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Pakistan News

PM Shehbaz highlights Pakistan’s role in regional peace

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD:  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan played an important role in promoting regional peace during the recent crisis, while highlighting growing economic cooperation with China at the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical & Healthcare B2B Investment Conference.

Addressing the conference in Islamabad, Sharif said the recent regional tensions had affected not only neighboring countries but also the wider international community.

He said Pakistan had acted as a facilitator in efforts to ease tensions between Iran and the United States, and praised the contributions of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to the reconciliation process.

Sharif also described China as Pakistan’s most reliable and sincere partner, reaffirming that the safety and security of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan remains the government’s top priority.

 He welcomed healthcare-sector agreements worth more than $440 million, saying the investments represent another significant step in advancing the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong said Pakistan’s economy is improving under Prime Minister Sharif’s leadership and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for regional peace and stability. He added that Pakistan offers significant opportunities for investment in the healthcare sector.

Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said the investment conference reflects the prime minister’s vision for expanding economic cooperation, while Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar said Sharif’s recent visit to China had opened new avenues for investment, technology transfer and industrial collaboration.

Gilgit-Baltistan assembly passes resolution seeking interim provincial status

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Gilgit-Baltistan

SKARDU: The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly passed a resolution calling on the federal government to grant the region interim provincial status while maintaining Pakistan’s longstanding position on the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The resolution states that granting Gilgit-Baltistan interim provincial status should not alter Pakistan’s official stance on the Kashmir dispute or affect any future United Nations-backed plebiscite on the region.

Lawmakers also called for Gilgit-Baltistan to be granted representation in Pakistan’s National Assembly and Senate, as well as in all constitutional institutions, placing the region on par with the country’s existing provinces.

The assembly urged the federal government to take all necessary constitutional, legal and administrative measures to implement the resolution and extend full constitutional and democratic rights to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The resolution further said that any interim provincial arrangement should remain consistent with Pakistan’s international obligations while safeguarding its position on the Kashmir issue.

Pakistan rejects claims of abandoning Iran-US mediation efforts

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Pakistan rejects

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan rejected suggestions that it has stepped back from efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States, saying its diplomatic engagement remains active despite renewed hostilities between the two countries.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, speaking at a weekly news briefing, said Pakistan continues to believe that dialogue and diplomacy are the only sustainable path to resolving disputes.

He stressed that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) remains a valid and effective framework for restoring peace once tensions subside.

Andrabi said Pakistan’s position has remained consistent throughout the crisis, emphasizing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states while condemning armed attacks.

He urged all parties to exercise restraint and return to negotiations, adding that the Islamabad MoU, together with the Pakistan-Qatar joint communiqué issued on June 22, provides a practical roadmap for resuming technical-level talks.

The spokesperson also voiced concern over the impact of renewed regional tensions on global energy markets, trade and food security. He called for the early restoration of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the importance of ensuring freedom, safety and security of maritime navigation for uninterrupted trade and energy supplies.

Andrabi said Pakistan remains in close diplomatic contact with key regional countries to help reduce tensions.

He noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the regional situation with the Emir of Qatar and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on July 10, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for de-escalation and peaceful dialogue.

The spokesperson also confirmed that trade negotiations between Pakistan and the United States are continuing, describing recent discussions as constructive.

He said both sides had made progress on several issues aimed at expanding bilateral trade, diversifying Pakistani exports and strengthening economic cooperation, adding that communication channels between the two countries remain open.

PM Shehbaz orders crackdown on artificial fuel shortages

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to take strict action against those creating artificial shortages of petroleum products, as the government reviewed the potential economic impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Chairing a high-level meeting, Sharif warned that continued instability in the region could adversely affect Pakistan’s economic outlook and instructed all relevant institutions to remain fully prepared for any emerging challenges. He called for a comprehensive contingency plan to enable timely government action if needed.

The prime minister said the government had effectively managed the country’s fuel supply, adding that subsidies had helped protect consumers, including motorcyclists, rickshaw drivers and transport operators, from the impact of higher fuel prices. He urged the public to continue supporting nationwide austerity and energy conservation efforts.

Sharif also ordered federal and provincial authorities to jointly launch a strict crackdown on individuals or businesses responsible for creating artificial shortages of petroleum products in the market.

During the meeting, officials informed the prime minister that Pakistan currently has sufficient petroleum reserves to meet domestic demand and that measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies in the coming months. The meeting was attended by senior federal ministers, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad and other top government officials.

Three police officers killed, 19 wounded in militant attacks in KP

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Three police

PESHAWAR: Three police officers were killed and at least 19 others were wounded in separate militant attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, authorities said Wednesday.

In Lower Dir, security forces including police, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and the Elite Force came under attack during a search operation in the Haidarai Kandu Top area after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants. The ensuing gun battle left three police officers dead and 15 others injured, according to police officials.

Authorities said militants also set three police vehicles on fire during the clash. The wounded officers were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Timergara, while hospitals across Lower Dir were placed on emergency alert.

In a separate incident in Bannu, militants rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into Meryan Police Station, triggering an ongoing exchange of gunfire with security personnel.

Police said four officers were injured in the attack, and additional security forces were deployed to the area as the operation against the assailants continued.

Authorities have not yet released further details about the attackers or claimed responsibility for either assault.

PM announces 1,000 more students to receive China training in agriculture

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PM announces

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Wednesday that the government will send another 1,000 Pakistani students to China this year for advanced training in agriculture and livestock development as part of efforts to modernize the country’s agricultural sector.

