MASSES REJECTED POLITICS OF CHAOS AS THEY SUPPORT GOVT’S ECONOMIC POLICIES: PM
ongoing
S TA F F R E P O R T
Government’s legal adviser Barrister Aqeel Malik on Sunday claimed that the National Assembly session will be convened in the first week of October to table and approve the controversial Constitutional Package Speaking during a programme at private TV, Barrister Aqeel said that approval of the package was an
firmed
of
in business with the country He mentioned that friendly nations are worried about the Pakistani economy and are anxious about how to assist He highlighted that neither the constitution, parliament, nor legal institutions are secure, as various institutions are interfering in each other’s affairs all striving for their own stability While he acknowledged that changes occur over time he stressed that they should not be driven by political interests Rehman called for institutions to operate within their defined boundaries and strengthen themselves stating that he wishes to see a robust parliament judiciary and military He reaffirmed that the Constitution is the social contract that unites the nation Haideri calls for immediate elections Meanwhile Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri Secretary General of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) de-
clared that the current government can no longer continue and demanded immediate, transparent elections
Speaking to the media in Karachi on Sunday he stated that the government s authority is failing across the country He noted that in rural Sindh bandits are routinely kidnapping people, and in Balochistan, there is no one to prevent the closure of national highways
Haideri criticised the legitimacy of both the 2018 and 2024 elections claiming that they have not resulted in stable governments and accused authorities of installing corrupt individuals through these electoral processes Haideri highlighted that government officials have acknowledged the current administration s inability to function effectively He asserted that issues in Balochistan cannot be resolved through force and urged that serious demands in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan should be addressed He further pointed out that ordinances hold no significant value in the constitution and can only be used temporarily
ISLAMABAD
‘G andapur roamed L ahore, reached PTI rally despite hurdles ’
UK Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan, Oliver Christian, has arrived in Islamabad for his first visit to Pakistan This three-day visit is aimed at strengthening the economic and trade ties between the UK and Pakistan During his stay Christian is set to announce several key partnerships, including a strategic Transnational Education agreement between Beaconhouse International College and the University
of Essex, as well as a collaboration between Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust and Novacare Hospital in Islamabad These initiatives will significantly boost the UK s investment in Pakistan s education and healthcare sectors
The University of Essex partnership will offer Pakistani students access to world-class education, while the Novacare project promises to raise the bar for healthcare services in the region British Deputy High Commissioner Karachi Sarah Mooney remarked As Pakistan s third-largest trade partner, the UK is committed to fostering economic
growth and addressing challenges that hinder development This visit reaffirms our dedication to unlocking opportunities that benefit both nations UK Trade Commissioner Oliver Christian added British firms are market leaders in Pakistan, trusted by millions of consumers and making substantial contributions to the economy We are committed to further strengthening our economic relationship with Pakistan through investments partnerships and showcasing the vast opportunities available for UK businesses
S ta f f R e p o R t The 485th death anniversary (Joti Jot) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was commemorated at Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur with large-scale participation from Sikh pilgrims from both Pakistan and India The ceremonies concluded with the Bhog Akhand Path and various events celebrating Guru Nanak s legacy, according to a press release On the final day, a statue of Bhai Mardana, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Muslim companion, was unveiled at the “Bhai Ajita Ji Bazaar” by Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Syed Ata-ul-Rahman and Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora The statue was praised as a powerful symbol of Sikh-Muslim friendship As part of the celebrations vegetable seeds and fruit-bearing plants were sown at Kheti Sahib Organic vegetable cultivation on 3 acres of Guru Nanak s farmland was inaugurated, with the produce planned for use in the Gurdwara s langar (community kitchen) Dates from the Kartarpur plantation were distributed as Prasad to pilgrims ETPB Chairman Dr Ata-ur-Rahman lauded the Kartarpur Corridor as a gift to the global Sikh community and highlighted the statue of Bhai Mardana as a symbol of interfaith unity The event was attended by government officials including PSGPC members and ETPB Secretary Fareed Iqbal
