Category: 1. Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:

A week after advertising to hire federal secretaries of economic ministries from the private sector, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday constituted a committee to further examine the induction of sectoral experts into more suitable tiers of the civil service.

The ministerial committee includes Climate Change Minister Dr Musaddiq Malik, Power Minister Sardar Awais Laghari, Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul and FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial. It has been tasked with thoroughly deliberating the proposal.

The committee’s findings will also be aligned with the work of two other committees led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

The move comes just six days after the government published a media advertisement seeking private sector professionals for top civil service roles, which sparked concern among some federal ministers and bureaucrats about the potential impact on governance and institutional integrity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the formation of a committee to finalise actionable proposals for the restructuring of other ministries and institutions, considering the reforms in the energy ministry, according to a statement issued by the PM’s office.

“The committee will also focus on recruiting the best workforce, aligning ministries with modern systems, and improving governance through reforms,” stated the PM’s office.

The sources said that during the meeting on power sector issues some of the participants raised serious concerns about the impact of the decision on hiring of principal accounting officers and other technical experts from the open market.

There was a strong view in the meeting that the office of the federal secretary cannot be replaced with private persons having limited or no accountability of their decisions. One of the arguments was that foreign investment has not been hampered by secretaries, rather the reasons were different. Lack of sanctity of the contracts is said to be one of such reasons discouraging foreign investment.

The participants didn’t have an issue with the induction of people against the higher grade positions but there were concerns about the level of entry whether they should be made federal secretaries or the inductions should be from grade 20 or 21, said the sources.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment Ahad Khan Cheema said that there was no change in the earlier decision, which was to establish a pool of capable and experienced people.

The government has issued advertisements over the weekend to hire seven “dynamic” private sector individuals for the posts of federal secretaries.

However, the advertisement did not name the divisions, the qualification criteria and job descriptions. It has invited applications from “dynamic and experienced professionals for the role of Principal Accounting Officers (PAOs), Technical Advisers, Head of Organizations in key economic areas”, states the advert. A two weeks’ deadline is given for submission of the applications.

The advertisement, posted at the Establishment Division website, did not name the divisions, qualification criteria and the job descriptions. However, it suggested that the government is set to hire seven federal secretaries from the private sector to run the economy-related ministries.

These are the Finance Division, Petroleum Division, Power Division, Planning Division, Industries and Production Division, National Food Security Division and Vocational Education and Training. These divisions are currently headed by officers from the all-powerful Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS).

One federal minister objected that his secretary’s position is advertised without first consulting him.

Pakistan’s economic ministries are mostly run by the officers from the PAS and there has been criticism that many of them do not have the requisite experience to understand the complexity of the economic matters.

The prime minister said that transformation of the outdated system into a modern, digital, and effective governance model was among the government’s priorities, as economic development and prosperity were impossible without modernizing the system to meet contemporary demands.

The prime minister directed to introduce reforms to enhance the performance of ministries and hire the services of experts in every sector. The prime minister said that the country could not achieve progress with the system that has been in place for seven decades.

The meeting participants argued that instead of bringing in federal secretaries the capacity should be built through technical induction on contract basis or in middle tier lateral entry in civil service.

The direct induction as principal accounting officer is largely untested with no exposure of public sector management and political and parliamentary oversights barring the induction of secretary information technology.

According to some bureaucrats, top private sector professionals in this high risk environment will not join on present management pay scales and special pay scales. The existing stuff on the management pay scale is not of high quality, they argued.

Young officers from the provinces are also reluctant to work in the federal government due to better service structure in the provinces.

The federal government had a couple of years back given 140% executive allowance to the bureaucrats on the grounds that the officers from provinces were not ready to work in the centre due to better pay packages being offered by the federating units.

KUALA LUMPUR/ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Ishaq Dar has said the military-to-military ceasefire between Pakistan and India is holding steady, however, it appears that the latter’s political leadership is not coming to terms with the recent defeat.