Addressing a national seminar on livestock capacity building in Islamabad, Sharif said Pakistan’s farmers work tirelessly across all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, but continue to lag behind regional competitors because of limited access to modern technology and equipment.

The prime minister said Pakistan has significant untapped potential in agriculture and livestock, noting that the country is the world’s fourth-largest milk producer and has considerable capacity to expand meat production.

Sharif criticized the performance of some public institutions established to support agriculture and livestock, saying many had suffered from mismanagement and nepotism.

He called for closer cooperation between the federal and provincial governments to modernize the sector and translate policy into practical action.

He also announced that the federal government would fully fund the development or procurement of vaccines needed to combat livestock diseases, adding that related projects would be outsourced to improve efficiency and avoid the shortcomings of past institutions.

Highlighting the importance of international cooperation, Sharif said the government would continue its partnership with China by sponsoring another 1,000 students for specialized training this year, following a similar initiative launched last year. He urged authorities to make effective use of the expertise gained by returning students to help improve Pakistan’s agriculture and livestock sectors.

Court issues notices to JUI Chief over controversial remarks

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Court issues

GUJRANWALA: A local court has issued notices to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Civil Lines police station in a petition seeking the registration of a criminal case over the politician’s remarks about institution.

The petition, filed by advocate Manzoor Qadir Bhinder, requests the court to direct police to register a case against Fazlur Rehman over what it describes as a controversial speech.

Additional Sessions Judge Faisal Jameel issued notices to both the SHO and Fazlur Rehman, directing them to appear on July 28. The court also ordered police to submit a report on the matter at the next hearing.

The petition follows widespread criticism of Fazlur Rehman’s recent remarks, which prompted reactions from several political and religious leaders.

Among those criticizing the comments were Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, MQM-P chief Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Separately, Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Allama Tahir Ashrafi condemned the remarks and expressed regret to the families of military personnel, saying the statement regarding the country’s fallen soldiers was inappropriate.

The court proceedings relate to the petition seeking registration of a case and do not constitute a determination of criminal liability.

Karachi Rangers camp attack mastermind among several arrested

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Karachi Rangers

KARACHI: Law enforcement agencies said Tuesday they have arrested the alleged mastermind and an entire support network linked to the June 27 attack on a Rangers camp in Karachi, claiming the assault was planned from Afghanistan and supported by cross-border handlers.

At a joint news conference in Karachi, Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar, Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho, and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) SSP Irfan Bahadur said the attack on the Rangers camp in Gulistan-e-Jauhar had been orchestrated from Afghanistan.

CTD officials identified the alleged mastermind as Qari Bashir (also referred to as Mohammad Bashir) and said he had been taken into custody.

They added that alleged weapons smugglers who supplied arms to the attackers had also been arrested, and that the broader facilitation network operating in Pakistan and Afghanistan had been dismantled.

According to CTD, one attacker, identified as Janan, detonated an explosive at the entrance to the Rangers camp, while three other militants entered the compound.

Officials said one of the attackers was from Pakistan’s Bajaur district and the remaining three were Afghan nationals, alleging they received training, weapons and explosives in Afghanistan.

Authorities further claimed the attackers were directed by handlers operating from Afghan territory and said investigators recovered videos allegedly showing the detained facilitators at a training camp of the banned militant group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, including footage related to preparations for the attack.

Officials said a wounded suspect, identified as Usman, admitted during questioning that he had received training at multiple militant camps.

They alleged the four attackers traveled from Afghanistan to Karachi and were transported from Hub to Korangi, where they stayed in a safe house before carrying out the assault.

Authorities also claimed that some of the arrested facilitators had links to India. No evidence supporting the allegation was presented during the news conference, and there was no immediate response from Indian officials.

CDF Munir, Turkish President discuss defense cooperation, regional security

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CDF Munir

ANKARA: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankarato discuss bilateral defense cooperation, regional security and the evolving situation in the Middle East.

According to Türkiye’s Presidency, the meeting took place at Ankara Airport before Erdoğan departed for an official visit to Qatar.

The closed-door talks were also attended by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Chief of the General Staff Gen. Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Director İbrahim Kalın.

While Turkish officials did not disclose details of the discussions, diplomatic and defense sources said the two sides exchanged views on expanding Pakistan-Türkiye defense cooperation, collaboration in the defense industry, regional security challenges and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The meeting comes as Pakistan and Türkiye continue to deepen military ties through joint exercises, defense production, drone technology, naval projects and professional military training.

A day earlier, Field Marshal Munir met Gen. Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Chief of the Turkish General Staff, and was awarded the Turkish Armed Forces Distinguished Service Medal in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral military cooperation.

Analysts say the meeting reflects the commitment of Islamabad and Ankara to further expand their longstanding strategic partnership while promoting regional peace, stability and closer defense collaboration.

PM Shehbaz condemns missile attack on Saudi Arabia

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned the missile and drone attack on Saudi Arabia, warning that the escalation could further undermine peace and stability in the region.

In a statement, Sharif said Pakistan “strongly condemns the blatant attacks” carried out against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, describing them as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He warned that such actions risk further destabilizing the region and reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering support” for Saudi Arabia’s security.

“Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during this difficult time,” the prime minister said, adding that Islamabad would continue to support sincere efforts aimed at promoting regional peace, stability, security and dialogue.

The statement came after Yemen’s Houthi movement launched missiles and drones targeting Abha International Airport in southern Saudi Arabia, in a sharp escalation of regional tensions. Saudi air defenses intercepted the projectiles, and no casualties were immediately reported