maybe
Actually, the would-be assassin has shown that anybody playing golf is peculiarly vulnerable Of course, anyone hanging around a golf course with a sniper rifle would probably lay himself open to questions But then, he could probably hide the rifle in the club-bag When Wodehouse wrote about attempting to assas-
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and
PUNJAB CM PLEDGES QUALIT Y TREATMENT FOR CANCER PATIENTS ON WORLD ROSE DAY
She approved a plan to start agricultural machinery rental services across Punjab for the convenience of farmers She said Tractors harvesters and other modern agricultural machinery will be available on rent to farmers on a No-Profit, No-Loss basis A joint working group was formed for the selection of more than 67 locations and agricultural machinery She also directed the authorities concerned to ensure sowing of wheat on government land
Senior Minister says crackdown intensifies as rare eagle wor th Rs100m recovered
Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that the provincial government has intensified its crackdown on the illegal trade and smuggling of rare wildlife and birds
Acting on a tip-off, the Wildlife Department, in collaboration with police, conducted an operation in Taunsa resulting in the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of a rare eagle valued at over $36 000 Rs100m in the international market As per the details, the Punjab Wildlife Department, acting on a tip-off, conducted a joint operation with the police in the Taunsa region where the rare eagle was seized Authorities confirmed that the suspect involved in the operation has been arrested The arrested individual is reportedly part of a smuggling ring that traffics rare birds to foreign countries Wildlife officials stated that the eagle which is in good physical health will be fitted with a tracker and released back into the wild Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of birds in maintaining ecological balance She noted that several rare animals and birds have already been recovered and transferred to zoos and many have been treated to save their lives She said that numerous rare animals and birds have been rescued, treated, and transferred to zoos for care
Marriyum Aurangzeb speaking on behalf of Chief Minister Punjab praised the Wildlife Department for their efforts She stated that the recovered eagle would be fitted with a tracker before being released back into the wild and highlighted the importance of birds in maintaining ecological balance The minister emphasized that under the Chief Minister s policy for the protection of forests and wildlife, continuous operations are being carried out across the province She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving biodiversity combating illegal wildlife trafficking and ensuring a safe and sustainable environment for both wildlife and local ecosystems
Four sec urity personnel mar tyred in Zhob, Swat terrorist attacks
wanted terrorists, including their names, addresses and details of their accomplices As per details the list also includes individuals who have been involved in extremist activities extortion and bomb blasts The police have directed their teams to intensify operations against these terrorists and their accomplices
They also directed the relevant authorities to provide all possible medical assistance to the injured The PM and the President described the terrorist elements as enemies not only of the country and nation but of humanity itself
F 73 MOST WANTED TERRORISTS: In a related development the Lakki Marwat Police have released a list of 73 most
g WILLS PROPERT Y FACES
AT TA C K: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the bomb blast near a police van near Mallam Jabba in district Swat that led to the martyrdom of police officials In separate statements both the PM and president paid tribute to the police officer who embraced martyrdom in the incident They prayed for the elevation of ranks of the martyred policeman in Jannah and offered heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members They also prayed for the swift recovery of those injured in the incident
TA C K: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has condemned the attack on an ATF vehicle on the National Highway in Zhob Balochistan and paid tribute to the three police officers who were killed in the firing He also expressed deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti also condemned the attack on the ATF vehicle in Zhob expressing sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of the ASI The Chief Minister directed that the terrorists involved in the incident be brought to justice Bugti expressed condolences to the family of the martyred ASI praying for his elevation in rank and for patience for his bereaved family
PTI Lahore rally
H E PTI seems to be in a Catch-22 situation
TThe absence of party Chairman Imran Khan is a big blow to any party rally So what happens when a rally is staged specifically to get him released?