“Pakistan-India military-to-military ceasefire is working fine, but India’s political leadership is unable to digest it,” said the DPM, who also holds the portfolio of foreign minister, while speaking during an event hosted by the Pakistan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

FM Dar, who is in Kuala Lumpur for the 32nd Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), slammed India for suspending the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and called the step as strange move. “India cannot stop or divert Pakistan’s water… New Delhi is facing growing isolation globally,” he said. India is becoming isolated on the international stage due to its aggressive policies, he added.

Recalling Pakistan’s swift response to Indian action during the conflict, Dar said the PAF shot down six Indian planes including four Rafales. He said that during the recent tensions, India had intentionally targeted Sikh-populated areas with missile strikes. The deputy prime minister went on to say that India started the war and ended it by asking for a ceasefire. “At 8:15 in the morning, [the] US secretary of state called and said India wants a ceasefire,” he recalled.

On Pakistan’s economic outlook, Dar said the country had taken off despite tough conditions. Pakistan has made an economic take-off and now our goal is to get the country included in the G20, he added.

Earlier in the day, Ishaq Dar called on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting. He conveyed warm wishes from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Malaysia. He also appreciated Malaysia’s leadership as ASEAN Chair for the year 2025. The Malaysian prime minister reciprocated the warm sentiments and said he looked forward to the visit of PM Shehbaz Sharif this year in October.

Dar thanked PM Ibrahim for the warm hospitality and impressive arrangements at the ASEAN meeting. He also appreciated the practical steps taken by the Malaysian side for promotion of trade and investment between the two countries following the visit of PM Anwar Ibrahim to Pakistan in October last year. Separately, Pakistan on Friday ridiculed the continuous Indian narrative regarding the May 7 attacks against Pakistan, and explained that boasting of military aggression against a sovereign nation is a grave breach of the United Nations Charter and established principles of international law.

Responding to remarks by Indian NSA Ajit Doval, who claimed in Madras that India attacked 13 air bases in Pakistan, and did not miss any of its nine targets on Pakistan, the spokesperson at the Foreign Office said these remarks “are replete with distortions and misrepresentations”.

Speaking at the weekly media briefing, he said, “The remarks not only reflect a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, but also violate the norms of responsible statecraft. Boasting of military aggression against a sovereign nation is a grave breach of the United Nations Charter and established principles of international law. Rather than resorting to fictitious narratives, India should accept the downing of six fighter jets and severe damages to other military targets”.

He pointed out that besides, it was a matter of public knowledge that the so-called terrorist targets attacked by India resulted actually in the death of civilians, including women and children.

“Glorification of conflict benefits no one. The path of a lasting peace lies in dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to international law,” he added.

To another query, the spokesman pointed out that Indian involvement in sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan is very clear, and the international community is now becoming more aware of it. “Initially, the Indian state sponsored terrorism was targeting Pakistan, but we have seen that in the recent past, it has gone global. If this Indian malign approach is not checked, we have seen the consequences of that. India has tried to orchestrate a global assassination campaign, trying to kill people in Canada, the US and other countries,” he said.

In this context, he pointed out that in terms of its sponsoring terrorism inside Pakistan, “We maintain interaction with important friends and partners in the international community. We keep sharing our perspective, our evidence, which we obtain, and keep highlighting what India is doing in the region to destabilise it.”

Turning to Afghanistan, the spokesperson said that during additional secretary-level talks between the two countries, the issue of infiltration had been highlighted just as in the past.

“We stay engaged with the Afghan authorities and approach dialogue with good faith. In good faith we try to engage Afghanistan and develop friendly, brotherly, neighbourly relations. But the core point flagged remains sanctuaries enjoyed by terrorists inside the Afghan territory. Discussions on the issue are an ongoing process and we continue to raise this issue. We hope Afghan side will take up our concerns with more seriousness and greater responsibility,” he said.

Speaking on the arbitration decision, which Pakistan won at the International Court, he said that it amounted to legitimising Pakistan’s position. “An important international legal forum has clearly ruled, basically upheld our position on Indus Waters Treaty. We have articulated our overall position on this important issue on several occasions. This is about the survival of 250 million people. This is not a trifling matter. And our red lines are very clear. We will not allow our water to be diverted. This is what I can say at this point in time. Finally, the International Court of Arbitration decision, delegitimises India’s position,” he added.

