Category: 1. Pakistan

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has strongly opposed any military operation within the province, categorically rejecting the distinction between “good” and “bad” Taliban and denouncing the use of “drone strikes’ on its territory.

The provincial government’s announcement came as K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur addressed a media briefing after hosting an in-camera All Parties Conference (APC) at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar.

The conference was attended by members of the provincial cabinet, MPAs, and representatives of various political parties, including JI, JUI-S, PTI, QWP, and PTI-Parliamentarians, as well as former K-P governors Shaukatullah and Shah Farman.

The participants of the meeting were briefed on the current law and order situation in K-P and the efforts of the provincial government to curb terrorism in the province.

The chief minister noted that the federal authorities and their security forces must protect the borders, while the provincial police are fully capable of combating terrorism within K-P.

“We have been repeatedly saying that there is no room for good or bad Taliban in the province. Individuals carrying weapons under the name of any institution will not be allowed to remain in the province,” he asserted.

“Those supporting good Taliban must immediately expel them from the province. They are the reason the gap between the government, the public and state institutions is widening,” he added.

The APC issued a joint action plan outlining several key points, including an expression of solidarity with the families of terrorism victims.

The conference called for intelligence-based operations (IBOs) to eliminate khawarij and restore long-term peace in the province.

All political parties, tribal elders, public, K-P government, administration, and law enforcement agencies reaffirm their commitment to taking decisive and indiscriminate action for lasting peace and the elimination of terrorism, the joint-action plan read.

Briefing the media on the current law and order situation, the chief minister announced that jirgas are being held in every tribal district and that a grand jirga will be convened in 15 days.

“Operations are not a solution to any problem and have yielded no significant results. (Both the) security forces and civilians have suffered losses as a result of the operations. We are sending a clear message that we will not allow any kind of operation in our province, nor is any such action acceptable to us,” Gandapur said.

“Drone strikes [are also] unacceptable as even terrorists have begun using drones, putting ordinary citizens at risk.”

The chief minister stated that the provincial government would recruit 300 police officers in each tribal district through local tribes to strengthen law enforcement capacity.

The chief minister also took aim at the federal government, stating that promises made under the NFC Award have not been fulfilled. “Our provincial assets belong to the province and cannot be handed over to any other authority.”

He rejected any “federal overreach” through proposed legislation like the Mines and Minerals Bill.

Gandapur condemned the imposition of taxes in former FATA and PATA, which he said violates repeated provincial demands. “We do not accept these taxes and will not cooperate with the federal government on their implementation,” he stated.

He further opposed turning the Frontier Constabulary (FC) into a federal force and announced that the province will challenge the move in court, noting that K-P was not consulted on the decision.

Taking a swipe at federal officials, the chief minister said: “(DPM/FM) Ishaq Dar lacks the competence to effectively advocate for this province. (Interior Minister) Mohsin Naqvi only understands cricket and flyovers. He has no knowledge of K-P’s ground realities.”

Gandapur also criticized political parties that boycotted the APC, saying they lack the courage to face the conference’s decisions and are indirectly encouraging chaos and terrorism. However, he maintained that the K-P government remains open to dialogue. “Our doors are still open for them. If they wish to reconvene or renegotiate for the sake of the province, we are ready.”

On Afghanistan, Gandapur said the global community has accepted the Afghan government, and constructive engagement is now needed.

RAWALPINDI/DI KHAN:

An army major and a sepoy were martyred during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Mastung district, the military’s media wing said on Thursday, while two law-enforcement personnel also embraced martyrdom in separate terrorist attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a news release that 31-year-old brave officer Major Zeeyyad Salim Awal, who hailed from Khushab district, fought gallantly while leading his troops from the front, and embraced Shahadat along with Sepoy Nazam Hussain, 22, who hailed from Jhelum district.

According to the ISPR, security forces killed three terrorists belonging to Indian Proxy Fitna al Hindustan during the IBO in Mastung. “During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location and resultantly, three terrorists were sent to hell,” said the news release.

