Category: 1. Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s willingness to engage in “meaningful dialogue” with India to resolve all outstanding matters. 

The premier made these remarks during a meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who called on him in Islamabad.

The April 22 Pahalgam attack sparked heavy fighting between nuclear-armed Pakistan and India in the latest escalation of a decades-old rivalry as New Delhi blamed it on Islamabad without offering any evidence.

In response to the Indian aggression, Pakistan’s armed forces launched a large-scale retaliatory military action, named “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos”, and targeted several Indian military targets across multiple regions.

Pakistan downed its six fighter jets, including three Rafales, and dozens of drones. After at least 87 hours, the war between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US.

The ceasefire was first announced by US President Donald Trump on social media after Washington held talks with both sides, but India has differed with Trump’s claims that it resulted from his intervention and threats to sever trade talks.

However, Pakistan has acknowledged Trump’s efforts and formally recommended him for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in defusing tensions between Pakistan and India last month.

During today’s meeting, the prime minister conveyed his warm wishes for King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer and said he looked forward to his meeting with the UK leadership later this year.

PM Shehbaz also welcomed the UK government’s recent decision to resume PIA flights to and from the UK. He added that this would go a long way in alleviating the hardships faced by the British Pakistani community as well as enhancing people-to-people exchanges.

The ban was enforced in July 2020 by the UK and European aviation authorities following the fake pilot licence scandal.

Although the removal from the list marks a significant milestone, Pakistani carriers will still need to secure individual operating permits from the UK Civil Aviation Authority before flights can resume.

On Pakistan-UK relations, the premier expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation and said that the recently held trade talks between the two countries would lead to mutually beneficial opportunities for both sides.

He said that Pakistan was also cooperating closely with the UK at the UN Security Council, where Pakistan currently holds the monthly Presidency.

The regional situation in South Asia and the Middle East was also discussed. The prime minister expressed his appreciation for the UK’s role in de-escalation of tensions during the Pakistan-India standoff.

The UK High Commissioner thanked the premier for receiving her and briefed him about her recent visit to London, where she had extensive consultations on enhancing Pakistan-UK bilateral ties.

She lauded the government’s economic performance in the last year and a half, under the vision and leadership of PM Shehbaz, which had brought about a significant improvement in all key macro-economic indicators.

She also shared with the premier, the UK’s perspective on regional developments in South Asia and the Middle East.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to engage in a “meaningful dialogue” with India on all outstanding issues, calling for diplomacy to address long-standing regional tensions, Radio Pakistan reported.

In a meeting with British High Commissioner Jane Marriott, who called on the premier in Islamabad on Wednesday, he stressed the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means and reiterated that Pakistan remained committed to constructive engagement with its neighbours.

PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-UK relations and said the recent trade talks between the two countries were expected to yield mutually beneficial opportunities while noting that Pakistan and the UK were cooperating closely at the United Nations Security Council, where Pakistan currently holds the monthly presidency.

The prime minister also welcomed the UK government’s recent decision to resume Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to and from the UK, saying that the move would ease travel difficulties for the British Pakistani community and promote greater people-to-people exchanges. He also appreciated the high commissioner’s role in facilitating the decision.

Also Read: PIA plans UK flights from Aug 14

He conveyed his warm regards to King Charles III and newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, adding that he looked forward to meeting the British leadership later this year. Marriott, in turn, thanked the prime minister for the meeting and briefed him on her recent visit to London, during which she held consultations on advancing bilateral cooperation.

She commended the Pakistani government’s economic performance over the past year and a half under the leadership of PM Shehbaz, highlighting improvements in key macroeconomic indicators. The high commissioner also shared the UK’s perspectives on regional issues.

Tensions between Pakistan and India deteriorated following the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in April, which claimed the lives of 26 people. New Delhi hastily blamed Islamabad for the attack, despite failing to provide any evidence.

Over a span of four days in May, fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery were deployed in fierce clashes. A ceasefire was eventually announced on May 10 — a development the United States claimed to have brokered, though India has publicly denied any third-party involvement.

GUJRANWALA— The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Gujranwala officially declared the Matric Result 2025 on Wednesday. Shafayat Rasool, Alisha Zaib, and Fatima Shireez shared the first position, marking a proud academic milestone for the region.

In total, 19 students secured top positions, showcasing strong competition and exceptional achievement in this year’s exams. Girls outperformed boys by claiming seven top positions, while boys secured three overall positions among the top ranks.

BISE Gujranwala Position Holders 2025

Position	Student(s)	Marks
1st	Shafayat Rasool, Alisha Zaib, and Fatima Shireez	1187
2nd	Muhammad Mohed and Muhammad Abdullah	1186
3rd	Five Students	1185

Muhammad Mohed and Muhammad Abdullah shared the second position, each scoring 1,186 marks. Meanwhile, the third position was jointly claimed by five students, all scoring 1,185 marks.

This year’s result reflects a high level of academic excellence and determination among Gujranwala students. The board congratulated all position holders and appreciated the support of families and teachers behind their success. Chairman BISE Gujranwala praised the students’ efforts and encouraged them to keep striving for future success.