The 94th ‘Youm-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir’ (Kashmir Martyrs Day) will be observed on July 13, 2025 to remember the martyrdom of 22 Kashmiris, who sacrificed their lives in Srinagar in 1931 while braving the indiscriminate firing of Dogra forces of the erstwhile ‘Maharaja’ of Jammu and Kashmir. “We salute their courage and bravery, which ignited a valiant struggle for the Kashmiri peoples’ fundamental rights and freedoms,” said the spokesperson.

“Earlier this week, the ninth anniversary of extrajudicial killing of the Kashmiri youth leader, Burhan Muzaffar Wani, was observed. Wani was one of the hundreds of Kashmiri youth, who have been victims of extra-judicial killings. So, we once again urge the Government of India to bring an end to extra-judicial killings and desist from indiscriminate use of force against the Kashmiri people,” he added.

PESHAWAR: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has officially launched the province’s first Carbon Asset Inventory for its renewable energy portfolio on Friday.

The launch event, held in Peshawar, marks a significant milestone in KP’s journey to access international carbon markets and unlock new pathways for climate finance.

Developed in collaboration with the UK International Development-funded Sustainable Energy and Economic Development (SEED) Programme, the inventory maps renewable energy projects owned by the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO), assessing their potential for carbon credits and International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs).

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur stated that this initiative is a bold testament to KP’s leadership in climate action. It demonstrates our resolve to expand clean energy solutions, attract green finance, and ensure that the benefits of sustainability are equitably shared among our people.”

The Chief Minister termed the launch of the Carbon Asset Inventory as a historic moment, stating that this step is evidence that our province is ready to align with global environmental goals. He said this initiative also reflects the government’s commitment to adopting market-based mechanisms for sustainable economic development. He appreciated the collaboration between PEDO and the SEED Programme, stating that it was through the collective efforts of all stakeholders that the province’s first Carbon Asset Inventory was made possible.

Ali Amin Gandapur stated that this inventory is a modern tool that maps PEDO’s renewable energy projects and establishes a carbon emissions baseline, enabling PEDO to quantify the emissions it has saved. He added that this initiative will pave the way for the province’s access to the international renewable energy market and will also lay the foundation for promoting climate financing in the province. The CM expressed his determination to fully benefit from climate financing opportunities to promote green energy solutions in the province and to make this approach a permanent part of his development strategy.

Ali Amin Gandapur said the province has special potential in renewable energy, with multiple projects under implementation by PEDO and several others in the pipeline. He termed the agreement between PEDO and PAT as a milestone, under which the renewable energy potential will be effectively utilized for the province’s economic stability. He stated that economic self-reliance and environmental sustainability are among the top priorities of his government, and for this purpose, focus is being given to the development of all sectors with untapped potential.

Earlier, briefing the participants about the outcomes of newly launched inventory, the authorities told that the Carbon Asset Inventory evaluates PEDO’s hydropower and solar portfolio against leading carbon credit standards-Verra, Gold Standard, and the Global Carbon Council (GCC) and finds that 8 projects are eligible for Verra, 13 for Gold Standard, and 37 for GCC, while the entire portfolio qualifies for I-RECs. Collectively, these projects could avoid 5.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and generate up to 11.9 million I-RECs, creating a significant opportunity for revenue through carbon markets.

In a major step forward, PEDO also signed an agreement today with the Pakistan Environment Trust (PET) to register with Evident, the global I-REC registry. This positions KP to formally enter international renewable energy markets, with five projects being registered in the first phase.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives was informed that security threats and lack of connectivity are the main hurdles in the fast development and functioning of Gwadar Port.

The committee met with Senator Quratulain Marri in the chair at the Parliament house on Friday.

The committee discussed issues related to ports of Pakistan, status of approval of un-approved schemes in the PSDP-25-26 and Sukkur-Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway (M-6).

When committee Chairperson Quratulain Marri asked about proper function of Gwadar Port, responding to the question, the Planning Ministry cited persistent security threats as the primary reason for Gwadar Port’s limited progress.

The additional secretary of Ministry of Maritime Affairs admitted that security and connectivity are main issues for development and function of Gwadar Port.