“However, during the intense fire exchange, Major Zeeyyad Salim Awal (age: 31 years, resident of District Khushab), a brave officer who was leading his troops from the front, fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat along with another brave son of soil Sepoy Nazam Hussain (age: 22 years, resident of District Jhelum),” it added.

“Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored terrorist found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian Sponsored Terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve.”

In K-P, Tall Scouts Lance Naik Zafar, a resident of Kamar Dhand village of Kohat district, was martyred in a sniper attack, while an FC Jawan was martyred and two injured in a terrorist attack on their vehicle in the Bannu district.

Sources said that one terrorist was injured in the retaliatory fire from the police, who was taken away by his fellow terrorists. Police also recovered a pistol and magazine, as they started a search operation in the area.

Meanwhile, President Asif Zardari commended the security forces for eliminating three terrorists in an IBO against Fitna-tul-Hindustan in Mastung. Zardari paid tribute to Major Zeeyyad Salim Awal and Sepoy Nazam Hussain, who were martyred in the operation, and saluted them for their sacrifice.

“Major Zeeyyad Salim Awal Shaheed and Sepoy Nazam Hussain Shaheed set a new example of bravery by sacrificing their lives in defence of the motherland, Zardari said. He expressed his heartfelt sympathy with the families of the martyrs and prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs.

The president said that the sacrifices of the security forces would not go in vain. “The nation will always remember the sacrifices of its martyrs,” he said. “The operation will continue until Indian sponsored terrorism is eradicated. The nation stands by its forces in eliminating terrorism.”

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid glowing tributes to Major Zeeyyad Salim Awal and Sepoy Nazam Hussain and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and praised the fallen soldiers for their unwavering courage and selfless devotion to duty.

“Major Zeeyyad Salim Awal and Sepoy Nazam Hussain displayed exceptional bravery in the line of duty and succeeded in eliminating three terrorists before making the ultimate sacrifice,” the interior minister said in a statement.

Naqvi emphasised that the two soldiers laid down their lives for the security and sovereignty of the country and were granted the highest honour in the form of martyrdom. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Shaheed Major Zeeyyad Salim Awal and Sepoy Nazam Hussain will live forever in our hearts.”

The minister noted that the nation owed its peace and stability to the blood of its martyrs. “The entire country is proud of the supreme sacrifices rendered by our brave sons. They have written a new chapter of heroism in the fight against terrorism,” he added.

Naqvi reiterated the government’s firm resolve to continue the war against terrorism until the last terrorist was eliminated. He assured the families of the martyrs that the nation stood shoulder to shoulder with them in their hour of grief.

(WITH INPUT FROM OUR DERA ISMAIL KHAN CORRESPONDENT AND APP)

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, under the chairmanship of Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, will hold a key meeting in Islamabad today (Friday) to sight the crescent of Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1447 Hijri.

According to spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Muhammad Umar Butt, the zonal meeting for Islamabad will take place at 6:45 PM on the rooftop of the Ministry’s Kohsar Block building.

Simultaneously, zonal and district-level moon sighting committees will convene in all provincial capitals and key locations across the country.

The nationwide coordination will help ensure accurate moon sighting reports from across Pakistan before an official announcement is made.

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will evaluate testimonies and meteorological data before officially declaring the start of the Islamic month of Safar.

 

Islamabad [Pakistan], July 25 (ANI): The death toll from flash floods in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB)’s Diamer district rose to six on Thursday, with the search for missing visitors still underway following days of torrential rains, Dawn reported.

Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq told Dawn that rescue teams recovered another body in Babusar valley, bringing the total fatalities to six. “The search operation to locate the remaining tourists at Babusar is underway,” he said.

The cloudburst-induced flash floods have laid bare the intensifying effects of climate change across the mountainous region. According to Dawn, four people were killed and 15 others went missing on Monday, with the overall death toll rising to five by Tuesday.

Rescue 1122 told Dawn that various areas in Ghanche district experienced flooding. Flash floods in Kandos village damaged around a dozen houses, a dispensary, mosques, agricultural land and crops. In Sikarkoi, floods damaged several homes and infrastructure in Dass Mohallah and surrounding areas in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit.

In a separate incident, rescue teams recovered the body of retired Colonel Ishaq Qazi, aged between 62 and 64 years, who went missing in Rawalpindi after his car was swept into a drain during flash floods last week. His daughter, 25, remains missing, according to rescue officials cited by Dawn.

District Emergency Officer (DEO) Sibghatullah told Dawn, “The body of Ishaq had been found near the Soan River bridge, while rescue operations are underway to look for his daughter.”

He earlier said that rescue operations had entered a third day and that some parts of their car had been recovered. “Rescue 1122 found the bonnet and a door of the car under the Soan River bridge,” he added.

A statement issued by Islamabad’s Sihala police station on Tuesday said the two were in a grey Honda vehicle and were residents of Defence Housing Authority’s Phase 5. “Due to heavy rainwater accumulation on a nearby road, their vehicle stalled. While Colonel Ishaq attempted to restart the car, the flow of water intensified, and both individuals were swept away by the rainwater drain,” the statement read.

According to Dawn, Pakistan experiences annual monsoon rains from June to September, often leading to deadly floods, landslides, and displacement, especially in vulnerable or densely populated regions.

Last week, over 60 people were killed in Punjab in a 24-hour period as heavy rains wreaked havoc across the province, prompting the imposition of Section 144 and the declaration of emergencies in multiple districts.

In Rawalpindi, residents of a housing society blocked Grand Trunk Road after a 17-year-old boy drowned in a nearby nullah and rescue teams failed to recover his body. Dawn reported that the teenager was swept away by strong currents while walking on a small passage.

Two of his relatives jumped into the water to save him but were unsuccessful. They told Dawn.com that the torrent was too strong. Residents later staged a protest, accusing Rescue 1122 of “inaction and incapacity” after hours of failed efforts to retrieve the body.

Meanwhile, in Punjab’s Attock district, Rescue 1122 successfully evacuated 40 people trapped in a canal in Shinka due to a high water level in the Indus River.

“According to details, 40 people were trapped in a canal due to high water level in the Indus River at Shinka in Hazro Tehsil,” Rescue 1122 said in a statement. “All people were safely evacuated in a rescue operation that lasted for five hours,” it added, noting the teams were deployed under the supervision of DEO Ali Hussain. (ANI)

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

• Senate panel hears chambers’ concerns over taxmen’s arrest powers; officials say fears ‘overblown’
• Committee agrees seeking amendments in Finance Bill so soon after its passage would be imprudent

ISLAMABAD: The government on Thursday reported more than Rs2.2 trillion worth of tax evasion through ‘fake’ and ‘flying’ invoices over the past two fiscal years, highlighting the massive scale of loss of public monies due to weak enforcement.

Testifying before the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, Federal Board Of Revenue (FBR) Member Hamid Atique Sarwar said that more than Rs873bn in ‘fake’ and ‘flying’ invoices had been unearthed last year, on top of Rs1.37 trillion a year earlier, taking the total to Rs2.25tr in two years.

“This is almost one-third of the total” tax collected on the customs side, he said in response to calls from the business community for a relaxation in tax laws under the Finance Bill 2025-26.

Mr Sarwar said such massive loss of revenue could not be allowed to continue, adding that taxmen misusing their powers had been proceeded against.

He said no other department at the federal or provincial level had taken punitive action against its own workforce like FBR had.

He said the law in place since 1996 envisaged arrest if an assistant commissioner had reasons to believe that tax evasion was taking place, record was being tampered or suspects were fleeing abroad. But the latest Finance Bill provided multiple safeguards to avoid harassment of businessmen and taxpayers.

The committee held an extensive discussion on several anomalies in the Budget 2025–26, including briefings from members of the chambers of commerce, with a specific focus on clauses granting powers of arrest to the FBR on the basis of mere suspicion.

State Minister for Finance and Revenue Bilal Azhar Kiyani said the prime minister had constituted a committee to redress the grievances of the chambers.

Moreover, a review and redressal committee had also been constituted for a periodic review of the business community’s issues.

Mr Kiyani said a circular would be issued soon to clarify the lacunae highlighted by the chambers, following detailed discussions with business community.

Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, who chaired the meeting, and the other members agreed with the state minister that it would not be good optics to seek amendments to the finance bill just a month after its passage, with the consent of the International Monetary Fund .

Another FBR member, Dr Najeeb, said the government had diluted the taxpayers powers following pushback from coalition partners, parliamentarians and others and there had been a lot of difference between the finance bill originally introduced in the parliament and later passed by the parliament.

He said conceded that the extensive deliberations over the finance bill with the standing committees of the National Assembly and the Senate did not leave them enough time for the usual anomaly committees to address all concerns, leaving some room for misunderstandings.

However, he maintained that the “element of fear” was being unnecessarily overblown.

While discussing software exports over the last 15 years, the committee recommended the State Bank of Pakistan to submit data with the clear categorisation of freelancers share in software exports.

The committee also recommended the removal of periodical and journal subscriptions from the IT services list.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday formed a high-level committee headed by Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal to draft recommendations for improving the civil service structure and aligning it with modern-day requirements.

Chairing a meeting on civil service reforms, the PM directed the committee to submit comprehensive, reform-oriented proposals within one month after detailed consultations.

He directed the committee to develop recommendations regarding the merit-based recruitment of top talent, the development of key performance indicator or KPI-based performance targets for promotions, and the improvement of the Annual Confidential Report system, as well as suggestions for effective alternatives.

The recommendations should also include a plan to enhance officers’ capacity through modern technology and systems, he said, stressing that the recommendations must aim to lay the foundation for a sustainable system, ensure improved governance and establish a continuous mechanism to align the civil services with contemporary demands.

Meets World Bank VP, reaffirms commitment to strengthening development cooperation

During the briefing on civil service reforms, it was stated that suggestions were being developed following consultation on recruitment, training, performance evaluation, salary impro­vement and promotions in the civil service.

A comparative analysis of civil service reforms in other countries in the region, including Pakistan, was also presented.

The meeting was informed that the final recommendations will focus on improving governance, enhancing the quality of life for ordinary citizens, and ensuring a merit-based recruitment of top talent at the core of civil service reforms.

Meeting with World Bank VP

Later in the day, PM Shehbaz met with Ousmane Dione, the regional vice president of the World Bank for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan, to reaffirm mutual commitment to strengthening development cooperation.

The prime minister thanked World Bank President Ajay Banga and former country director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine for their key role in advancing the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Pakistan.

He appreciated the CPF’s strategic role in supporting Pakistan’s development priorities, particularly in the areas of energy, human capital, climate change and governance reforms.

He also acknowledged the World Bank’s principled support for Pakistan’s legitimate position, in light of India’s unilateral and unlawful actions that undermine important international agreements, such as the Indus Waters Treaty.

PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to upholding international law, regional peace and resolving disputes through dialogue. He also thanked the World Bank for its timely support following the devastating 2022 floods, which helped the government initiate relief and reconstruction efforts.

Mr Dione reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to deepening and expanding its longstanding partnership with Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2025

LAHORE:

China, Pakistan’s neighbour and longstanding economic partner, is pushing for an agricultural revolution in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, despite structured plans and repeated diplomatic backing, implementation remains slow due to bureaucratic hurdles in Pakistan’s agriculture sector.

While Beijing is eager to help modernise Pakistan’s farming practices, delays from local departments and ministries continue to hinder progress. Chinese officials have long viewed Pakistan, and Punjab in particular, as a key partner in building sustainable agricultural value chains to meet China’s rising food demands. In recent years, successive Chinese ambassadors to Pakistan have called agricultural cooperation a win-win opportunity. Yet, despite the diplomatic goodwill and planning, ground-level execution in Pakistan has failed to keep pace.

A recent visit by a delegation of Chinese agri-tech firms to Agriculture House in Lahore was the latest effort to energise bilateral cooperation. The delegation, led by senior company executives, met with Punjab’s Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, and Secretary Agriculture, Iftikhar Ali Sahoo.

Kirmani said Punjab must now embrace technology-led farming. “We believe the time is right for Punjab to step forward and modernise agriculture,” he said. “Our government has introduced leasing schemes and subsidies to make modern equipment accessible to farmers. We are also working to expand partnerships that will help bring investment and innovation to the province.” He said Punjab’s central role in Pakistan’s food supply chain makes it critical to adopt solutions that increase yields and reduce labour-intensive practices.