The Lahore rally seems to be the answer The party to paraphrase the poet T S Eliot ‘will end not with a bang but a whimper/’ Without Imran Khan, the PTI leadership found its rally ended at the time the administration had agreed with it, with the lights switched off, the public address system switched off, and themselves chivvied unceremoniously off the stage It was bad enough that the rally itself had been flung out of the crowded areas of the city to the Castle Ground near Kahna That meant that there were few takers for the family outing that previous PTI rallies had become The party had originally requested that it be allowed to hold the rally at Minar-i-Pakistan Apart from the happy memories of the rally there that launched the PTI as a force to be reckoned with, it is also convenient to those coming from out of the city from upcountry specifically the contingents expected from KP as well as those coming from such nearer conurbations as Gujranwala or Sheikhupura As a result, the contingent led by KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur reached late, and he only got to address from a darkened stage, was party workers drifted off
It seems the Punjab government had learnt from the PTI s Islamabad rally on September 8 The Lahore police did not make the mistake of using tear-gas and there was the addition of the cutting off of power The number of people attracted to the rally is in a way immaterial The party was made to look hapless and incompetent That is not exactly the image that should be conveyed if the party hopes to get Mr Khan out of jail While having both senior party officials, chairman and secretary general from the legal profession may have gained Mr Khan some relief from the courts, it does not seem to have demonstrated that much competence in organizing a rally
Now attention will shift to Karachi where the PPP is next planning to hold a rally While it will be difficult to have much of a turnout from KP, with Lahore proving too far for many who made it to Islamabad, the PTI will expect much of the Pashtun community However, now it is the Sindh CM turn to deal with the PTI
Dedicated to the legac y of late Hameed Nizami Arif Nizami (Late)
Founding Editor
M A Niazi
Editor Pakistan Today Babar Nizami Editor Profit
inflicted deep financial economic emotional and psychological wounds, affecting those who still hold human dignity and the value of life in high regard The resolution of these tragic and inhumane conflicts largely depends on the leadership of the next President of the USA who holds significant influence over the international diplomatic landscape Both candidates have aligned closely with Israel leaving little hope for change in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict However, their views diverge significantly on the war between Russia and Ukraine Kamala Harris has taken a firm stance in support of Ukraine emphasizing that the conflict not only threatens Ukraine s sovereignty but also undermines international norms and global stability She has reiterated repeatedly that US military and financial support for Ukraine is not only a moral obligation but also in the strategic interest of the USA and its allies Should she become President it is likely that this support will continue for the foreseeable future suggesting that the war may persist
How the IMF takes countries to the cleaners
The result is that some borrowers pay 8% interest rates on outstanding balances subject to surcharges ’ Criticizing the application of
R A C T I C E of over-board monetary austerity– whereby primarily using interest rate to control inflation, even when there is significant supply-side determination of inflation resulting in over-squeeze of aggregate demand and in turn causing unnecessarily high cost in terms economic growth– has on one hand caused a decline in fiscal space in terms of lower revenues, and on the other, have increased debt distress In addition, the cost of borrowing even on otherwise traditionally low-cost borrowing of resources from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have also increased Hence as per a September 12 published policy brief by Think20 (T20) and titled Reforming the IMF surcharge rate policy to avoid procyclical lending the special drawing rights (SDRs) interest rate charged by IMF have overall steadily, and sharply increased from close to zero percent around third quarter of FY22 to a little more than four percent in fourth quarter of FY24 Moreover IMF continues to apply surcharges on its borrowing which is a junk fee and should not be charged Hence, in addition to practice of over-board austerity policy, these surcharges have further increased the borrowing costs from IMF for countries, as an April 9, ‘Axios’ published article pointed out ‘The IMF, as a so-called super-senior creditor always gets repaid
Argentina Ukraine and some 20 other countries
as much as 8 6% in their first year, declining only a little to 8 1% in year four Fully 3 percentage points of that 8 6% is surcharges’, which end up making these loans significantly more costly than what individual U S homebuyers pay on their mortgages ’ In this regard the same policy brief by T20 pointed out IMF surcharges are additional fees levied by the
Facility respectively a time-levied surcharge of 100 bp is added The surcharges have become particularly problematic with the recent large increases in the basic rates charges
