Category: 1. Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the government is working on a priority basis to digitalise the economy and shift financial transactions to a cashless and digital system.

Chairing a review meeting on cashless economy in Islamabad on Sunday, he directed all the provincial chief secretaries to fully cooperate with the federal government in expanding the Raast digital payment system to the district level.

The prime minister expr­essed satisfaction over the progress made towards a cashless economy and digital financial systems.

The meeting was briefed that Pakistan will develop digital public infrastructure to create digital IDs for every citizen, integrating national identity cards, biometrics and mobile numbers.

These digital IDs will enable secure and efficient payments.

It was further said that the provincial governments have shown significant progress in linking government-to-public and public-to-government payments with the Raast system.

The meeting was info­rmed that the federal development agencies have granted right of way for fibre connectivity, while discussions are ongoing with Pakistan Railways and the National Highway Authority to expand digital infrastructure.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2025

• Interior minister highlights intelligence agencies’ role in May conflict
• Insists key bases incurred no significant damage during Indian strikes
• Senate chairman says international community rejected India’s narrative on Pahalgam

LAHORE: Months after their flare-up, the India-Pakistan conflict from earlier this year continues to drive a blame game and claims of success from both sides.

A case in point was Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who said on Sunday that Pakistan has videos of the five Indian jets shot down during the May conflict.

Although many international experts have backed Pakistan’s claim of shooting down Indian aircraft, New Delhi had maintained official silence on its losses until recently, except for a number of officials offering their own separate perspectives.

Then, earlier this month, India’s air chief claimed shooting down six Pakistani aircraft sans evidence, ostensibly prompting the interior minister to respond.

Addressing a seminar on the ‘Impact of Pakistan’s Military and Diplomatic Victories on Inter­national Media’ at Aiwan-i-Iqbal, Mr Naqvi said that while radar data had confirmed the downing of Indian aircraft, the government chose to withhold public announcements until physical evidence was obtained.

He added that video clips from the sites were collected “within no time”, highlighting Pakistan’s intelligence capabilities.

In the immediate aftermath of the aerial battle, photos had emer­ged from Indian-held Kashmir of the mangled fuselage of a fighter jet, said to resemble an Indian Rafale aircraft. Other photos also circulated online, but many could not be verified at the time.

“Some people do not refrain from slandering intelligence agencies, but during the conflict, Pakistan’s intelligence agencies performed exceptionally well,” Mr Naqvi said.

“Our institutions had information on India’s (plans) well ahead of time. We knew whatever they (India) planned, what aircraft they would use,” he said.

The interior minister stated that no Indian missile hit the airbases where Pakistan had valuable assets, and there was no significant damage from the Indian missile attack on the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, either.

He said that only one airbase was damaged by an Indian attack, and a soldier was martyred, adding that he had been a witness to many events during the conflict.

He insisted that Field Marshal Asim Munir provided “excellent leadership during the conflict”, adding that Pakistan could have inflicted more damage on India, but New Delhi could not even handle the damage they had already received.

The minister said that two key figures of the Narendra Modi government — Ajit Doval and Amit Shah — were the key players in the “Pahalgam drama” and that they would be the undoing of India.

He praised local political parties for showing unity during the conflict with India, and emphasised that promoting dialogue among political parties was essential to resolving internal differences and ensuring national unity.

He stated that constructive dialogue among political parties was the need of the hour. “The political leadership should resolve its differences through talks. Dialogue is critical to resolving differences,” he added.

‘Demonstrated restraint’

Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, who presided over the event, said that all institutions played a key role in Pakistan’s victory against India, and the international community reject­ed India’s false narrative on the Pahalgam incident.

“Pakistan demonstrated restraint along with defence so that tensions in the region did not escalate, while the Pakistani armed forces impressed the world by demonstrating their professionalism and readiness,” he said.

The parliament supported the armed forces through unanimous resolutions and highlighted the national stance, he added.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muham­mad Ahmed Khan said that Pakistan had achieved remarkable success in both military and diplomatic spheres, leaving profound and far-reaching impacts at the global level.

“Pakistan has not only proven its military strength but has also consolidated its position on the diplomatic front, a fact acknowledged by the international community,” Mr Khan said.

He added that successful counterterrorism operations and an effective foreign policy had presented Pakistan as a responsible and strong nation on the world stage.

