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PM calls cabinet session on 27th Constitutional Amendment

PM calls

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called a federal cabinet session for 10am today to review and approve the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, officials said.

According to insiders, the prime minister will chair the meeting via video link from Baku. The government has reportedly accepted the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) proposals regarding the constitutional changes.

Sources say the federal cabinet is expected to approve the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment during the session.

Meanwhile, the opposition has already rejected the draft. After a joint meeting, opposition parties in the Senate said that the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the PPP, and their allied partners are “bulldozing legislation,” adding that the constitutional amendment draft is being kept hidden from them.

Earlier, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari briefed the media following a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), saying the committee agreed on three key points of the proposed amendment.

Bilawal said the PPP will support amendments to Article 243 and favours the establishment of constitutional courts. He added that issues related to the Charter of Democracy must also be revisited.

Bilawal further stated that, under the NFC Award, provincial funds can increase but not be reduced. He stressed that the unfinished agenda of the Charter of Democracy must be discussed, and the party will see whether consensus can be developed on other clauses during the process of the 27th Amendment.

Govt postpones scheduled federal cabinet meeting

Govt postpones

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet session scheduled for today to review the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment has been deferred.

The session was expected to approve the draft of the 27th Amendment; however, cabinet members have been formally notified about the postponement.

The meeting was scheduled to take place at Committee Room No. 2 of the Parliament House, where key government matters and proposed constitutional amendments were to be discussed.

According to sources, the reasons behind the postponement have not yet been disclosed. A new date for the meeting is likely to be announced in the coming days.

On the other hand,  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken coalition partners into confidence regarding the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment.

During a meeting with an MQM delegation, he assured the party that its local government draft would be incorporated into the amendment, after which MQM also extended its support.

MQM representatives also pledged to assist the government in securing backing from other political parties.

According to sources, MQM placed several demands before the prime minister, including granting financial, administrative, and political powers to local governments formed after the elections, setting a four-year tenure for local bodies, and holding new local government elections under a caretaker setup.

Separately, delegations from the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, PML-Q, and Balochistan Awami Party also met with the prime minister to discuss the amendment and related political matters.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has rejected all key points of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment except the change related to Article 243.

President, PM slam India’s unlawful control over Kashmir

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have issued special messages on Jammu Martyrs’ Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people in their struggle for justice and self-determination.

President Zardari described the November 6, 1947 Jammu massacre as one of the “darkest human tragedies in the history of the subcontinent,” stating that over 200,000 Muslims were brutally killed by Dogra forces, RSS militants, and armed mobs.

He said that “millions of Muslims were forced to migrate after the massacre,” terming it as one of the darkest chapters in modern history. The President lamented that the international community failed to give due attention to the genocide of Kashmiri Muslims, adding that their sacrifices remain a painful reminder of the unfinished story of Jammu and Kashmir.

President Zardari said India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir continues to deny basic rights to its people, while the revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A was part of a “dangerous demographic engineering plan.”

He called the move a violation of the Geneva Conventions, urging the international community not to remain silent over India’s human rights abuses in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

He reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to stand by the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for dignity, justice, and freedom.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, called November 6, 1947, a dark day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, noting that “even after eight decades, the pain of that tragedy remains etched in the memories of Kashmiris.”

He said the day symbolizes the Kashmiri people’s courage and unyielding resolve in the face of oppression. The Prime Minister stated that Indian forces and extremists had subjected over 237,000 Kashmiris to violence and genocide, attempting to alter the region’s demographic and religious composition.

The Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and around the world are observing Jammu Martyrs’ Day today to pay tribute to the hundreds of thousands of Muslims who were massacred in November 1947.

The day commemorates the memory of those who lost their lives when Hindu extremists brutally killed unarmed men, women, and children in Jammu during the first week of November 1947. Kashmiris continue to mark this day each year, reaffirming their resolve for freedom and justice.

For the past 77 years, the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir have been enduring continuous oppression under India’s illegal occupation. Rights groups and Kashmiri leaders have urged the international community to break its silence and recognize the mass killings in Jammu as an act of genocide.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have issued special messages on Jammu Martyrs’ Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people in their struggle for justice and self-determination.