The same policy brief by T20, for instance , highlighted some of the costs of IMF surcharg es to Pakistan, whereby in 2022, the countr y paid $256.1 million in surcharg es, which was 0.6 percent of its expor ts, 2.6 percent of its revenues, 8.8 percent of its health expenditure , 3.5 percent of its education expenditure . These , indeed, are significant costs to an economy, which has little fiscal space to begin with, and these have to also pay for these surcharg es
T r u m p t o r e v e r s e U S R u s s i a - U k r a i n e p o l i c y
High stakes for Russia and Ukraine
negotiations with Russia and use the threat of Russia’s potential use of nuclear arms to pressure the European Union into aligning with his stance Ukraine could face significant setbacks as US aid may dry up and EU support could dwindle due to the shift in US policy toward the war under a Trump administration Given this scenario, stakeholders are likely developing strategies based on the potential outcomes of the 2024 U S presidential election If Kamala Harris becomes President the USA is expected to maintain its current approach continuing military and financial support for Ukraine However, a Trump Presidency introduces unpredictability His maverick behaviour, aggressive rhetoric, and belief that he can swiftly end the Russia-Ukraine conflict create a highly uncertain and challenging situation for all involved
Stakeholders are likely scrambling to find a viable solution to navigate the potential challenges they may face if Donald Trump becomes the next President One practical and effective way to avoid a highly volatile and unpredictable situation is to adopt the China-Brazil formula to end the conflict and prevent further loss of life and destruction of civilian and military assets
The China-Brazil joint peace plan focuses on de-escalation diplomacy and humanitarian aid to resolve the Ukraine-Russia conflict The plan urges all parties to refrain from expanding the battlefield or escalating tensions, emphasizing that dialogue and negotiations are the only sustainable solutions It proposes an international peace conference with equal participation from all sides Additionally the initiative stresses the importance of expanding humanitarian aid, protecting civilians and prisoners of war, and preventing the use of nuclear or other weapons of mass destruction The proposal also highlights the need for international cooperation on critical issues like energy food security and safeguarding key infrastructure to ensure global stability
The EU Russia and Ukraine should proactively pursue this peace formula to achieve key objectives: reducing military confrontations, protecting civilian infrastructure and lives, and entering into serious, objective negotiations as the primary method of resolving the conflict History shows that even the most devastating wars ultimately end at the negotiation table Brazil and China as the main proponents of this peace formula, should employ all tools of traditional and public diplomacy to foster acceptance of the plan among primary and auxiliary stakeholders These tools should include highlevel diplomatic engagement such as bilateral and multilateral meetings with the key countries involved or affected by the conflict Additionally track-two diplomacy non-governmental informal, and unofficial dialogues between influential parties should be used to build broader consensus and momentum for peace In terms of public diplomacy they should employ strategic media campaigns to shape public opinion and influence key stakeholders highlighting the humanitarian and geopolitical benefits of the proposal Additionally, cultural diplomacy, such as leveraging cultural exchanges and showcasing shared values, could foster a favorable environment for dialogue Brazil and China can also use multilateral platforms such as the United Nations BRICS and G20 to rally broader international support for the initiative They should also engage civil society organizations and academic think tanks to promote dialogue and develop policy recommendations to further enhance the formula’s acceptability
This approach would save the stakeholders from the warmongering policies of Kamala Harris and from the unpredictable illogical and impractical approach of Donald Trump
The writer retired as Press Secretary the the President and is former Press Minister at Embassy of Paikistan to France and former MD Shalimar Recording & Broadcasting Company Limited
In terms of public diplomacy, they should employ strategic media campaigns to shape public opinion and influence key stakeholders, highlighting the humanitarian and g eopolitical benefits of the proposal Additionally, cultural diplomacy, such as leveraging cultural exchang es and showcasing shared values, could foster a favorable environment for dialogue
Misconduct in Police Force
Failing to protect
Enhancing
Qamar Bashir
Testament to prudent economic management
IN a country often beleaguered by economic turmoil, any positive indicator regarding inflation or economic growth is bound to elicit a cautious sense of optimism The recent statement by Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb claiming that inflation has dipped to a single-digit figure presents a significant development in this context
The minister s assertion, made during a meeting with Sindh s Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at the CM House, suggests that robust measures are being implemented to stabilize and strengthen Pakistan’s national economy But how sustainable is this drop in inflation and to what extent can it be credited to sound economic management?