Sahoo agreed and added that an enabling environment is being developed for farmers. “We have rolled out interest-free loans through the Bank of Punjab for farm machinery. We’re also easing access to modern tools that boost productivity.” Yet, the wider transition to modern farming techniques in Punjab has seen limited traction. Dr Khurram Safdar, an agro-economist from Faisalabad, said institutional flaws are to blame. “We’re offering technology but ignoring farmer education, extension services, and infrastructure. Without these, adoption stalls,” he said.

Progressive farmer Amir Shehzad from Sahiwal echoed that concern. “The equipment is too expensive, and there’s little guidance on how to use it,” he said. “Most farmers aren’t tech-savvy. Without practical support and training, even a subsidy won’t convince a small farmer to buy a digital machine.” China’s interests, meanwhile, go beyond machinery exports. In the long run, Beijing hopes to import value-added products like halal meat, fruits, vegetables, and grains from Pakistan. With a population of over 1.4 billion, China is seeking diversified food sources, and Pakistan, with its fertile land and agri-base, has potential to meet part of that demand.

“China wants to build long-term agri-supply chains, not just sell tractors and harvesters,” said Muhammad Saleem, an agribusiness expert in Lahore. “If Pakistan upgrades its food processing and quality certification systems, it could unlock billions in exports, not just to China but also the Middle East.”

According to the TDAP, the country’s agricultural exports stood at $8 billion in FY24. Punjab contributed over 60% of key crops including wheat, rice, maize, and sugarcane. However, less than 10% of these are processed or packaged for global markets. In the livestock sector, Pakistan exported $512 million worth of meat in FY24, despite producing over 5.5 million tonnes.

Safdar said the missing link is post-harvest infrastructure. “Pakistan has the capacity but lacks cold chains, food safety certifications, and logistics. These are pre-requisites to meet Chinese import standards,” he said. “The recent visit by Chinese firms shows interest from Beijing is intact. The recent visit by Chinese firms is a clear indication that interest from Beijing is still strong”, he said, warning that “unless institutional inefficiencies are addressed and reforms are implemented at the ground level, Pakistan risks missing out on a strategic opportunity to boost its agricultural economy and exports. Technology, credit, and training must reach the farmer, not just sit on paper.”

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan said on Thursday that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) did not allow it to abolish the additional 4% sales tax being collected from unregistered persons and instead linked the removal with a one-fourth increase in sales tax base.

The supposedly punitive 4% extra tax is now a way of remaining outside the tax net as businesses feel comfortable with paying the additional tax and then recovering it through prices, instead of becoming part of the tax net.

The IMF rejected a proposal to abolish 4% sales tax and asked to first register 50,000 more persons in the sales tax regime, said Dr Hamid Ateeq Sarwar, Member Inland Revenue Operations of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance.

PPP Senator Saleem Mandviwalla chaired the meeting, which was convened to address concerns of the business community and recommend solutions. Mandviwalla supported efforts to discourage tax evasion and broaden the tax base.

There are hardly 200,000 registered sales tax persons, of which only 60,000 pay any tax, said Sarwar, who is reaching the superannuation age this week after having a splendid career in the FBR.

The government had introduced the additional tax to compel people to come into the tax net, which is charged over and above the standard 18% sales tax. However, the businesses passed the extra tax on to consumers and avoided the net.

There were heated discussions in the meeting between the FBR and business leaders over the new punitive powers introduced in the budget. The military establishment has now intervened in the matter after traders observed strikes in Lahore and Karachi.

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) held a meeting this week to resolve issues related to the FBR’s arrest powers and adding back over Rs200,000 worth of expenses in cash to the income of businesses. After the intervention, the FBR seemed in a mood to address genuine concerns of the business community.

Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Rehan Bharara questioned whether the FBR used its earlier punitive powers, including the disconnection of electricity and gas supply.

Out of 380,000 industrial connections and 5 million commercial connections, only 5% were in the name of current allottees, thus, they could not be disconnected, said Hamid Ateeq Sarwar.

The low collection from retailers remains one of the concerns but the FBR on Wednesday made a surprising claim before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that it got an additional Rs455 billion from the retail sector in the last fiscal year. The claim requires independent verification as there are concerns that some of the corporate sector firms are also included in the retail category.

Officials of the FBR claimed that total income tax payments made by the retail sector in fiscal year 2024-25 were in fact Rs617 billion and the additional income tax was Rs455 billion. They said that the collection of Rs617 billion included Rs316 billion in quarterly advances given by three categories, wholesalers, retailers, traders and some companies.

The surprising Rs316 billion in quarterly advances could be looked into with critical lenses due to the highly informal nature of the sector. Sources in the FBR told The Express Tribune that a loose definition of the retail sector was used, which included some corporate sector firms.

Representatives of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) once again raised the issue of arrest powers and penalising the use of cash above Rs200,000 worth of purchases.

Senator Anusha Rahman of the PML-N pointed out some loopholes in the newly approved tax laws, which could be exploited by taxmen against the business community.

Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani said that the prime minister has instructed that harassment of taxpayers will not be tolerated at any cost and the government stands ready to take action if any businessperson is hurt by the misuse of arrest powers.

Anusha Rahman said that the recently approved law empowers the arrest of taxpayers on “suspicion” and “reasons to believe”. She recommended that no person should be arrested until the FBR has evidence of sales tax fraud.

Hamid Ateeq Sarwar said that the government could not amend the law before the next budget but those concerns would be addressed through a subordinate legislation by issuing an explanatory circular.

However, PTI Senator Mohsin Aziz said that the subordinate legislation could not supersede the law.

Immediate amendments to tax laws would reflect poorly on the standing committees that debated those amendments, parliament that approved the laws and the government that proposed them, remarked Saleem Mandviwalla.

Sarwar came down hard on business leaders, saying that in the past two years attempts were made for a whopping Rs2.2 trillion worth of sales tax fraud and the FBR registered FIRs against those people. “If anyone has doubt, we can arrange their meetings with these people in jail,” he said.

LAHORE: Chinese cooperation has been sought in smart farming and agriculture engineering to develop Punjab’s agriculture sector.

The need for the cooperation was stressed during a consultation which was also joined by the representatives of leading Chinese companies, including Weifang Shengchuan, JOTEC, Weichai Lovol, PAISET, and SAIC, here on Thursday.

The Chinese participants gave detailed briefings on various categories of machinery, including small and mid-sized equipment like power tillers, mini harvesters, and rotary cultivators, as well as large-scale machines like combined harvesters, multifunctional tractors, and eco-friendly advanced technologies. One representative introduced smart agricultural technologies, including IoT-connected machinery and autonomous tractors.

Director General Strategic Projects retired Maj-Gen Shahid Nazir stated that under the Green Pakistan Initiative, the availability of modern harvesters, drones, and other advanced agricultural tools is a top priority of the government.

Agriculture Minister Ashiq Kirmani stated that China is a global leader in agricultural technology, and Punjab is keen to benefit from China’s experience in the sector. He emphasized Punjab’s status as the food basket of Pakistan and expressed strong interest in adopting Chinese support for modern farming techniques and technologies.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2025

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court on Thursday handed over PTI leader Hammad Ali Awan to the police on a seven-day physical remand after the completion of his identification parade in a case related to the violence outside Zaman Park residence of former prime minister Imran Khan.

Racecourse police presented the suspect before the court on completion of his identification parade.

The investigating officer (IO) informed the court that the suspect had been identified during the parade.

He sought physical remand of the suspect for recovery and further investigation.

He alleged that the suspect was involved in the attack on the police team and violence outside Zaman Park.

On the other hand, a defence counsel contended that Hammad Awan was PTI’s candidate from PP-151 Manawan, Lahore, and is a lawyer by profession. He argued that Awan was arrested after two and a half years on political grounds. He asked the court to discharge the PTI leader from the case.

ATC-I Judge Manzer Ali Gill approved a seven-day physical remand of Awan and ordered the IO to present him again on July 31.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2025