He said that that the Chinese engineers and workers want complete security in and out of Gwadar Port. He said that we are providing VIP security to Chinese engineers and workers.

The committee also received a joint briefing by the ministries of Planning and Maritime Affairs on port charges. It was revealed that charges at Gwadar Port exceed those of regional ports such as Jebel Ali in Dubai, and no incentives are currently provided to shipping lines.

The Maritime Affairs Ministry proposed a phased approach to operationalise Gwadar Port, beginning with a transit trade model. Another reason was identified as the lack of private sector interest in the port.

Officials further confirmed that port charges in Pakistan are generally higher than those in the region. It was noted that current rates at Karachi Port Trust (KPT) are lower than those in 1994. He said that wet charges comprise only five per cent of total charges. Connectivity challenges were also discussed, particularly the delay faced by trucks accessing the Super Highway from KPT, which can take up to 24 hours, significantly impacting logistics and costs.

The committee was informed that work on an elevated Lyari Expressway is in progress to directly link the port. The KPT-Pipri railway track project was also highlighted, although it requires additional attention and funding.

Chairperson Marri acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and recommended the construction of a dedicated and shorter route between KPT and the Super Highway to improve connectivity and reduce transport time.

The Additional Secretary of Planning Ministry during the briefing told the committee that in June, 2025, five CDWP meeting were held in which 31 projects were considered, wherein 27 projects were approved and seven projects were recommended to Ecnec and one project was deferred. He said that CDWP approved 27 development projects of total cost of 77.78 billion and seven projects of 481.96 billion to ECNEC.

Senator Quratulain Marri emphasised the inefficiency of executing development projects in fragmented phases, urging that projects be completed in a single execution cycle based on priority needs. She underscored the strategic significance of the N-5 and called for its immediate commencement. Expressing concern over two operational toll plazas between Matiari and Hyderabad, she directed officials to investigate the matter and submit a report.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

ISLAMABAD: French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey on Friday night highlighted the need to defend fundamental human rights, particularly the right to security, which, according to him, faced growing threats amid escalating global conflicts.

Speaking at the French National Day celebration, the ambassador said France was working actively to prevent further deterioration of the international security environment.

“To address these crises, France is mobilising to prevent escalation, reduce tensions, maintain dialogue and advance solutions through multilateral frameworks, beginning with the United Nations,” he said, noting that only multilateralism can deliver just and lasting peace.

Every year, the residence of Ambassador Nicolas Galey comes alive with a grand celebration to mark the national day, with a significant gathering of guests and an elaborate spread of delicacies.

The ambassador also underscored France’s support for Ukraine in confronting Russia.

He highlighted that strengthening defence capabilities remained vital to preserving not only national freedom but also the liberties France has championed for over two centuries.

Reflecting on more than three years of diplomatic engagement in Pakistan, he expressed satisfaction over the steady progress in bilateral relations.

“Our leaders, President Macron and Prime Minister Sharif, have met frequently, including last December, when they agreed to enhance cooperation through business-to-business contacts,” he noted.

Educational exchanges continue to flourish, with an increasing number of Pakistani students pursuing studies in France. The ambassador called for expanding collaboration into other sectors, citing Pakistan’s improved economic and financial performance in recent years, which has attracted the interest of French companies.

“Pakistan has immense assets to play its full part in the global economy and in the transitions needed for a sustainable future,” he said.

“Your youth, engineers, entrepreneurs and creative professionals are highly regarded internationally.”

In his remarks, Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb extended felicitations on behalf of the Government of Pakistan. He appreciated French contributions to philosophy, literature, art and political thought, and their profound imprint on global civilisation.

He said Pakistan sought continued advocacy from France for a fair and supportive framework within the EU.

“We also request enhanced technical and financial cooperation in alignment with Pakistan’s energy transition and climate resilience priorities. There is ample room to enhance trade and investment. Pakistan offers attractive investment opportunities in a range of sectors, including renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, livestock and infrastructure development, including minerals and mining,” the minister said.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has lambasted the Maryam-led Punjab government for failure in rainwater drainage, and leaving people stranded in a miserable swamp despite lavish spending of billions of rupees.

