Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf underscored the importance of operational preparedness as the key to success in modern warfare during a speech at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air War College Institute in Karachi on Monday, Radio Pakistan reported.
Addressing participants as the chief guest, Admiral Ashraf highlighted the significance of constant readiness and strategic foresight, citing recent developments along the eastern front as a critical example.
He also praised the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, commending the Pakistan Air Force’s efforts in modernising and swiftly integrating advanced technologies. These measures, he said, have greatly improved the operational readiness of the Air Force and reshaped the region’s deterrence strategy.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, Pakistan Navy visited PAF Air War College Institute, Karachi today. On his arrival, he was received by Air Vice Marshal Rashid Habib, President Air War College Institute. The Chief Guest lauded the academic and professional… pic.twitter.com/vSbQ9J0zkV
He added, “Pakistan Navy’s combat capabilities have undergone significant enhancement across all operational domains, including surface, sub-surface, and aerial forces. This transformation has made our maritime force more agile and potent.”
The navy chief stressed the necessity of cohesive national defence, emphasising the importance of inter-service collaboration. He revealed plans for more frequent joint operational exercises with the PAF, aimed at enhancing synergy and interoperability between the two institutions.
Admiral Ashraf also discussed the pivotal role of technological advancements in modern conflicts, specifically highlighting the importance of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
He announced a strategic collaboration between the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park and the Pakistan Maritime Science and Technology Park to advance indigenous capabilities in unmanned systems.
This partnership, he said, will bolster Pakistan’s technological self-reliance and enhance its operational edge in defence.
The navy chief further praised the Air War College Institute for its academic excellence, recognising its critical role in preparing future military leaders to tackle the complex challenges of modern warfare. He was welcomed by Air War College Institute President Air Vice Marshal Rashid Habib upon his arrival.
A protest by the Sindh Employees Grand Alliance demanding salary and pension increases turned violent on Monday after demonstrators clashed with police while attempting to march toward Karachi’s Red Zone, following failed negotiations with the provincial government.
The demonstration began outside the Karachi Press Club, where large crowds of government employees gathered.
Tensions escalated as protesters advanced toward the restricted area, prompting police to respond with batons, tear gas, and water cannons in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Protesters retaliated by hurling stones, intensifying the unrest.
Chanting slogans against the provincial government, protesters breached barricades and staged a sit-in near the Red Zone.
Another wave of tear gas was fired, affecting nearby civilians—many of whom reported breathing difficulties. A female police officer collapsed during the confrontation and was rushed to the hospital.
In an effort to contain the protest, police set up roadblocks on major routes, including I.I. Chundrigar Road, causing massive traffic jams in the area.
Earlier in the day, access to the Press Club had also been blocked, disrupting the movement of journalists and daily commuters.
Following the clash, more than 20 demonstrators were arrested and taken to local police stations.
DIG South warned that road blockades would not be tolerated and emphasized that maintaining law and order remains a top priority.
President Asif Ali Zardari has given his assent to the Finance Act 2025, which outlines the budget for the upcoming fiscal year with an outlay of Rs17.57 trillion, it emerged on Monday.
According to a gazette notification dated June 29, available with Dawn.com, the Finance Act 2025, as approved by the National Assembly, received the president’s assent on June 27. The act will be applicable from July 1, according to the information ministry.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb unveiled Pakistan’s annual federal budget in a charged June 10 National Assembly session, outlining ambitious proposals to drive 4.2 per cent economic growth in the coming fiscal year while cutting back on overall spending and tightening tax measures.
The National Assembly passed the federal budget for the upcoming fiscal year on June 26, with an outlay of Rs17.57tr, despite opposition calls for the budgetary proposals to be made public and for the passage to be delayed until public input had been sought.
The House passed it with certain amendments, incorporating around half of the suggestions put forward by the finance committees of both houses of parliament. All amendments proposed by the opposition were rejected.
Budget 2025-26
The federal budget for the next fiscal year projects an economic growth rate of 4.2pc and an inflation rate of 7.5pc. The net revenue receipts have been estimated at Rs11.07tr, with FBR collections projected to rise by 18.7pc to Rs14.13tr. Non-tax revenues are estimated at Rs5.15tr.
Key allocations include Rs2.55tr for defence, Rs1.06tr for pension expenditures, and Rs1.19tr for subsidies on electricity and other sectors. Relief measures in the budget include a 10pc increase in salaries, 7pc in pensions and tax relief for the salaried class across all income brackets.
The budget also includes Rs716bn for BISP and Rs1tr for the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), in which the largest allocation of Rs328bn is earmarked for transport infrastructure projects.
