Category: 1. Pakistan

• Govt lauds Gen Kurilla’s contributions to regional security.
• Conferment affirms growing depth of military partnership: ISPR
• Formal investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
  

President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday conferred the prestigious award of Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) upon Commander of United States Central Command (Centcom), General Michael E Kurilla, in recognition of his exemplary service and pivotal role in advancing enduring military cooperation between Pakistan and the US.

In a formal investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president conferred the decoration upon General Kurilla, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to regional security and his dedicated efforts in strengthening strategic defence ties between the two countries.

General Kurilla’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing defence collaboration, and deepening counterterrorism cooperation between the Pakistan Armed Forces and US Centcom, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

His consistent engagement reflects a profound respect for Pakistan’s central role in promoting peace and stability across the region, it added.

“The conferment of this distinguished honour reflects Pakistan’s deep appreciation for General Kurilla’s unwavering support and affirms the growing depth of the bilateral military partnership,” it said.

During his visit, General Kurilla held detailed meetings with senior Pakistani civil and military leadership, including President Zardari and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

The discussions encompassed regional security, military-to-military engagement, and joint efforts to combat terrorism and emerging transnational threats.

This high-level recognition underscores the enduring strategic relationship between Pakistan and the United States and reaffirms their shared commitment to regional peace, security, and long-term defence cooperation.

On arrival at the Presidency, General Kurilla received a tri-services guard of honour.

The US top general also attended the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference hosted by Pakistan to bring together senior military leaders from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The conference represented a major step in strengthening regional security collaboration, strategic dialogue and military partnerships, the military’s media wing said.

Held under the theme “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace”, the summit aimed to deepen multilateral cooperation in defence, particularly in counterterrorism, joint training, and knowledge sharing.

Participants engaged in wide-ranging discussions on regional security trends, the changing geopolitical landscape in Central and South Asia, and the urgent need for coordinated responses to transnational threats, the ISPR said.

The conference concluded with a collective call for sustained collaboration in defence and security, recognising Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and regional solidarity.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan from prison appears unlikely, adding that his sons are also not expected to return to Pakistan.

Addressing senior journalists in Peshawar on Saturday, Kundi dismissed speculation about the involvement of Khan’s sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, in PTI’s upcoming protest campaign. “It is highly unlikely they will come back,” he said, reiterating that prospects of Imran Khan’s release remain slim.

Earlier this month, Khan’s sister Aleema Khan claimed that both sons would join the party’s anti-government protest movement, expected to begin in August. She had also stated that the former prime minister would lead the campaign “from inside the jail”.

Reports suggest that Khan’s sons have held meetings with key figures in the United States ahead of their possible visit to Pakistan.

However, Governor Kundi appeared dismissive of these developments, describing them as political optics rather than reality.

On the broader political and administrative front, the governor stressed the need for a tribal jirga to address unresolved issues in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). He proposed that the jirga include tribal elders, ex-parliamentarians, and political stakeholders from the region.

“The merger of FATA with K-P cannot be undone without a constitutional amendment,” he said, urging the federal government to release the development funds that were promised at the time of the merger.

Turning to the security situation in the province, Kundi painted a grim picture. “The law and order situation is dire. Extortion is being collected openly — even in broad daylight — from traders, local leaders, and ordinary citizens,” he said. “In Dera Ismail Khan, people avoid stepping out of their homes after Asr prayers due to fear.”

He also criticised what he termed the federal government’s Punjab-centric approach to national initiatives. “Schemes like the laptop programme, youth development projects, and Daanish Schools have excluded the youth of K-P,” he said.

Commenting on the state of sports infrastructure, Kundi described the renovation of Peshawar’s Arbab Niaz Stadium as substandard and said the lack of quality sports facilities was one reason why Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches have not been held in the province.

On PTI’s internal politics, the governor claimed the party was facing deep factionalism in K-P. “They cannot even bring out 20 vehicles for their planned protest on August 5,” he concluded.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested five suspects involved in human smuggling and defrauding citizens, it said on Saturday.

The development comes amid a crackdown against agents involved in sending impoverished Pakistanis abroad through dangerous routes, luring them with a chance at a better life in Europe.

The latest arrests were made by the FIA in different areas of Gujranwala and Gujrat districts for swindling citizens out of millions of rupees by offering fake visas and jobs abroad.