For a country like Pakistan, where inflationary pressures have remained persistently high due to factors ranging from international fuel price volatility to domestic mismanagement the news of inflation dropping to a single digit is noteworthy Inflation had been a persistent problem particularly in the past few years when it soared to double digits, eroding the purchasing power of the masses and burdening businesses According to Aurangzeb this recent decline is a direct result of targeted fiscal interventions regulatory reforms and an overall prudent approach to handling the economy
Such a development provides some breathing room for policymakers and citizens alike For the average Pakistani, the high inflation in previous years had exacerbated everyday challenges making essential commodities such as food fuel and electricity more expensive The poor and middle classes were disproportionately affected
While the dip to a single-digit inflation rate does not immediately alleviate the economic woes of many, it does indicate a potential stabilization offering a glimmer of hope
The federal Finance Minister s state-
ment points to ongoing efforts to strengthen various sectors of the economy, particularly through industrialization, agriculture, and investment promotion These efforts as noted during the meeting with the Sindh CM involve joint action between federal and provincial governments focusing on key areas such as infrastructure development, public-private partnerships (PPP), and revenue collection
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s comments about the Sindh Revenue Board’s Rs 350 billion collection target and the reinforcement of agricultural tax collection mechanisms further underscore the importance of strengthening institutional frameworks A robust revenue collection system is essential to finance critical projects, which, in turn stimulate growth
However while these steps are commendable they raise an essential question: are these reforms sustainable? For a country that has historically struggled with implementing structural changes in its economy, there remains a risk that the benefits of current interventions could be short-lived Pakistan’s economy has been prone to cyclical booms and busts with previous governments making similar promises about reducing inflation only for it to spike again due to domestic or external shocks Ensuring that these reforms have lasting impact requires continued vigilance, particularly in key areas like energy security, taxation and public spending
During the meeting the CM Sindh raised an issue that has repeatedly hampered provincial development initiatives: the delayed release of funds for federally funded projects The Jamshoro-Sehwan road proj-
ect, which is essential for improving regional connectivity, has seen significant delays, despite Sindh contributing Rs7 billion towards its completion The Mehran Highway dualisation project faces similar hurdles
These delays raise concerns about the broader implications for provincial-federal coordination Development projects that stall due to funding issues not only slow down economic progress but also diminish public trust in governmental efficiency It is crucial for the federal government to address these delays and ensure timely fund allocation The Sindh government s PPP model which has been lauded for projects like the Thar coal mining initiative and the Malir Expressway, offers a framework that could potentially expedite such infrastructure projects But this success cannot stand alone; federal projects must move forward with the same urgency and commitment
The Finance Minister s assurance that these federally funded projects would receive due attention is a positive signal, but execution will be the real test There are numerous instances in the country’s history where assurances were made only for little action to follow Going forward transparency accountability and the political will to prioritize infrastructure development are critical for sustaining economic growth and attracting investment
The meeting between the federal Finance Minister and the Sindh CM also highlighted the growing importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in facilitating economic growth As mentioned the Thar coal mining project, along with the Malir Expressway and the Ghotki-Kandhkot bridge, are prime ex-
Indian Americans have been sent death threats via online BJP trolls, O verseas Citizenship of India card statuses have been revoked, and Indian family members of U S citizens have been interrogated
I’ve studied geopolitics all my life: climate breakdown is a bigger threat than China and Russia
ON Sept 22, India s controversial Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to address more than 10,000 Indian Americans in New York City While Modi no doubt intends this visit to be a victory lap akin to his 2019 Texas Howdy Modi event hosted jointly with Donald Trump it ought to be the opposite The Modi government s virulent Hindu nationalist agenda, which enables violence against religious minorities,
With
diaspora events widely reported in major Indian news outlets any and all criticism of Modi is bound to resound abroad It will also send a powerful message that Modi critics in the diaspora can t be silenced Indian Americans have been sent death threats via online BJP trolls, Overseas Citizenship of India card statuses have been revoked, and Indian family members of U S citizens have been interrogated Reporting in The Washington Post has revealed that former Indian intelligence officials targeted several U S organizations with wide-reaching disinformation campaigns aimed at Congress to discredit Modi s American critics The Indian government was even accused of two assassination plots one of them deadly targeting Sikhs on North American soil last year Standing up to Modi and his Hindu nationalism may also help improve domestic ties within the Indian American diaspora A new survey conducted by my organization, the Indian American Council, and ReThink Media, revealed that more than 80% of Indian American Muslim respondents have faced discrimination from their Hindu peers As one of the survey respondents remarked: “I have lost good old friends to Islamophobia and hatred brewed by the BJP government One pro-Modi Hindu nationalist organization in the U S , the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, has sent millions of dollars to its Indian counterpart, which has been accused of orchestrating violence against Muslims Another pro-Modi Hindu nationalist group the Global Hindu Heritage Foundation reportedly hosted a Texas fundraiser to raise money to destroy churches in India Modi s U S visit is bound to rally organizations whose presence in American communities is profoundly harmful to the diaspora and U S at large With 50% of Indian Americans supporting Modi compared to 74% of Indians in India according to a Carnegie Endowment study it s about time that his American critics like us make our voice heard Indian Americans and Americans of all faiths cannot continue
last ice age suggests that there is a possibility that because of global heating and the resulting influx of fresh water from the melting Greenland ice cap the Amoc could shut down with surprising speed, and as early as the middle of this century If that occurs, the consequences would be catastrophic With the resulting hypothetical 10C to 15C fall in temperature Britain’s climate would change to that of Newfoundland s Agriculture would collapse and the entire landscape of the country would be transformed Housing and infrastructure would have to be radically adapted to withstand the new climate
The result would be decades, and possibly generations, of economic hardship And as temperatures fell in western Europe they would rise in west Africa
The population of Britain would at least survive a collapse in local agriculture albeit in straitened and rationed circumstances reminiscent of the second world war and its aftermath People in Africa would not
The result would be an immense increase in the migration and the political response that is already very visibly driving the decay of liberal democracy in Europe Fortunately such a rapid collapse of Amoc remains for the moment and on balance improbable It is not a negligible risk however and if the climate crisis continues to gather pace the chance of it occurring will only increase with time
This being so, an observer would expect that the entire external policy of the UK (and other western European states) would be devoted to fostering international cooperation and action to limit the climate breakdown and mitigate its
tAnzeel KhAnzAdA
GUARDIAN
US WARNS REGIONAL ESCAL ATION NOT IN ISRAEL’S INTEREST AMID RISING TENSIONS WITH LEBANON
of the country’s deadliest work accidents in years
The number of dead workers increased to 51 in the explosion at the Tabas mine in eastern Iran the official IRNA news agency reported, revising an earlier death toll of 30 It added that 20 other people were injured
The explosion occurred at around 9pm (1730 GMT) on Saturday when around 70 workers were present at the site in South Khorasan province, IRNA said According to the report, a leak of methane gas led to the blast in two blocks of the mine which is owned by private Iranian firm
Madanjoo
State TV broadcast footage of ambulances and helicopters arriving at Tabas to transport the injured to hospital
Online footage carried by IRNA showed bodies of some of the victims wearing their work uniform, carried out of the site on mining carts
South Khorasan governor
Javad Ghenaat told state TV that rescue teams were working to recover the remaining bodies Iran s President Masoud
Pezeshkian in remarks carried state TV before departing for the UN General Assembly in New York, offered his condolences to the families of the victims and ordered a
probe into the deadly incident
Unfortunately we learned that an accident occurred in one of the coal mines in Tabas and a number of our compatriots lost their lives I offer my condolences to their respected families ” Pezeshkian said His first vice president Mohammad Reza Aref spoke with cabinet members to ensure emergency follow-up and support for the victims and their families, IRNA said Trapped Iran s Red Crescent said search and rescue operations were underway in the mine where some workers remained trapped According to IRNA, they were about 250 metres below the surface cut off from rescuers by chambers that had filled up with concentrated methane gas Gas accumulation in the mine has made the search operations difficult, local prosecutor Ali Nesaei was quoted by IRNA as saying
Currently the priority is to provide aid to the injured and pull people from under the rubble, Nesaei said He added that “the negligence and fault of the relevant agents will be dealt with” later on Last year an explosion at a coal mine in the northern city of Damghan killed six people, also likely the result of methane leak according to local media
In May 2021, two miners died in a collapse at the same site local media reported at the time
A blast in 2017 killed 43 miners in Azad Shahr city in northern Iran triggering anger toward Iranian authorities
Mineral-rich Iran has around 1 5 billion tons of proven coal reserves according to state media The Tabas mine covers an area of more than 30 000 square kilometres and holds mass reserves of coking and thermal coal, according to IRNA
in the pursuit of peace and liberation will never be forgotten Additionally, King Charles and Queen Camilla extended their warmest possible good wishes” to everyone participating in the anniversary events The King’s message holds particular significance as it was delivered amid his ongoing battle with cancer adding a personal weight to his reflections on courage and resilience
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has called on the Indian government to release all illegally detained Hurriyat leaders, activists, youth, women, and journalists imprisoned across India and the occupied territory
According to Kashmir Media Service APHC spokesman Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas expressed serious concern over the continued detention of over five thousand Kashmiris, including APHC Chairman Masarrat Aalam Butt, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Aasiya Andrabi, Naheeda Nasreen, and several others who remain jailed in India and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) Minhas urged the Indian government to release all detainees and called on the United Nations to fulfill its moral and legal obligation to help resolve the Kashmir dispute in line with its resolutions He emphasized that peace, political stability, and economic prosperity in the region depend on resolving the Kashmir issue He also called for creating a conducive environment for dialogue between India Pakistan and the Kashmiri leadership to address the long-standing dispute Minhas reiterated that the Kashmiris demand for self-determination remains unwavering despite ongoing military repression
WASHINGTON A G E N C I E S
Donald Trump on Saturday rejected another debate with Vice President Kamala Harris before the US presidential election, hours after the Democratic candidate’s campaign said she had agreed to an Oct 23 matchup with her Republican rival on CNN Vice President Harris is ready for another opportunity to share a stage with Donald Trump, and she has accepted CNN s invitation to a debate on October 23 Donald Trump should have no problem agreeing to this
OGDCL
ISLAMABAD
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Sunday between Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) Pakistan s leading Exploration & Production company, and CCDC, the major player in Drilling and upstream Oil field Services for the development of shale and tight gas potential of Pakistan Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik witnessed the MoU signing ceremony in Xi an, Shaanxi Province China during the ongoing 8th Silk Road International Expo for Investment and Trade, according to a news release received here
The agreement highlights the commitment of both countries to developing Pakistan’s shale and tight gas potential, aiming to address the country’s energy needs through indigenous resources Executive Director (Production) of OGDCL, Mumtaz Ali Soomro and Vice President of CNPC Chuanqing Drilling Engineering Company Ltd , Mr Zhang Zhidong signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations Ambassador of Pakistan to China Khalil Hashmi also attended the event Speaking on the occasion Dr Musadik Malik expressed
nations
sector between
continue to
in the future, benefiting both countries mutually He highlighted the collaboration between Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and CCDC on
and
Queen of Philippines attends Royal Maharlika Awards
Philippines Sultana Maryam Amor At the award show, the Man of the Year" and "Woman of the Year" awards were presented to eminent personalities from around the world for outstanding performance in the field of human services and business Capt Tarana Saleem former woman chairperson and board member of Pakistan Business Group (PBG), attended the event along with a 10-member delegation from Pakistan and proudly waved the flag of Pakistan At this event these ten Pakistanis were recognized at the international level and were also honored with the "Man of the Year" and "Woman of the Year" awards, which is a great honor for Pakistan On this occasion, Capt Tarana Salim was made a cabinet member of the Royal House of Lausanne Tagalog Royal Maharlika and appointed as the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Mugina Dao to Pakistan Capt Tarana, Sindh's first woman pilot and a philanthropist, has been serving the public through her Air Ambulance Service and the Capt Tarana Welfare Trust and Privilege Club She has a close relationship with the Pakistan Business Group and stands by them every step of the way Capt Tarana Saleem said Inshallah next year we plan to bring awards to entrepreneurs and outstanding performers in the United States in collaboration with PBG's spirited and exemplary Chief Farazur Rahman
Kausar Mrs Nausheen Burkat Mrs Syeda Sumana Ali Mr Rafq Vayani Mr Syed Turab Shah Mr Rehmatullah Memon, Mr Qazi Nauman Mujahid, Mr Nouman Ahmed & Mr Mudassir Alam graced the occasion The
featured two insightful panel discussions for awareness of audience
PETROLEUM MINISTER SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN ENERGY PARTNERSHIPS WITH CHINESE COMPANIES
PMD cautions against flood, landslide as heav y rains likely in nor thern par ts from Sept 26 to Oct 1 ISLAMABAD S TA F F
The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Sunday forecast potential heavy rain spell likely from September 26 to October 1 warning that torrential rains can trigger flooding and landslides particularly in the low-lying and northern regions of the country In its alert, the Met Office predicted that moist currents from the Bay of Bengal are expected to enter the upper parts of the country starting September 25, alongside a westerly wave that will approach from September 26 Heavy rains may increase flow in local nullas/streams in Murree Galliyat Mansehra Abbottabad Kohistan Gilgit-Baltistan Kashmir Chitral Dir Swat Shangla Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Nowshera, Swabi, Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Northeast Punjab during the forecast period,” the statement read Urban flooding is anticipated in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi Gujranwala Lahore Sheikhupura Kasur and Sialkot while landslides could disrupt road access in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and GilgitBaltistan throughout the forecast period In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, rain and thunderstorms are expected in regions including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla Battagram Mansehra Abbottabad Haripur Buner Malakand Bajaur Mohmand Khyber Peshawar Swabi Nowshera Mardan Charsadda Kurram Orakzai and Kohat from September 26 to October 1 Heavy rainfall is anticipated from September 27 to October 1 in Hangu, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, and Dera Ismail Khan, with occasional breaks in precipitation In Punjab the Met Office forecasts rain with thundershowers in Islamabad/Rawalpindi Murree Galliyat Attock Chakwal Tala Gang Jhelum Mandi Bahauddin Gujrat Gujranwala Lahore Sheikhupura Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, Wazirabad from September 26 to October 1 Heavy rains accompanied by thundershowers are expected in Sahiwal, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib Khushab Sargodha Mianwali Chiniot Faisalabad Okara Pakpattan Kasur and Bhakkar from September 27 to October 1 In Azad Kashmir rain with thundershowers is projected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from September 26 to October 2 The northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan is also expected to experience rain and thunderstorms from September 26 to October 2 particularly in Diamir Astore Skardu Gilgit Hunza Ghanche and Shigar Meanwhile hot and dry weather is predicted for Balochistan and Sindh during this period However, isolated rain, wind, and thunderstorms are expected in Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Umerkot, and surrounding areas from September 26 to 28
The Met Office cautioned that windstorms and lightning
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Sunday ruled out any apologise to any one, questioning that who should he apologise to and why?