PTI Punjab spokesman Shayan Bashir on Friday stated that the torrential rains had exposed the truth behind the Sharif family’s so-called development work. He said the entire province in pictures looked like a swamp during and after the rain, revealing horrifying outcomes of Maryam Nawaz’s government’s poor planning and failure in rainwater management.

The spokesman said people were left helpless, wading through knee-deep filthy water, while roofs leaked, walls collapsed and several houses were completely destroyed.

“Tragically, four people lost their lives, and over 40 were injured, yet the government was nowhere to be seen.”

Mr Bashir said claims of development worth billions of rupees existed only in advertisements while in reality, the whole of Punjab remained submerged by rainwater.

He asked where did the billions in funds go and added that the pictures speak volumes, exposing the truth that all promises were nothing more than ad campaigns. He said Lahore, which was considered the centre of all major construction projects that Shehbaz Sharif once likened to Paris, was completely submerged.

Foreseeing the threat of urban flooding in Lahore, Mr Bashir continued, the PTI had initiated long-term drainage solutions. Under this vision, three underground water storage tanks were constructed and plans for nine more were already in place.

“The first tank at Lawrence Garden was completed in 2020, while the second at Alhamra (Kashmir Road) and another at Aik Moriya Pul were completed in 2022. These projects successfully helped mitigate flooding by storing rainwater and protected the city from major disasters,” he added.

CHIEF SECRETARY: Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman held a rain review virtual meeting with all deputy commissioners, emphasising that safeguarding lives and property remains the government’s foremost responsibility.

In view of flood warning for Mianwali, Layyah and Bhakkar districts, the chief secretary directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to ensure prompt evacuation of residents from vulnerable riverside areas. He also instructed the authority to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of weather patterns, river flows, and dam water levels.

Mr Zaman told the meeting that the finance department had already released the required funds to all districts for emergency and flood response measures.

Citing data from the meteorological department, the chief secretary said the monsoon rainfall was expected to be 20 to 25 per cent above normal this season. Expressing concern over the increased risk of structural collapses during the rainy season, the chief secretary directed all districts to immediately identify and assess dilapidated buildings to prevent loss of life. He also issued instructions for improving urban traffic management during heavy rains.

Earlier, the PDMA director general told the meeting that the rain-related incidents since June 25 had claimed 39 lives and injured 103 people across Punjab. Most fatalities occurred due to the collapse of weakened roofs and structures.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that transforming the outdated system into a modern, digital and effective governance model is among the government’s top priorities as economic development and prosperity are not possible without modernising the system to meet contemporary demands.

Presiding over a meeting to evaluate the performance of federal ministries, the prime minister directed officials to introduce reforms to enhance the performance of ministries and hire services of experts in every sector.

The prime minister formed a committee for recruiting the best workforce, aligning ministries with modern systems and improving governance through reforms.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Energy gave a detailed briefing on a system comprising experts for improving governance and implementing reforms.

PM tells ministries to introduce reforms to enhance performance; hire services of experts

The prime minister said the country could not achieve progress with a system that has been in place for seven decades.

He said the country has rich resources and its young workforce is the country’s most valuable asset, with many talented Pakistanis bringing fame to the country globally.

PM Shehbaz lauded Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Khan Legh­ari and his team for their efforts and emphasised that assistance from internationally renow­ned experts and consultants is crucial for system’s change, and introducing new thinking and governance methods through reforms aligning with modern requirements.

He said the energy ministry’s reforms, which brought about reduction in losses and saved billions of rupees for the national treasury, served as a model for other ministries to follow.

The PM directed the formation of a committee to finalise actionable proposals for restructuring other ministries and institutions in the light of reforms undertaken by the energy ministry.

The committee will also focus on recruiting the best workforce, aligning ministries with modern systems, and improving governance through reforms.

The meeting was also given a detailed briefing on profiles of the sector experts and the current working of the ministry under the established system.

Federal ministers Dr Musadik Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Min­i­s­ter of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani, Chief Coordinator Moshar­raf Zaidi, and other relevant senior officials attended the meeting.