“The suspects were found involved in illegally sending innocent citizens abroad,” the FIA said in a statement, identifying the suspects as Rifaqat, Shabraiz, Muhammad Siddique, Muhammad Yasin and Qasim Shaheen.

Rafaqat and Shabraiz took Rs2.4 million from a citizen for employment in Italy, but sent him to Kyrgyzstan from where he was deported, according to the agency.

Siddique took over Rs2 million from a citizen for employment in Spain, while Yasin received more than Rs645,000 promising to find overseas employment to a citizen. Shaheen duped another man into paying Rs4 million for a job in the United Kingdom (UK).

“The accused had gone into hiding after receiving huge sums of money,” the FIA said, adding that an investigation has been launched against them.

Earlier this month, the FIA said it had arrested an agent involved in the Morocco boat tragedy, in which dozens of Pakistanis attempting to travel illegally to Europe had drowned near the African country’s coast.

The boat had set off from Mauritania in January with 86 migrants on board, among them 66 Pakistanis, for the Canary Islands administered by Spain, international rights group Walking Borders had said. Moroccan authorities said on January 16 that 36 people were rescued from the vessel, while Pakistan confirmed survivors of the tragedy included 22 of its nationals.

A record 10,457 migrants, or 30 people a day, died trying to reach Spain in 2024. Most of them died while attempting to cross the Atlantic route from West African countries such as Mauritania and Senegal to the Canary Islands, according to Walking Borders.

In 2023, hundreds of migrants, including 262 Pakistanis, drowned when an overcrowded vessel sank in international waters off the southwestern Greek town of Pylos, marking one of the deadliest boat disasters ever recorded in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Pakistani government has ramped up efforts in recent months to combat human smugglers facilitating dangerous journeys for illegal immigrants to Europe, resulting in several arrests.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also urged increased collaboration with international agencies like Interpol to ensure swift action against human trafficking networks.

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 26 (APP):Senator Talha Mehmood, on Saturday, inaugurated a two-day free surgical eye camp jointly organized by the National Press Club (NPC) and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi. The initiative aims to provide free eye care services to NPC members and their families on July 26–27, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Senator Talha Mahmood, while inaugurating the camp, commended the efforts of NPC leadership and the president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Afzal Butt, for organizing the free eye surgical camp with modern facilities.

“Organizing a camp—free world-class medical facilities—for NPC’s members and their families clearly highlights the commitment of leadership regarding the medical care of media professionals,” he said.

On this occasion, the president of  PFUJ,  Afzal Butt, said that arranging such facilities for the convenience of the members in this surgical camp is a great achievement of NPC President Azhar Jatoi, Secretary Nayyar Ali, Finance Secretary Waqar Abbasi and others.

In this camp, all the facilities are available to the members and their families under one roof and free of cost, he added.

Meanwhile, NPC President Azhar Jatoi also praised the services rendered by the expert medical team.

He highlighted the rising prevalence of vision issues in this modern digital era.

“Vision problems are very common because of excessive use of mobile phones and computers, which affects their vision,” he noted.

He explained that journalists often neglect their own health due to demanding professional schedules. By organizing this camp, NPC hopes to facilitate access to essential eye care for its members and their families.

The camp features free eye examinations, medicines, eyeglasses, laboratory services and laser (phaco) surgery for media workers suffering from white cataracts.

On the opening day, hundreds of members received these services free of charge, including surgical interventions where needed.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Saturday said Pakistan was committed to building a secure and prosperous environment in the region with the help of partner nations.

Over the past week, Pakistan has made efforts to expand defence cooperation with other nations. Saudi Arabia’s naval chief met with Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza in Rawalpindi on Thursday, while COAS Munir met Chinese senior political and military leadership in Beijing on Friday.

A statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Islamabad hosted the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference under the theme of ‘Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace’ today, attended by senior military officials from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The ISPR said COAS Munir formally welcomed the distinguished defence delegations and reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to peace, stability and constructive engagement across the region.

“In an era defined by transnational threats and complex hybrid challenges, the imperative for deeper military-to-military cooperation, strategic dialogue and mutual trust is paramount. Pakistan remains fully committed to working with partner nations to build a secure and prosperous regional environment,” Field Marshal Munir was quoted as saying by the statement.