“Apology must come from those who have laid hands on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan and those who have disgrace the public will , Ali Amin Gandapur stated in a video address on Sunday Gandapur criticised the government for spreading false narratives regarding access to rallies asserting that no expectations can be held for the small-minded He accused former Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari of undermining democracy and going to any lengths for power He claimed that Nawaz Sharif has exploited the nation s wealth while Shahbaz Sharif is merely a sycophant and Maryam Nawaz has been nurtured in the environment of dictatorship Gandapur expressed concern that the current rulers are pushing
the nation into darkness noting that Imran Khan has been imprisoned for 414 days He declared that the nation was not enslaved and would not tolerate subjugation
He also mentioned that the judiciary has reported pressure being applied to it and that they do not recognise the unconstitutional amendments to Form 47 Imran Khan’s release will come only when the judiciary is independent,” he asserted
Discussing the economic situation during Khan s tenure Ganda-
pur stated that the economy electricity, gas, and employment were all better under his leadership He claimed that Khan had intended to make independent foreign policy decisions before a conspiracy led to the government being ousted
Looking to the future he outlined a plan to secure freedom for upcoming generations He called for peaceful protests nationwide on September 27 and announced a rally in Mianwali on September 29 along with events in Rawalpindi and other cities
PM Shehbaz to address 79th session of 193 member UN General Assembly on Sep 27
ISLAMABAD
S TA F F R E P O R T
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to address the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 27 to reaffirm Pakistan s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and support for the role of the United Nations in fostering global peace security and prosperity
Foreign Office statement
Prime Minister Shehbaz will attend several high-level meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA session including the High-Level Meeting on Existential Threat posed by Sea-level Rise, and the UN Security Council’s Open Debate on “Leadership for Peace”
The prime minister who departed here for New York on Saturday, wrote on his X timeline that he looked forward to a busy week full of engagements to take up global issues promoting peace development and climate action besides representing Pakistan s perspective to the world advocating country s interests and strengthening international partnerships According to the curtain raiser issued by the Foreign Office on Sunday, the prime minister in his address to the 193member UNGA would emphasize the importance of addressing longstanding issues on the agenda of the UN Security Council, including the question of Palestine and the Jammu & Kashmir dispute He will underline the importance of addressing the inequities in international economic relations and reforming the international financial architecture, besides urging the international community to take decisive measures in addressing climate change and countering the rising tide of Islamophobia “The UN General Assembly’s High-Level segment offers a crucial platform for Pakistan to highlight its perspectives on important issues of regional and international importance He will highlight Pakistan s priority to place people at the heart of the domestic and global development agenda
He will also engage with a group of world leaders to discuss measures needed at the global level to advance the sustainable development agenda The bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly are also on the agenda of the prime minister s hectic visit PM expresses deep grief over fatal mine explosion in Tabas, Iran Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the mine explosion in Tabas Iran
He will also express Pakistan’s commitment as an incoming member of the UN Security Council for the year 2025-26 to work with all UN Member States to uphold the UN Charter, preventing conflict, fostering peace, and promoting global prosperity,” according to the
He offered his heartfelt condolence to Iran s President Masoud Pezeshkian and the Iranian people on the loss of precious lives and injuries in the coal mine explosion
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families Pakistan stands with its Iranian brethren during this time the prime minister wrote on his official X timeline