The PSDP for the next fiscal year has been aligned with the objectives of URAAN Pakistan, prioritising high-impact, near-completion foreign-funded projects and new initiatives of national importance.
Key infrastructure projects like Diamer Bhasha, Mohmand Dam and K-IV have been allocated Rs32.7bn, Rs35.7bn and Rs3.2bn, respectively. Besides, Rs10bn has been allocated for the lining of Kalri Baghar Feeder and Rs4.4bn for installing a telemetry system on the Indus Basin System.
The Higher Education Commission has been allocated Rs39.5bn for 170 projects. Additionally, Rs18.5bn has been earmarked in the PSDP for various education initiatives.
The agriculture sector will receive Rs4bn for 10 ongoing and five new schemes. The budget also includes incentives for the construction industry, such as a reduction in withholding tax on property purchases.
Authorities say forecasters cannot rule out a repeat of extreme weather like the devastating floods of 2022.
Nearly a week of heavy monsoon rains and flash floods across Pakistan have killed at least 46 people and injured dozens, officials say.
The government announced the death toll on Monday and said the fatalities were caused by several days of abnormally strong downpours.
They included 22 people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northwest Pakistan, 13 in the eastern province of Punjab, seven in Sindh in the south and four in Balochistan in the southwest, the National Disaster Management Authority and provincial emergency officials said.
“We are expecting above-normal rains during the monsoon season, and alerts have been issued to the concerned authorities to take precautionary measures,” Irfan Virk, a deputy director of Pakistan’s Meteorological Department, told The Associated Press news agency.
Virk said forecasters cannot rule out a repeat of extreme weather like the devastating floods in 2022.
Residents observe the overflowing Swat River on the outskirts of Mingora, the main town of Pakistan’s Swat Valley [Sherin Zada/AP Photo]
Severe rains then inundated a third of the country, killing 1,737 people and causing widespread destruction.
The deaths from the past week include 13 tourists from a family of 17 who were swept away on Friday. The other four family members were rescued from the flooded Swat River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Rescuers found 12 bodies from the family, and divers continued searching on Monday for the remaining victim, said Bilal Faizi, a provincial emergency service spokesman.
The incident drew widespread condemnation online over what many called a slow response by emergency services.
On Sunday, the National Disaster Management Authority had warned of potential hazards and advised people against crossing rivers and streams.
People attend funeral prayers for people swept away by the Swat River in Daska, Pakistan [SA Rizvi/AP Photo]
Karachi faced severe traffic jams on Monday after police used tear gas and water cannons to stop protesting government employees. The protesters, part of the Sindh Employees’ Alliance (SEA), were marching towards the Chief Minister’s House to demand better salaries and pensions. Police intervened when talks between the protest leaders and government officials failed to reach an agreement.
DIG South Syed Asad Raza said the protesters wanted a 70% pay and pension raise for grades 1 to 22 employees. They also demanded a 50% Disparity Reduction Allowance and post-retirement benefits similar to those in Balochistan. After talks collapsed, the protesters began moving from the Karachi Press Club towards the CM House, where police had already blocked roads.
To stop them, law enforcement used water cannons and fired tear gas near Aiwan-e-Saddar Road, close to the Governor House. Protesters were pushed back and redirected to the Karachi Press Club. Police confirmed that no arrests were made, but protest leaders claimed officers used force and “tortured” some demonstrators.
SEA leaders said that Planning and Development Minister Nasir Shah had accepted their demands. However, CM Murad Ali Shah asked for three days to finalize discussions. The protest leaders are now planning their next move, possibly marching to Bilawal House in Clifton if their demands remain unmet.
The protest caused chaos on Karachi’s roads. Major roads like Aiwan-i-Saddar, Dr Ziauddin Ahmad, and Din Muhammad Wafai were closed. As a result, traffic from 4pm to 7pm was badly affected, especially on I.I. Chundrigar, Abdullah Haroon, and Saddar. Police diverted vehicles to alternative routes to manage the congestion.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, has been elected president of the 53rd session of the United Nations Industrial Development Board (UNIDO). This marks the first time Pakistan has been awarded this prestigious position.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed pride in Pakistan’s achievement on X. “Pakistan continues to make significant contributions to the UN system and remains deeply committed to an international order based on the UN Charter & international law,” he said.
Pleased to share that Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, Pakistan’s PR to the UN in Vienna, has been elected President of the 53rd session of the UNIDO Industrial Development Board.
This is a proud moment for Pakistan and a recognition of our leadership in multilateral diplomacy.…
The election reflects the trust placed in Pakistan by UNIDO Member States, reaffirming the country’s active diplomatic role within Vienna-based international organisations.
