Category: 1. Pakistan

South African Air Force (SAAF) Chief Lt General Wiseman Simo Mbambo paid an official visit to Pakistan, where he met with Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad, according to the military’s media wing.

Upon his arrival, the visiting dignitary was welcomed with a formal Guard of Honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Air Force, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

During the meeting, the PAF chief highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between Pakistan and South Africa, emphasising the shared values and aspirations that underpin the two nations’ deep-rooted friendship. He reiterated PAF’s commitment to strengthening the aerial combat capabilities of the South African Air Force through tailored training and capacity-building initiatives, according to the ISPR.

Lt General Mbambo lauded the operational readiness of the PAF, commending its multi-domain warfare capabilities and its success in maintaining a credible deterrence posture. He acknowledged the high standards maintained by the PAF and expressed his admiration for its technical excellence, it added.

A key focus of the discussions was the revamping of the SAAF’s training regime. Lt General Mbambo expressed his desire for PAF’s support in developing a modern and comprehensive training framework, beginning at the academy level.

He further requested the participation of SAAF officers as observers in PAF’s major operational exercises to enhance learning and foster collaboration, as per the ISPR report.

In addition, the SAAF chief spoke about the possibility of increasing technical collaboration between the two air forces, particularly in the area of aircraft maintenance.

Recognising the cost-effective maintenance capabilities and technical excellence of PAF’s engineering infrastructure, Lt General Mbambo conveyed the intent of the SAAF to undertake the inspection and maintenance of its C-130 fleet in Pakistan.

The discussions highlighted a mutual desire to institutionalise and further strengthen the formal relationship between the PAF and the SAAF.

This meeting is expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation between the two forces, ensuring enhanced operational capabilities and shared military expertise.

RAWALPINDI, JUL 2 /DNA/ – Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo, Chief of the South African Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force at Air Headquarters, Islamabad.

Upon his arrival, a smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented Guard of Honour to Lieutenant General Wiseman Simo Mbambo.

During the meeting, Chief of the Air Staff emphasized the shared values and aspirations that form the foundation of the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and South Africa. The Air Chief reiterated PAF’s commitment to bolster aerial combat capabilities of the South African Air Force through tailored training and capacity-building initiatives. Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo lauded PAF’s robust operational readiness, its multi-domain warfare capabilities and its success in maintaining a credible deterrence posture. Recognizing the shared values and interests between the two Air Forces, the South African Air Chief articulated a strong desire to further strengthen and institutionalize the formal relationship between South African Air Force and PAF. One of the central themes of the discussions was the revamping of South African Air Force’s training regime. In this context, Lieutenant General Mbambo sought Pakistan Air Force’s support in developing a modern and comprehensive training framework, commencing at the academy level. The visiting dignitary also expressed his earnest desire of participation of South African Air Force officers as observers in PAF’s major operational exercises. Acknowledging the technical excellence and cost-effective maintenance capabilities offered by PAF’s engineering infrastructure, he also conveyed the intent of South African Air Force to undertake the inspection and maintenance of its C-130 fleet in Pakistan.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has challenged the state, asserting that if it can legally topple his government through constitutional means, he will leave politics if they succeed.

“Don’t do anything unconstitutional — and even through constitutional means, you cannot do anything. Our government, our power, and everything belong to Imran Khan. He can instruct us to topple the government whenever he wishes. Our government cannot be overthrown through constitutional methods,” he said.

Following a meeting of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) parliamentary party, Gandapur held a joint press conference with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Salman Akram Raja, and other leaders on Wednesday.

He described the state, often viewed as a “mother,” as behaving tyrannically. “I challenge the state and all its institutions. You attempted conspiracies and failed. You used unconstitutional means and still could not succeed,” he stated.

Gandapur criticised the state’s actions, saying, “You failed in your conspiracies and unconstitutional measures. You imposed martial law and governor’s rule in the past. Now, I challenge your power and authority. Put our people in jail, use all your might, and try to topple the K-P government.”

The CM added that they cannot remove his government through legal and constitutional means because they cannot break his members. “No one has the power to break those who stand with Imran Khan.”

He further stated, “Today’s meeting sends a message to those who think we’re divided. We are fully committed, body and soul, to securing the release of PTI’s founder. I was arrested before May 9. They claim we committed excesses on May 9, but the conspiracy against PTI’s founder began before that.”

Gandapur pointed out that the 26th Constitutional Amendment is an attack on the judiciary, and that PTI will work to reverse it when they return to power.

Regarding a meeting with the incarcerated former PM, he said, “Imran Khan requested a meeting, and it’s our right to meet with him as he is the head of the party. However, I sense that this meeting might not be arranged.”

In response to a question, he said that Imran Khan has never refused to negotiate. “We want to talk to those who truly hold power. Right now, the country is being run with batons, and everyone knows the real worth of the PML-N and PPP.”

Concerning PTI’s future actions, Gandapur announced that the party plans to launch a nationwide political movement after Muharram and will intensify its efforts. He warned, “If bullets are fired at us, the response will be the same, the response will be similar.”

During the press conference, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar emphasised that all party actions, including negotiations and protests, have been in line with the directives of the PTI founder.

“We are here because of his vote and his leadership,” he said, adding that the purpose of the meeting was to send a unified message. “Any future plan will be made public only after the founder’s approval,” he added.

He criticised the state’s refusal to allow meetings with the founder for vital matters such as K-P’s budget, noting that similar requests for Sindh, Punjab, and federal consultations were also rejected. “Our MNAs were unseated, references were filed, and sentences were handed out. This is not democracy,” he said.

Gohar concluded by asserting that PTI remains the legitimate government in K-P and dismissed any attempts of a no-confidence motion. “Those seeking to bring down our government simply don’t have the numbers. PTI is and will remain in power,” he said.

Moreover, Salman Akram Raja spoke of long-standing political exploitation and injustice. “For eight decades, this nation has been looted. The people of Pakistan have been silenced,” he said.

Referring to last year’s general elections on February 8, he termed it a “historic day when people exercised their democratic right.” “Our struggle is for dignity and fundamental rights. We will continue to fight the battle of the PTI founder and victory is our destiny,” Raja declared.

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a 120-day FBR tax-free mobile registration facility for overseas Pakistanis.

According to the details released by the PTA, under the authority’s policy, mobile devices can be registered tax-free for a period of 120 days. The facility is free of charge and provided through an automated temporary mobile registration system.

Additionally, it was stated that the purpose of this initiative by the PTA is to ensure uninterrupted mobile connectivity for those staying in Pakistan for a short duration.

Earlier in April, PTA has also introduced the Temporary Mobile Registration System to facilitate overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals visiting the country.

Under this initiative, temporary visitors can register their personal mobile devices for a period of up to 120 days during each visit to Pakistan.

According to a PTA news release, the user-friendly system aims to ensure uninterrupted mobile connectivity, enabling smooth and reliable communication for travelers throughout their stay.