World Population Day

In his message on World Population Day, PM Shehbaz Sharif said the government is fully committed to a comprehensive, rights-based population agenda with a focus on equitable access of people to healthcare, informed family planning and strengthening systems allowing individuals to make choices about their future with dignity and autonomy.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia on Friday signed an agreement to revive and expand the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM).

Built 52 years ago in Karachi with Russia’s support, the PSM is a state-owned company that has the capacity to produce long-rolled and heavy metal products in the country. The PSM ceased operations in 2015.

The agreement was signed at the Pakistan Embassy in Moscow by secretary of industries and production Saif Anjum and general director of Industries Engineering LLC of Russia, Vadim Velichko.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Haroon Akhtar Khan, witnessed the agreement signing at a ceremony together with Pakistan’s Am­­bassador to the Russian Fede­ration Muhammad Khalid Jamali.

Speaking on the occasion, the special assistant to the PM said that reviving the Pakistan Steel Mills with the support of Russia reflected “our shared history and commitment to a stronger industrial future”.

Islamabad, Moscow also agree to establish new mills in Karachi

The project aims to restart and expand the steel production in the country, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.

Following the official closure of the PSM in 2024, the Sindh government sought Russia’s assistance in restoring the ageing infrastructure, which had been incurring losses for decades.

A high-powered delegation of Pakistan, led by Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Tariq Fatemi, and Mr Haroon Akhtar Khan, who is also the focal person for the PSM project, held a meeting with Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk in Moscow on Wednesday.

During the talks, Mr Akhtar conveyed to the Russian side that Pakistan’s government attached high importance to the ongoing discussions on the new Steel Mills in Karachi, as the project carried an important legacy of Pakistan’s relations with Russia, that could serve as a leap forward symbol of future cooperation and partnership.

Pakistan and Russia have also agreed to establish new steel mills in Karachi.

The idea of new steel mills was discussed during a meeting between Russian Representative Denis Nazaroof and Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar Khan.

Several attempts were made in the recent past to sell the PSM to global private ownership under the government’s programme, but the privatisation of Pakistan Steel Mills is not on the privatisation programme agenda for 2024-2029 of the present government.

The PSM is the largest industrial mega-corporation in the country, having a production ca­­pacity of 1.1 to 5.0 million tonnes of steel and iron foundries.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

• Warns against misuse of counterterrorism narratives to stigmatise Muslim communities
• Sees peaceful Afghanistan in Pakistan’s interest
• Meets Malaysian, Canadian, Australian, Cambodian and Vietnamese leaders

ISLAMABAD/KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday the defeat inflicted by Pakistan has been difficult for the Indian political leadership to digest, Dawn.com reported.

Deputy PM Dar is leading the Pakistan delegation at the 32nd ministerial meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Regional Forum (ARF), being held in Malaysia.

Addressing the Pakis­tani community in Kuala Lumpur, Mr Dar said that on the military side of matters, there was no issue between Pakistan and India as the armed forces had gone back to the mutually decided positions.

However, he said that the defeat inflicted by Pakistan has been difficult for the Indian political leadership to digest.

The deputy premier said Pakistan gave a befitting and measured response to Indian aggression. He stated that India sought to establish hegemony in the region, but Pakistan shattered its attempt through a measured response.

“Pakistan believes in peace and in building relationships based on equality, dignity and mutual respect,” he added.

Temporary ceasefire

Mr Dar said sometimes New Delhi said this was “a temporary ceasefire”.

“Pakistan neither asked for a ceasefire, nor would it. Neither did we initiate [hostilities] nor did we aggravate matters, and then, when they asked for a ceasefire, we agreed to it after settling the score.

“Otherwise, we woul­dn’t have received a call requ­esting for a ceasefire at 8:15am, just half an hour after our operation ended at 7:45am, where they (India) said we are ready for a ceasefire,” he said.

Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam incident, he said, India blamed Paki­stan without evidence and refused our offer of an impartial inquiry. Instead, it launched an unprovoked attack on May 7.

He detailed Pakistan’s response under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which targeted only military assets and demonstrated restraint and responsibility. He denounced the so-called new normal of unilateral military actions and impunity, asserting that peace must be rooted in mutual respect and international law.

Mr Dar also condemned India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a violation of international norms with grave humanitarian consequences.

Criticising India’s unilateral actions and aggression in the region, the deputy premier underscored the need for a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Referring to the country’s comprehensive counterterrorism approach and its efforts to expose cross-border terrorism, Mr Dar warned against the misuse of counterterrorism narratives to stigmatise Muslim communities and promote Islamophobia.

Non-traditional threats

On the other hand, he said, there was a need for global cooperation to ensure peace, justice and climate action in the face of mounting regional and international challenges.

He said ARF was a critical platform at a time when global fragmentation threa­tened multilateralism.

However, he urged focus on non-traditional threats, including climate change, pandemics, cyber risks, maritime security, and disaster response.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s backing of the One-China Policy, Mr Dar urged peaceful resolution of disputes in the Asia-Pacific, including the South China Sea, through diplomacy and mutual respect.

Mentioning the recent high-level engagements with Afghan leaders, Mr Dar urged the interim government to ensure its soil is not used against its neighbours. “A peaceful, stable, and united Afghanistan is in our vital interest,” he added.

He also condemned the Israeli aggression in Palestinian territories, calling for international action to halt atrocities and reaffirming Pakistan’s support for an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Talks with Malaysian PM

On the sidelines of the 32nd ARF ministerial meeting, Mr Dar met Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the foreign ministers of various other countries, including Canada, Australia, Russia, according to the FO.

In his meeting with Malaysian PM Ibrahim, Mr Dar conveyed good wis­hes of Prime Min­ister Shehbaz Sharif and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Malaysia.

He also appreciated Malaysia’s leadership as Asean Chair for the year 2025. He also appreciated the practical steps taken by the Malaysian side for the promotion of trade and investment between the two countries, following Mr Ibrahim’s visit to Pakistan in October 2024.

Meetings with foreign ministers

At the weekly press briefing in Islamabad, the FO spokesperson said Mr Dar also met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Besides, Mr Dar met Foreign Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas, and the Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis.

Also, on the sidelines of the 32nd ARF, the deputy premier and his Cambodian counterpart Prak Sokhonn in a meeting agreed to intensify bilateral engagement, particularly in trade and investment, to hold dialogue at all levels and promote cultural and people-to-people contacts.

The deputy premier also invited Cambodian PM to visit Pakistan. It was decided that dates for his visit would be worked out through diplomatic channels.

In his interaction with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son, Mr Dar highlighted the untapped potential of bilateral trade and expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in building stronger commercial ties with Vietnam, one of Asia’s emerging economies. The two sides agreed to explore avenues for collaboration in sectors such as textiles, agriculture, technology, and tourism.

Mr Dar also accepted an invitation to visit Vietnam at a mutually convenient time, underscoring the momentum for increased high-level engagement between Islamabad and Hanoi.

With additional input from APP

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

RAWALPINDI: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Friday issued a flood alert for major rivers across the country, forecasting moderate to heavy monsoon rainfall from July 13 to 17 that could trigger flash floods.

NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) attributed the forecast to increased moisture from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, along with an active westerly wave system.

As a result, increased flows are expected in all major rivers, particularly the Indus, Kabul, Jhelum and Chenab.

Currently, the Kalabagh and Chashma barrages on the Indus River are at medium flood levels, while the Tarbela, Taunsa and Guddu barrages are at low flood levels, the NDMA said.

The Taunsa barrage is also expected to rise to a medium flood level.

Low flood levels are also forecast for the Chenab River at Marala and Khanki and for the Kabul River at Nowshera.

Rain-induced swelling is anticipated in the Swat and Panjkora rivers, along with their associated streams and nullahs.

In Punjab, torrential flows in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur are likely to reactivate with medium to high flows.

In Balochistan, high flows may be experienced in streams and nullahs in northeastern districts including Jhal Magsi, Kachhi, Sibi, Qila Saifullah, Zhob and Musakhel.

Additionally, localised flash flooding is also expected in southern districts like Khuzdar, Awaran, Lasbela and Qalat.

As of Thursday, the Tarbela Dam was at 74 per cent storage capacity and the Mangla Dam was at 44pc.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025