President Zardari described the November 6, 1947 Jammu massacre as one of the “darkest human tragedies in the history of the subcontinent,” stating that over 200,000 Muslims were brutally killed by Dogra forces, RSS militants, and armed mobs.

He said that “millions of Muslims were forced to migrate after the massacre,” terming it as one of the darkest chapters in modern history. The President lamented that the international community failed to give due attention to the genocide of Kashmiri Muslims, adding that their sacrifices remain a painful reminder of the unfinished story of Jammu and Kashmir.

President Zardari said India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir continues to deny basic rights to its people, while the revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A was part of a “dangerous demographic engineering plan.”

He called the move a violation of the Geneva Conventions, urging the international community not to remain silent over India’s human rights abuses in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

He reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to stand by the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for dignity, justice, and freedom.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, called November 6, 1947, a dark day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, noting that “even after eight decades, the pain of that tragedy remains etched in the memories of Kashmiris.”

He said the day symbolizes the Kashmiri people’s courage and unyielding resolve in the face of oppression. The Prime Minister stated that Indian forces and extremists had subjected over 237,000 Kashmiris to violence and genocide, attempting to alter the region’s demographic and religious composition.

Highlighting India’s ongoing oppressive policies, he said that the August 5, 2019 actions were part of the same strategy to suppress Kashmiris and deny them their right to self-determination, in clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and international law.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kashmiri people, vowing continued support for their legitimate struggle for freedom and justice.

Pakistan, KSA reaffirm enduring strength of brotherly bonds: PM

Pakistan

RIYADH: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman renewed their commitment to advancing the deep-rooted partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on expanding trade and investment cooperation.

In a post on X, he said, “It was a great pleasure and honor to meet my brother, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Riyadh today.” “I remain deeply grateful for His Royal Highness’s personal commitment and resolute support in advancing our shared vision for deeper collaboration and prosperity for our two nations and peoples,” he added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, where the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, also attended the meeting.

Upon arrival at the Al-Yamamah Palace, the Saudi Crown Prince warmly received Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation.

The Prime Minister is visiting Saudi Arabia at the special invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and will participate in the 9th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference during his stay.

US seeks balance with Pakistan, India: Marco Rubio

US seeks

NEW YORK: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington seeks to strengthen its strategic partnership with Pakistan while ensuring its relations with India remain unaffected.

“We see an opportunity to expand our strategic relationship with Pakistan, and I think we’ve made – that’s our job, is to try to figure out how many countries we can find how we can work with on things of common interest,” Rubio told journalists, traveling with him En Route to Doha, Qatar, according to a transcript of his remarks released by the State Department..

He was asked if India has raised concerns about the United States’s growing relationship with Pakistan, which have improved rapidly over the past few months with President Donald Trump hosting Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House.

“They really haven’t – I mean, we know they’re concerned for obvious reasons because of the tensions that have existed between Pakistan and India historically,” Rubio said in response to a question if New Delhi raised concerns over Pakistan ties.

The top American diplomat said New Delhi has to understand that the United States needs to have relations with a lot of countries.

“But, I think they have to understand we have to have relations with a lot of different countries,” he noted.

“So, I think the Indians are very mature when it comes to diplomacy and things of that nature. Look, they have some relationships with countries that we don’t have relationships with,” Rubio added.

Rubio added: “So, it’s part of a mature, pragmatic foreign policy. I don’t think anything we’re doing with Pakistan comes at the expense of our relationship or friendship with India, which is deep, historic, and important.”

The relationship between the United States have grown dramatically under President Donald Trump, whose administration has hailed Pakistan as a “phenomenal” counter-terrorism partner.

The two countries have also signed a $500 million agreement on exploration of rare earth, with Pakistan recently shipping the first consignment this month.

Islamabad’s praise for President Trump’s role in working out a ceasefire in May conflict with India and nomination for Nobel Peace Prize for the U.S. leader have also generated goodwill for the ties.

In August, Rubio said every single day the United States keeps an eye on what happens between India and Pakistan, the two nuclear powers who fought a deadly 87-hour long conflict in May.

President Trump announced on May 10, the two countries agreed to a ceasefire, something Pakistan openly acknowledged while India denied US had any role.

Washington’s ties with India have been strained over a delay in trade agreement and Washington’s 50% tariff on Indian goods for its purchases of Russian oil.