The ISPR said the session’s participants also discussed regional security dynamics, the evolving security environment in central and south Asia and the necessity of joint training initiatives, counter-terrorism cooperation and coordinated humanitarian responses.

“This landmark multilateral engagement marked a significant stride toward advancing regional security cooperation, military diplomacy and strategic dialogue among participating nations,” the statement said.

According to the ISPR, the conference sought to reinforce security collaborations, enhance training initiatives and exchange the best practices in counterterrorism and other defence and security programmes.

The military’s media wing added that the participants collectively reaffirmed their resolve to uphold peace, respect, national sovereignty and confront common security threats such as terrorism, cybersecurity and violent extremism.

“Participants commended Pakistan’s leadership, hospitality, and initiative in fostering such inclusive and forward-looking defence diplomacy,” the ISPR said.

It further added: “This strategic convergence reflects Pakistan’s enduring commitment to a secure, interconnected and cooperative region, anchored in shared security interests and regional solidarity.”

Pakistan’s role in regional peace was lauded by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday.

“Pakistan has always played a positive role in global and regional peace,” the Foreign Office had quoted the US secretary of state as saying while the US State Department said he expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s continued willingness to play a constructive role in mediating conversations with Iran and its commitment to preserving regional stability.

Govt honours US Centcom chief with Nishan-i-Imtiaz

Separately, the government conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) award upon Army General Michael Kurilla, Commander of United States Central Command (Centcom), “in recognition of his exemplary service and pivotal role in advancing enduring military cooperation between Pakistan and the United States”, the ISPR announced in a statement.

In a formal ceremony held at the Presidency, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the decoration upon Gen Kurilla, acknowledging his contributions to regional security and his efforts in bolstering strategic defence ties between Islamabad and Washington. Upon his arrival, the Centcom chief was presented with a guard of honour.

“General Kurilla’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing defence collaboration, and deepening counterterrorism cooperation between the Pakistan Armed Forces and Centcom,” the statement read.

“His consistent engagement reflects a profound respect for Pakistan’s central role in promoting peace and stability across the region.”

According to the ISPR, conferring the award represented the “deep appreciation for Gen Kurilla’s unwavering support” and affirmed the depth of Pakistan and the US’ strategic ties.

The statement added that Gen Kurilla held detailed meetings with senior Pakistani civil and military leadership, including the president and COAS. Regional security, military-to-military engagement and joint efforts to combat terrorism were among the topics discussed.

“This high-level recognition underscores the enduring strategic relationship between Pakistan and the United States and reaffirms their shared commitment to regional peace, security and long-term defence cooperation,” the ISPR stated.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recalled fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi for the white-ball cricket series against West Indies, starting at Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida.

The three Twenty20 matches in the US — on July 31, Aug. 2 and 3 — will be followed by three ODI games in Trinidad and Tobago.

Afridi, who is also in the ODI squad, was surprisingly excluded from Pakistan’s last two T20 series against Bangladesh despite leading Lahore Qalandars to its third Pakistan Super League title in the last four years with a rich haul of 19 wickets this year.

In Afridi’s absence, Pakistan routed Bangladesh 3-0 at home but lost 2-1 to Bangladesh at Dhaka in a series which ended Thursday.

Fast bowler Haris Rauf, who was forced to miss the series against Bangladesh because of a hamstring injury he sustained during Major League Cricket (MLC) in the US, has recovered and was named in the T20 squad.

Pakistan’s pace attack was further strengthened Friday with the return of Hasan Ali for both T20s and ODIs against West Indies.

The selectors dropped pace bowlers Abbas Afridi and Salman Mirza, who both participated in the T20 series in Bangladesh, and retained all-rounders Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz.

Middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz is the only uncapped player named in the ODI squad. Nawaz scored Pakistan’s fastest-ever T20 century against New Zealand in March this year.

Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the T20 side while wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was named skipper for the ODI series.

Twenty20 squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem.

PESHAWAR (Dunya News) – Five senators, who were recently elected as independent candidates from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The independent senators announced their formal joining of PTI and submitted their declarations of affiliation to the party chairman.

Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Azam Swati, Faisal Javed, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, and Robina Naz provided their written consent to the party leadership.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali will now submit these declarations to the Election Commission.

Eight newly elected senators from KP sworn in

In the recent Senate elections, Murad Saeed was also elected but has been absent from the public eye for a long time.