LAHORE:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) denounced the verdicts issued by anti-terrorism courts, sentencing senior party leader Dr Yasmin Rashid and 40 others to 10 years in prison in connection with the May 9 riots case. The party labelled the decision politically motivated and a serious blow to judicial integrity.

PTI has called the ruling an attempt to disrupt its planned rally on August 5, intended to mark the anniversary of Imran Khan’s arrest. Despite the setback, the party has vowed to continue with its political activities.

Dr Yasmin, 72, a former provincial health minister and cancer survivor, has been in custody for nearly two years. PTI highlighted footage from May 9, in which she can be heard discouraging demonstrators from entering the Corps Commander House, arguing that the evidence undermines the charges brought against her.

Party officials alleged that the convictions are part of a broader campaign of political retaliation, pointing out that PTI leaders who publicly distanced themselves from the party were acquitted in similar cases. Those who remained loyal, they argue, are now facing disproportionate legal consequences.

PTI further questioned the credibility of witness testimony presented in the trial. According to the party, the sole witness—an on-duty police constable—initially claimed to have overheard PTI founder Imran Khan planning the May 9 events. However, during subsequent proceedings via video link, the witness reportedly declined to confirm that testimony under oath.

Read More: Shah Mahmood Qureshi acquitted, Yasmin Rashid sentenced to 10 years in May 9 riots case

“This inconsistent and allegedly coerced testimony raises serious concerns about due process,” the party stated, adding that differing outcomes for similarly charged individuals call into question the impartiality of the judicial process.

The party also criticised ongoing restrictions on access to Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated. PTI claims that Khan’s family members, legal team, and party leaders have been denied visitation rights, in violation of both Pakistani prison regulations and international human rights standards.

Under the Prison Act of 1894 and the Jail Rules of 1978, PTI argues that Khan, as a former prime minister and an A-Class prisoner, is entitled to designated legal and personal privileges. These include access to private quarters, medical treatment, consultation with personal physicians and attorneys, visitation rights, and adequate time for exercise.

The party maintains that these rights are legal entitlements, not discretionary benefits, and urged authorities to ensure compliance with national and international norms regarding the treatment of prisoners.

Also More: Punjab opposition leader, PTI supporters sentenced to 10 years in May 9 case

A day earlier, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore acquitted six Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem, in connection with the May 9 riots.

The court delivered its verdict in the case concerning inflammatory speeches and vandalism at the Sherpao Bridge. The court, which had completed final arguments from both the defence and prosecution, reserved its decision before announcing the ruling.

The verdict stated that the ATC acquitted Qureshi, Azeem, and four other accused individuals due to insufficient evidence. However, the court found 10 others guilty and handed down 10-year prison sentences for their role in the violence that followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.

ATC Sargodha also sentenced Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, PTI’s Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, and other party workers to 10 years in prison each. They were found guilty of involvement in creating law and order disturbances, anarchy, and arson during the May 9 riots, which erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.

HRCP flags May 9 verdicts

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern over the recent convictions handed down by an anti-terrorism court in Lahore against senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhry, and others.

These leaders have already spent over two years in detention in connection with the events of May 9, 2023.

According to the HRCP, each of the convicted individuals has been sentenced to ten years in prison. The Commission noted that the timing and severity of the sentences risk creating the perception of political victimisation, rather than being viewed as the outcome of a transparent judicial process.

While acknowledging that accountability is necessary for violent or unlawful actions, the HRCP raised concerns over the use of anti-terrorism laws against political figures. It questioned whether the sentences were proportionate and consistent with the principles of justice.

The HRCP further warned that such verdicts could erode public confidence in the judiciary and undermine the integrity of the justice system.

Talal rejects victimisation claims

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has dismissed allegations of political victimisation in the May 9 cases, asserting that the recent convictions were based on “clear evidence and facts.”

In a televised message on Wednesday, the minister expressed deep regret over the violent incidents that unfolded on May 9 last year, describing the unrest as “unprecedented chaos incited by a political party” in the country’s history.

Chaudhry said that sensitive installations, including police stations, Lahore’s Jinnah House, and both public and private properties, were attacked and set ablaze.

He maintained that substantial evidence—including video footage and statements by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders—linked the party to the violence. “The planning for these acts took place at the homes of PTI leaders,” he alleged.

The minister reiterated the government’s stance that accountability must be ensured through legal and constitutional means, stressing that the sentences handed down by the courts were grounded in law, not politics.

May 9 Riots

The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests targeting both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

The military condemned the events as a “Black Day” and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act.

As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan’s nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more.

In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons.

The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court’s instructions to finalise pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents.

Tensions flared after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The strikes led to four days of clashes, which ended on May 10 following an understanding to halt military actions.

India, however, has maintained that any dialogue with Pakistan must be limited to the issues of terrorism and the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

On the topic of Pakistan-UK relations, PM Sharif said the positive momentum in bilateral ties and welcomed recent trade talks that, he said, could lead to mutually beneficial opportunities.

He also praised the UK government’s decision to resume Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to and from the UK, describing it as a step that would ease travel challenges for the British Pakistani community and boost people-to-people exchanges.