mela police checkpost” and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families. “The cowardly acts of kharjis cannot weaken the nation’s firm resolve against terrorism,” he was quoted as saying, using a term the state employs to designate terrorists. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is on the front lines of the fight against terrorism.” Naqvi noted that people from all walks of life have made sacrifices against terrorism, adding that the state deeply values the sacrifices of martyrs. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that the “terrorist attack” in DI Khan, following the recent bloodshed in Kohat, was “another painful reminder of the terrorism threat Pakistan continues to confront”. “My deepest condolences to the families of our martyrs and prayers for the injured. The nation stands firmly with our courageous police, law-enforcement agencies and security forces,” he said. “Pakistan has defeated terrorism before, and we will defeat it again. Terrorists, their facilitators, financiers and sponsors will be held accountable and no territory beyond our borders will be allowed to serve as a sanctuary for terrorism against Pakistan,” he said. “We will neither be intimidated nor divided. Pakistan will prevail,” Bilawal said. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also condemned the blast at the “Customs joint check post”. Rise in terrorism KP has witnessed an increase in terrorist activity in recent months, with law enforcement agencies and security forces being targeted, prompting authorities to intensify counterterrorism operations. Earlier this month, police said they foiled an attack by TTP terrorists on a checkpost in DI Khan’s Daraban area. No casualties were reported among the police personnel. On Sept 18, a major attack in the old Police Lines in KP’s Kohat claimed 23 lives and injured about 100 others. Eight terrorists were killed during an overnight clearance operation. In response to that and other terrorist incidents, Pakistan days later conducted “calibrated” airstrikes in the border region with Afghanistan against terrorist hideouts, with the government saying over 28 terrorists were eliminated. Mainland KP, excluding the merged districts, recorded 54 terrorist attacks in August compared with 36 in July, representing an increase of 50 per cent, according to monthly data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
9 terrorists killed in Balochistan operations'Protest everyone's right but minus Islamabad': Rana Sanaullah says 'practice' of marches to capital should end
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah contended on Saturday that everyone had a constitutional and legal right to protest, but Islamabad should be off-limits for demonstrations and urged people to “end the practice” of staging long marches and protests in the federal capital. PTI had been gearing up for a nationwide protest and march towards Islamabad to press for the release of its founder, Imran Khan, who is currently incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail. However, CM Afridi announced a day ago that the march had been postponed to Oct 4. Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) had also launched a march towards Islamabad against the petroleum levy, but it postponed the move at the request of PM Shehbaz Sharif, pending a meeting with him. “If anyone needs to protest, they can do so in Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Karachi, Peshawar, or Multan. This practice needs to end,” Sanaullah said on Geo News programme ‘Jirga’. He pointed out that the ban on protests in Islamabad did not apply only to the PTI. Gatherings in the capital without prior permission are also banned under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024, which had been rushed through the National Assembly ahead of a PTI gathering that month. “Peaceful protest is everyone’s constitutional and legal right, but they need to minus Islamabad from that,” Sanaullah stated. “It is everyone’s right, but minus attacks on Islamabad. This must be ensured.” He highlighted that a message had been sent that no protests would be allowed within Islamabad, as foreign diplomats were present in the federal capital and demonstrations would send a “bad message”. The PML-N leader accused PTI of aiming to overthrow the government, alleging that their goal is to “erect ladders next to the walls of Adiala jail and break in to meet Imran Khan”, who has been incarcerated there since an Aug 5, 2023 conviction. “How is this peaceful?” Sanaullah asked. “Party leaders have been threatening to overthrow the government or free someone from jail and then go back,” he outlined. “Permission for a long march will not be granted if this is their intent.” The PM’s aide stressed that no streets in Islamabad, besides those in the Red Zone and the M-1 Motorway, were shut for traffic. He clarified that containers had only been placed “at the corners” of the city’s roads for “safety”. “There are containers on every corner of Islamabad, but as we speak right now, no roads have been closed with them,” he said, explaining that containers have been placed at those points so they can be deployed as and when needed. “The situation in Islamabad is not as it is being described in the media,” he asserted, noting that some were referring to the capital as a “container city”. The PM’s aide stressed that PTI also did not submit any application to the Islamabad administration seeking permission for a gathering, nor inform it of its expected time and duration. Sanaullah added that PTI should approach the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and provide their “required guarantees”, contending that they did not intend to do that. Asked if the authorities’ response to any march would be similar to the Nov 26, 2024 crackdown on PTI’s ’Final Call’ protest, Sanaullah said he did not want to “say any such thing” as there were fellow Pakistanis, friends and colleagues in the party. However, he warned that PTI “should not hold such a march at any cost that would attempt to push back law enforcement agencies and move towards D-Chowk”. “Under no circumstance will they be granted access,” Sanaullah warned, cautioning PTI supporters against using force, noting that such an action, in the wake of IHC’s recent ruling, would provide authorities with “legal backing” to respond. Hearing a plea against the planned march, the IHC on September 14 ruled that no political party or its leadership has the “lawful right to occupy public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas and buildings in Islamabad”. Meanwhile, in the Rawalpindi Division and the federal capital territory, security measures and preparations to deal with any emergency situation remain in place despite the postponement of the march. Punjab had already imposed a ban on gatherings across the province until Oct 5 and prohibited inciting people to “unlawful assembly”. A similar ban under Section 144 has been enforced in Islamabad for two months. The federal government has also approved the deployment of Rangers in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab from Sept 20 to Oct 5.
'Largest hypocrisy in the world': Pakistan tells UNGA India’s 'terrorist exports' have gone global
Pakistan on Saturday accused India of having “elevated propaganda into statecraft”, embraced disinformation as diplomacy and “exported terrorism as an instrument of policy”, as Islamabad hit back at remarks made by the Indian representative at the UN General Assembly. In a reply to the Indian representative’s statement during the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Counsellor Saima Saleem termed India a state “that has elevated propaganda into statecraft, embraced disinformation as diplomacy, exports terrorism as an instrument of policy, pursues hegemony as a regional strategy, mainstreamed Islamophobia and institutionalised Hindutva ideology”. “The extraordinary balance sheet of today’s incredibly intolerant India. It exports terrorism and violence while trying to import victimhood and sympathy,” she said. “Pakistan knows the cost of Indian-sponsored terrorism all too well,” she said, adding that since the turn of the century, Pakistan had lost nearly 100,000 lives to terrorism, generations had been scarred and billions of dollars had been drained from the country’s economy. She said Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and sacrifices had been well recognised internationally. “We have also presented to the international community extensive evidence of India’s financing, aiding and abetting of terrorist groups targeting Pakistanis, including the TTP, BLA and Majeed Brigade,” she said. “Yet, despite its endless lectures to others on terrorism, we are still waiting to hear India unequivocally condemn the terrorist attacks that kill innocent Pakistani civilians. But how can we expect India to condemn its proxies?” she stated. She said India’s “terrorist exports have gone from regional to global”, citing former Indian naval commander Kulbhushan Jadhav, convicted in Pakistan on terrorism and espionage charges, and Nikhil Gupta, who pleaded guilty in the United States for plotting the murder of a Sikh leader at the direction of the Indian government. She also referred to “others implicated in assassinations carried out in Canada”. Kashmir dispute Turning to the Kashmir dispute, the counsellor said: “Jammu and Kashmir never was, neither is, nor will ever be an integral part of India. It is an internationally recognised disputed territory, a huge part of which is under India’s forcible and illegal occupation for nearly eight decades against the wishes of the Kashmiri people, and in gross violation of international law and numerous resolutions of the Security Council.” “The contrast between AJK and Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir could not be more stark,” she said. “In AJK, Kashmiris enjoy rights, participate in political life and have the freedom to express their opinions, while the people of Indian-occupied Kashmir endure decades of occupation, repression and denial of their fundamental rights and freedoms, including the inalienable right to self-determination. Rights exercised cannot be equated with rights denied,” she said. ‘Largest hypocrisy in the world’ Saima said the ruling RSS-BJP dispensation in India had “institutionalised Hindutva ideology in state policy and practice, and unleashed a reign of terror against minorities”. “Muslims are demonised; Christians persecuted; Dalits dehumanised; and Sikhs disenfranchised in the largest hypocrisy in the world,” she said. She said massacres of Muslims in Gujarat and Delhi under state patronage, calls for the genocide of Muslims, Islamophobic rhetoric by politicians and discriminatory citizenship laws were part of the “Hindutva project”. Indus Waters Treaty On the Indus Waters Treaty, Saima said that by the “so-called holding in abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty and blatantly disregarding its international legal obligations, including the sanctity of treaties”, India had “stooped to a new low of weaponising water, a lifeline for the 240 million people of Pakistan”. She said India’s “false narratives and disinformation could not hide the crushing defeat it suffered at Pakistan’s hands during Marka-i-Haq in May 2025”. “It is well recognised by the international community that India lost more than a military conflict; it lost its credibility. Today, India can no longer import sympathy as it stands exposed in front of the world,” she said. “As stated by my prime minister, Pakistan remains steadfast in its pursuit of peace, mutual respect, dialogue and the peaceful settlement of disputes in our region and beyond — a commitment reflected in our consistent role as a peacemaker, mediator and bridge-builder,” she stated. “We will defend ourselves whenever aggression is imposed upon us, but we will never abandon the path to peace; for lasting strength lies not in the wars a nation can fight, but in the peace it has the courage to build and defend.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said any attempt by India to stop, impede or divert Pakistan’s share of water would be treated as an “act of war”. Addressing the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, he said India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance had no legal basis, adding that the country’s position had been rejected by UN experts and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
'Largest hypocrisy in the world': Pakistan tells UNGA India’s 'terrorist exports' have gone globalFive days inside the contradictions of the United Nations
UNITED NATIONS: Only at the United Nations can a journalist walk through a corridor and suddenly find himself face to face with a prime minister, pause before a sculpture symbolising peace, read the words of a Persian poet written on a wall, and then rush outside to report on a protest against a war thousands of miles away. For five days, I lived inside that extraordinary contradiction while covering the high-level debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The official high-level week brought heads of state and government from around the world to the UN headquarters between September 22 and 26. The first thing one begins to notice at the United Nations is the art. There are sculptures, statues and works donated by countries that seem to confront you at every turn. They are reminders of peace, humanity, war and the hope that nations can somehow learn to live together. Even before you enter the United Nations, the place begins to tell its story. As you approach the Secretariat Building, you encounter Barbara Hepworth’s Single Form, the large abstract bronze standing beside the circular pool. Donated by Jacob Blaustein, it rises quietly against the building, its simple, powerful shape inviting a visitor to pause before entering a place where the world’s conflicts are debated. Nearby stands St. George Slaying the Dragon, a sculpture presented to the United Nations by the Soviet Union. The familiar image of St. George defeating the dragon takes on a different meaning here, surrounded by the flags and institutions of an organisation created in the aftermath of war. And then there is Antun Augustinčić’s Peace Monument, the mounted figure holding a sword and an olive branch. The Yugoslav/Croatian sculptor had wanted its silhouette to be visible from the East River, so that the idea of peace could announce itself even before a visitor reached the building. Further along is Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd’s Non-Violence, the bronze revolver with its barrel tied into a knot, a gift from Luxembourg. Nearby, Evgeniy Vuchetich’s Let Us Beat Swords into Ploughshares shows a man transforming a sword into a tool for cultivating the earth. Taken together, these sculptures seem to form a kind of preface to the United Nations: the human figure, the struggle against violence, the rejection of weapons and the hope that instruments of destruction can be transformed into instruments of peace. And then you enter the building, where the symbols continue. On an entrance are the words of the great Persian poet Saadi, reminding us that human beings are parts of one body, created from the same essence — and that when one part suffers, the others cannot remain at peace. And then, inside the building, you encounter the words of Saadi, the great Persian poet, written on a wall. His famous lines describe human beings as parts of one body, created from the same essence. When one part suffers, the others cannot remain at peace. I kept returning to those words during these five days. Because almost everywhere I looked, I saw the world struggling with the very idea they express. Iran and the United States were at the centre of intense diplomatic activity. Gaza dominated conversations inside the building and protests outside it. The war in Ukraine continued to draw attention, while India and Pakistan brought their familiar confrontation to the international forum. The United Nations seemed to contain the whole contradiction of our age: an institution built on the idea that humanity can act together, confronted every day by evidence of how difficult that remains. Outside the gates, protesters gathered in large numbers as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived to address the UN General Assembly. Inside, delegations walked out during his speech. And there I was, moving between the demonstrations, the diplomatic meetings, the press conferences and the Assembly hall, doing what journalists do — watching, listening, asking questions and trying to understand what was happening behind the carefully prepared language of diplomacy. At one point, I actually bumped into Netanyahu. It was not a planned interview or a formal meeting. It was simply one of those extraordinary moments possible only at the United Nations, where presidents, prime ministers, diplomats, security officers, journalists and interpreters are constantly crossing one another’s paths. The security arrangements themselves became part of the story. During the US president’s stay in New York, security around the United Nations was extraordinarily tight. Motorcades moved through sealed streets, access was restricted and every movement of a major leader seemed choreographed. The arrival of leaders such as the Syrian and Turkish presidents added to the atmosphere. Then the intensity would ease. A major leader would leave, the barricades would move, the corridors would become less crowded, and suddenly the United Nations would feel almost ordinary again—until another motorcade arrived. That rhythm is something a television broadcast cannot quite capture. At the UN, diplomacy is not only what leaders say from the podium. It is also the waiting, the corridors, the security checks, the hurried whispers, the chance encounters and the small conversations between meetings. Pakistan’s diplomatic role was another important part of my coverage. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Assembly as Islamabad continued efforts to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the United States. Shehbaz later said Pezeshkian regarded the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as fully acceptable to Iran and was prepared to move it forward. That is the other side of covering the UN. You see confrontation, but you also see countries trying to create channels through which confrontation might be reduced. And sometimes the most memorable moments have nothing to do with the major powers. Only at the United Nations could I find myself in a photograph with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua of Tonga and Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo of Samoa. Three leaders from three very different parts of the world, standing together in New York. Only at the United Nations. The photograph captures something that statistics cannot. The General Assembly has 193 member states, each represented with one vote. Yet the world represented inside that building is vastly more complicated than a list of countries and votes. Every delegation carries its own history. Every leader brings his country’s anxieties. Every journalist arrives carrying questions. And outside, the protesters carry their anger. For five days, I walked past the sculptures and statues, past the flags and security barriers, past presidents and prime ministers, past demonstrations and diplomatic receptions. And each time I saw Saadi’s words on the wall, they seemed to ask the same simple question: If we really are parts of one body, how can one part suffer while the rest remains at peace? The United Nations has no easy answer. Perhaps that is why the question is still written on its wall. And perhaps that is why, after five days of covering the world’s most powerful people, the image I carry with me is not of a speech or a motorcade. It is of people from Bangladesh, Tonga, Samoa and Pakistan standing together for a photograph. Only at the United Nations.
Five days inside the contradictions of the United Nations