Pakistan’s commitment to industrial development, particularly in developing countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), has been central to its profile at UNIDO.
Ambassador Akhtar expressed gratitude to UNIDO Member States for their trust and outlined his commitment to further enhancing the organisation’s role in promoting industrial development globally. He highlighted Pakistan’s focus on sustainable, inclusive growth, particularly in vulnerable nations.
The Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, Ambassador Kamran Akhtar, has been elected as President of the 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board. This is the first time Pakistan has been honoured with this prestigious position (1/2) pic.twitter.com/tkw684Db3k
— Pakistan Embassy Austria (@PakinAustria) June 30, 2025
The director general of UNIDO congratulated Ambassador Akhtar, praising Pakistan’s ongoing contribution to the organisation’s core mission.
Pakistan has one of the largest portfolios with UNIDO, with over 350 million Euros invested in ongoing and planned projects across various sectors, including textiles, leather, fisheries, food safety, climate action, and renewable energy.
Key initiatives such as PAIDAR and PAFAID have been instrumental in poverty alleviation, job creation, and the sustainable development of rural communities in Pakistan.
This year, Pakistan is set to launch a new cycle of its Country Partnership Programme with UNIDO, alongside several new projects across diverse sectors aimed at fostering industrial development and economic growth.
LAHORE: While conflict raged between the powerful militaries of India and Pakistan, a battle was also fought on the cultural front lines despite years of shared love for films and music.
The deadly fighting in early May — the worst in decades — affected artists previously untouched by animosity between their leaders.
Ali Gul Pir, a Pakistani rapper and comedian with a huge Indian following, released a song years ago mocking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While he was spared consequences then, in May, his YouTube channel and Instagram profile were blocked in India.
“Indians now recognize that the digital space serves as a bridge between Pakistanis and Indians, and they seem intent on severing that connection,” Pir told AFP.
In this photograph taken on June 17, 2025, a man looks at a film poster, Love Guru, featuring Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, outside a cineplex in Lahore. (AFP)
The collapse in bilateral relations was caused by a deadly April attack on tourists in India-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed on Islamabad.
Pakistan denied the allegation and, after tit-for-tat diplomatic retaliation, their militaries fought for four days before a ceasefire was reached.
The conflict hit the music industry for the first time, with Pakistani singer Annural Khalid also remembering how her Indian following dropped off.
“Delhi was my top listening city before the ban,” said Khalid, who has 3.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
“I suffered a great loss in the audience” from India, she told AFP.
“Listeners were deprived of content because music was turned into something it is not,” Khalid added.
In this photograph taken on May 29, 2025, Pakistan’s pop singer Annural Khalid sings inside her studio in Lahore. While conflict raged between the powerful militaries of India and Pakistan, a battle was also fought on the cultural front lines despite years of shared love for films and music. (AFP)
The conflict also scrubbed out some prior exchanges, such as the soundtrack of the 2017 film “Raees” on Spotify in India.
It now shows only Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan, without his Pakistani co-star Mahira Khan.
With Pakistan producing just a handful of movies each year under strict censorship rules, Bollywood has always proven popular among viewers.
“I grew up watching Bollywood. We have the same traumas, we have the same history, we have the same stories,” said Pakistani film critic Sajeer Shaikh.
In this photograph taken on May 23, 2025, Sajeer Shaikh, a Pakistani film critic and content creator, speaks with AFP during an interview in Karachi. (AFP)
Pakistani actors and directors have for decades seen making it to Bollywood as the ultimate recognition.
Indian Bollywood film actresses Sonam Kapoor (C) and Kirron Kher (L), and Pakistani actor Fawad Afzal Khan (2L) watch the daily retreat ceremony performed by Pakistani Rangers and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at India-Pakistan Border Wagah Post on September 17, 2014. (AFP/File)
But this month, Indian star Diljit Dosanjh announced his latest movie, “Sardaar Ji 3,” which features four Pakistani actors, would be released “overseas only,” after New Delhi banned Pakistani content and artists from productions.
“Abir Gulaal,” a love story starring Pakistan’s Fawad Khan and Indian actor Vaani Kapoor, was scheduled to hit Indian cinemas on May 9 but the release was postponed.
Even some in the industry who had previously backed the cross-border artistic trade changed their tune last month.
“Everything should be banned… cricket, films, everything,” said Indian actor Suniel Shetty, who has a big fan following in Pakistan.
In this photograph taken on June 17, 2025, a young boy walks past a film poster, Love Guru, featuring Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, inside a cineplex in Lahore. (AFP)
He starred in the 2004 movie “Main Hoon Na,” which subtly promotes peace between India and Pakistan.
“It’s something really unfortunate about politics, creating that rift and putting boundaries around art,” said Dua Zahra, assistant manager at Warner Bros South Asia’s music label in Pakistan.
As part of its measures in the wake of the Kashmir attack, New Delhi’s ban on some Pakistani YouTube channels included private broadcaster HUM TV.
The channel, which says around 40 percent of its viewers are from India, simply told its fans to use a VPN to continue watching.
Since Modi took office more than a decade ago, many Indian critics and filmmakers have warned that Bollywood is now increasingly promoting his government’s Hindu nationalist ideology.
While the conflict has created divisions on the cultural scene, there are signs that the trade will endure.
Over a month after the ceasefire, three Indian films were in the top 10 on Netflix Pakistan, while the top 20 trending songs in India included two Pakistani tracks.
Pir, the rapper and comedian, vowed to “bridge gaps.”
“Let’s not make war, let’s just make art,” he said.
Tensions rise in Karachi as govt employees clash with police
Salaries and pensions protest turns violent; over 20 arrested as demonstrators march toward Red Zone
KARACHI (Dunya News) – A protest by the Sindh Employees Grand Alliance demanding salary and pension increases escalated into a violent clash with police on Monday as demonstrators attempted to march toward Karachi’s Red Zone following failed negotiations with the provincial government.
The standoff began outside the Karachi Press Club, where government employees rallied in large numbers. As protesters moved toward the restricted Red Zone, police used batons, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse them. In response, angry protesters reportedly pelted stones at law enforcement, further intensifying the chaos.
Chanting slogans against the provincial authorities, protesters broke through barricades and staged a sit-in near the Red Zone, prompting another round of tear gas shelling. This affected bystanders, several of whom experienced breathing issues. A female police officer also collapsed and was shifted to a hospital for treatment.
To contain the movement, police erected roadblocks on major arteries including I.I. Chundrigar Road, resulting in severe traffic congestion across surrounding areas. Earlier, access routes to the Press Club were sealed off, disrupting the movement of journalists and commuters alike.
In a crackdown that followed, over 20 protesters were detained and transferred to local police stations.
DIG South stated that blocking roads will not be tolerated and that law and order must prevail.
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Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has backed terror groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir, saying that what India describes as terrorism is a “legitimate struggle” and that Pakistan will continue providing political, diplomatic, and moral support to the Kashmiri people.
Munir made the remarks while addressing a passing out parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy on Saturday, when he also said that India has “twice undertaken acts of unprovoked aggression against Pakistan” and the onus of any future escalation “will squarely lie with the aggressor”.
The speech was reminiscent of Munir’s remarks at an Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad on April 16, less than a week before the Pahalgam terror attack, when he described Kashmir as the “jugular vein” of Pakistan and said Islamabad will continue backing the struggle against “Indian occupation”.
There was no immediate response from Indian officials to Munir’s latest remarks. Munir’s previous remarks on Kashmir have been rubbished by the external affairs ministry.
“What India tends to term as terrorism is in fact the legitimate struggle as per the international conventions. Those who endeavoured to subdue the will of Kashmiri people and sought conflict elimination instead of resolution have made it more relevant and pronounced through their own actions,” Munir said while addressing the gathering in Karachi that included top military officers, civilian officials, and diplomats.
“We stand firm with the Kashmiri people for their right of self-determination for the resolution of the internationally recognised long-standing dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Kashmir,” he added.
Munir contended that “regional peace will forever remain elusive” and there would be “perpetual danger of conflict in South Asia” without the “just and peaceful resolution” of the Kashmir issue.
Paying tribute to those who are struggling for “the right of self-determination”, Munir said: “Pakistan will always continue to provide political, diplomatic and moral support to the valiant people of…Jammu and Kashmir.”
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to target terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. This triggered four days of intense clashes, with both sides using drones, missiles, and long-range weapons, before they reached an understanding to halt military actions on May 10.
Munir claimed India’s leadership had “twice undertaken acts of unprovoked aggression against Pakistan” in recent years, under the “pretext of counter terrorism”. He was referring to the clashes in May and the cross-border air strike carried out by India in response to the Pulwama suicide bombing in 2019 that killed 40 Indian troopers. At that time, both sides had briefly engaged in aerial battles and skirmishes.
“Pakistan, despite grave provocations, acted with restraint and maturity and demonstrated its commitment to regional peace and stability, which has led to Pakistan’s role as net regional stabiliser,” Munir said. “However, the assumption that Pakistan would have any constraints in the face of any future violation of its sovereignty reflects a dangerous misreading of strategic fundamentals…any enemy acting on perceived vulnerability of Pakistan under the illusion of strategic impunity or miscalculation would get an assured, swift and a very befitting response.”