The speaker said that under the command of Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s military strategy had become even more effective, thwarting India’s aggressive designs and maintaining the balance of power in the region.

He further stated that exposing India’s aggressive attitude at the global level was a major achievement for Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2025

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said the government was prioritising efforts to digitise the economy and shift all transactions to a cashless system.

He was chairing a review meeting on the cashless and digital economy in the federal capital.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction with the progress toward a cashless economy and directed chief secretaries to fully support the federal government in expanding the Raast system to district governments.

The meeting was briefed on the progress of measures to promote a cashless economy.

The participants of the meeting were informed that digital IDs will be created under the Pakistan Digital Public Infrastructure, integrating citizens’ national identity cards, biometrics, and mobile numbers to enable digital payments.

They were told that provincial governments had made significant progress in linking public-to-government and government-to-public payments with the Raast system.

On digital infrastructure, the Capital Development Authority has granted right-of-way for fiber connectivity, while talks are ongoing with Pakistan Railways and the National Highway Authority.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and relevant senior government officials attended the meeting.

On 15 August 2025, Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd launched the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) third Hangor-class air-independent propulsion (AIP)-equipped submarine (SSP) from the Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China.

The launch ceremony of the submarine, designated PNS/M Mangro, was presided by numerous Chinese and Pakistani officials, among them the PN’s Deputy Chief of Naval Projects, Vice Admiral Abdul Samad and other high-ranking officers. 

This is the second Hangor-class SSP launch in 2025, following the launch of PNS/M Shushuk in March, while the lead boat, PNS/M Hangor, was launched in April 2024. Thus far, all of the boats constructed in China have been built at Wuhan. 

The Hangor-class is a variant of CSOC’s S26, the export version of the Yuan-class submarine used by the People’s Army Liberation Navy (PLAN). 

Like its PLAN counterpart, the S26 was offered with a Sterling AIP system. In general, AIP systems allow conventional submarines to operate underwater without surfacing for oxygen (snorkeling) for extended periods of time, possibly weeks at a time. The PN’s three Agosta 90B submarines utilize the French MESMA AIP system to achieve similar capabilities.

The PN’s Hangor-class submarine has a displacement of 2,800 tons, length of 76 m, a cruising speed of 10 knots, and draught of 6.2 m. It is equipped with six torpedo tubes, which can deploy heavyweight torpedoes (HWT) and anti-ship cruising missiles (ASCM). 

Pakistan ordered eight S26P submarines from China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Ltd (CSOC) in 2015. Under the contract, four of the boats were to be built by Karachi Shipyards and Engineering Works (KSEW) through the transfer of technology and material kits from CSOC. 

KSEW cut the steel of its first Hangor-class submarine in December 2021 and laid the keel for its second boat in February 2024. Originally, the PN was to receive all eight boats by 2028, but delays stemming from both the pandemic and supply-side restrictions from Germany (specifically its block on re-selling MTU diesel engines to China) pushed the procurement timelines farther. 

That said, at the start of 2025, the PN Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Naveed Ashraf, revealed that the PN will receive its first Hangor-class submarine “very soon,” but did not offer a timeline or a clear date as to when. However, considering how PNS/M Hangor has been undergoing its sea trials since mid-2024, its induction into the PN fleet could be a matter of months. Overall, one can expect the PN to receive its first four Chinese-built boats in several years, but the KSEW-built versions may come later than anticipated, potentially by the early 2030s, due to delays. 

Once all eight boats are inducted, the PN will operate a fleet of at least 11 AIP-equipped submarines, giving it one of the largest subsurface fleets of this nature in Asia. However, this would be the baseline as the PN will induct additional AIP-equipped submarines through its forthcoming shallow water attack submarine (SWATS) program and a future original submarine program.

HYDERABAD:

A Karachi based journalist was found shot dead in his car parked outside an eatery on Hyderabad road in Sanghar district late on Saturday night. SSP Sanghar Abid Baloch told the press that Khawar Hussain Bajwa’s body was found on his car’s driving seat. He was associated with Dawn News channel.

The police later also found a pistol, which the deceased was holding in his right hand, and a bullet casing from the car. According to the SSP, the bullet entered through his right side temple and exited from the left. Baloch said it will be early to conclude the cause of his death, adding that a broader investigation has been started before drawing any conclusion.