PM Shehbaz urges regional countries to benefit from CPEC

PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need to strengthen economic and trade linkages across the region to promote peace and development, urging neighboring countries to take advantage of opportunities under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Addressing the concluding session of the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference, the prime minister said CPEC is proving to be a transformative initiative for the entire region.

He noted that connecting Gwadar with China’s Xinjiang province is opening new avenues of cooperation in development and the energy sectors. “This collaboration will not only benefit all stakeholders but also reinforce collective efforts for peace and progress,” he remarked.

Prime Minister Shehbaz further stressed that enhanced regional connectivity will revolutionize economic and trade activities. “In today’s era, connectivity is not limited to roads, rail, or air routes — investment in digital infrastructure is equally vital,” he said, adding that Pakistan is investing in this domain to fully harness the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Pakistan, Qatar pledge stronger partnership across key economic sectors

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In a significant step toward deepening bilateral ties, Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to expand collaboration across multiple sectors, notably energy, agriculture, information technology, tourism, trade, and investment.

The understanding came during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani, who is in Pakistan to co-chair the session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Qatar relations and lauded Qatar’s role as an important partner and influential regional mediator.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies and emphasized the significance of expanding bilateral cooperation in areas such as energy, agriculture, food security, information technology, tourism, and infrastructure development.

Shahbaz Sharif invited Qatari investors to explore new avenues of cooperation under the SIFC framework.

Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani expressed good wishes on behalf of the Qatari leadership and the Qatari Minister of Commerce reiterated Qatar’s determination to further strengthen economic ties with Pakistan.

The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s appreciation for Qatar’s continuous support on regional and global issues and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to strengthen cooperation at regional and multilateral forums.

The two leaders agreed to maintain close ties to translate common understandings into concrete results.

PM Shehbaz Sharif Launches National Solar Energy Plan 2025

Solar energy Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, renewable energy, power sector reforms, National Solar Plan 2025, clean energy, green Pakistan


Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launches Pakistan’s National Solar Energy Plan to reduce power costs and promote clean energy.


Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the launch of Pakistan’s National Solar Energy Plan 2025, aimed at cutting electricity costs and reducing dependency on imported fuels.


The project includes the installation of 10,000 megawatts of solar power across major cities, replacing expensive thermal generation units. The government will provide subsidies for home-based solar panels and net-metering systems.


Shehbaz Sharif said, “This is Pakistan’s step toward a green and sustainable energy future.” The plan also supports local solar equipment manufacturing and foreign investment partnerships.


Energy experts believe the project could save billions in fuel imports annually while reducing load-shedding. Implementation will begin in early 2026 under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy.

Protests Erupt in Kashmir as Citizens Demand Economic Rights and Political Reforms

Protesters in Kashmir demanding economic rights and reforms

Awami Action Committee Leads Protests in Kashmir Over Rising Prices and Joblessness

According to reports, the AAC – a coalition of local political and social groups – mobilized large crowds calling for an end to special refugee-reserved seats in the legislative assembly, improved economic opportunities, and urgent governance reforms. Protesters accused the federal government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of turning a blind eye to the worsening situation on the ground.

Kashmir Residents Rally for Economic Rights, Jobs, and Political Reforms

Chanting slogans for justice, demonstrators blocked roads and staged sit-ins, voicing their anger against skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, joblessness, and stalled infrastructure projects. “Our youth have no jobs, our families cannot afford daily necessities, and our voices are not heard in the system,” one protester told local reporters.

Political analysts warn that these demonstrations reflect a deeper frustration that has been brewing for years. “The grievances are not new – economic disparity, lack of employment, and governance gaps have long fueled dissatisfaction. Unless concrete steps are taken, the protests could escalate further,” commented a senior analyst.

The federal government has yet to release an official statement, but insiders suggest that top officials are monitoring the situation closely. Observers believe Islamabad will need to initiate dialogue with local leaders and offer visible relief measures to restore calm.

Over the past few years, Kashmir has seen repeated waves of unrest over electricity shortages, taxation issues, and poor service delivery. However, today’s demonstrations stand out for their scale, signaling mounting frustration that could pressure the central government to take urgent corrective action.

For now, the region remains tense, with residents waiting to see whether the authorities will respond through dialogue and reforms – or opt for stricter enforcement measures.