The staff of the hotel, Mirchi 360 Sanghar, informed the police that Bajwa twice entered their premises to use washroom and then returned to his car. A hotel’s guard told the police that after noticing that the deceased had not placed any order and yet the car was still parked outside their hotel, he approached the vehicle and saw blood oozing from his head.

He later called the manager and other staff who contacted the local police. A CCTV camera installed at the hotel shows the reporter entering and leaving. However, there was no camera in the direction of his vehicle which could have helped in the investigation.

Bajwa was alone in his car and he entered and left the hotel alone as well. DIG Nawabshah Faisal Bashir Memon has confirmed that the pistol found from his vehicle was licensed in the name of the deceased. His Sanghar based brother in law Zubair Ali in his version recorded with the police stated that they were clueless about his visit to their city on Saturday even though he always used to inform them before coming to Sanghar.

His postmortem was conducted at Civil Hospital Sanghar.

Ali informed that Bajwa’s US based brother and parents are likely to arrive in Pakistan on August 18 after which his body will be taken from the hospital for burial in Sanghar. The brother in law said he came to know about his death through a friend who gave him a call and told about the incident. The police and medico legal officials are yet to share the initial findings of the postmortem report.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the Inspector General of Police.

Governor Tessori conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, calling the journalist’s death a “great tragedy for journalism and society.” Provincial ministers, members of the journalist community, friends, and relatives have also expressed shock and grief over the incident. They prayed for the departed soul and for strength to the family in bearing this irreparable loss.

Published on: August 18, 2025 4:09 AM

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday praised Pakistan’s intelligence agencies for their critical role during the recent conflict with India, claiming they had early access to enemy plans and even obtained video footage of six Indian aircraft being shot down.

The recent confrontation between the two neighbouring countries, triggered by the Pahalgam attack, marked one of the most serious escalations in decades, pushing the nuclear-armed rivals to the brink of full-scale war. The conflict resulted in civilian casualties on both sides before diplomatic efforts managed to defuse tensions.

During the exchange, the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including a French-made Rafale fighter jet. A senior French intelligence official later confirmed the loss of at least one Rafale—marking the aircraft’s first known combat downing.

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Speaking at a seminar organised by the Professor Waris Mir Foundation at Aiwan-e-Iqbal, Naqvi said, “Our intelligence agencies’ role was so important… we knew whatever they planned, what aircraft they would use.” He added, “Within minutes, we received video footage of all six planes which were shot down.”

The minister revealed that intelligence agencies received detailed information about India’s plans well in advance, including sensitive intelligence and operational documents.

“We used to have every single detail of India’s decisions and papers in advance. Later, when their aircraft were shot down, it was decided that until we had evidence, we would not announce how many planes had been downed. We needed field proof—and believe me, within minutes, the evidence was with us. We have videos of six Indian aircraft that were shot down.”

Naqvi attributed part of Pakistan’s success during the conflict to divine intervention. “India fired seven missiles at one of our major bases, which contained valuable assets. Everyone was worried, but not a single missile landed inside the base—some fell before reaching, some outside, and some to the side,” he recounted.

He added that when Pakistan retaliated, its missiles struck an Indian oil storage depot without causing civilian casualties. “This was purely Allah’s help,” he said.

He also praised Pakistan’s military leadership, particularly Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Naqvi recalled a meeting with a visiting Saudi delegation that included military and government officials. The Field Marshal, he said, told them, “India is like a shining Mercedes, but we are like a dumper truck loaded with stones. Now imagine what happens when the two collide.”

Highlighting the unique unity within Pakistan’s leadership, Naqvi said, “For the first time in Pakistan’s history, the Army, Air Force, and Navy devised a joint strategy and fought the war under one plan.” He contrasted this with India’s fractured command structure, where military chiefs reportedly operated independently.

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Naqvi also named Ajit Doval and Amit Shah as the true masterminds behind the Indian government’s escalation. “These are the two men behind it all, and they will drown India as well as Modi,” he warned.

He emphasised domestic political unity amid the crisis: “On Pakistan’s side, all political parties stood united… everyone was in contact and supportive.” According to Naqvi, Pakistani leaders outperformed the Indian delegation’s attempts to lobby internationally, noting, “Our PPP Chairman outweighed them.”

The minister also accused India of sponsoring terrorism within Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan, and claimed India used the war to suppress Kashmiris. He commended the resilience shown by the Prime Minister and national leadership in responding firmly, saying they defied pressure not to retaliate.

The seminar also featured addresses by Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan.