Category: 1. Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir separately met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Tuesday in a move that highlights Pakistan’s carefully crafted approach, seeking mutually beneficial ties with all big powers.

Shehbaz is in China where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit plus. His meeting with President Xi and President Putin, the two powerful leaders in the world, took place in the space of few hours.

In the morning, Prime Minister Shehbaz, who was joined by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Atta Tarar as well as the army chief, held a detailed meeting with President Xi and his delegation.

The meeting that took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing was seen as significant against the backdrop of ongoing geostrategic developments, as Pakistan’s relations with the US have in recent months undergone significant shift while at the same time Washington-New Delhi ties hit the bottom.

Against this backdrop, India is trying to reset ties with China and on the other hand there are murmurs that Pakistan’s closeness with the US may cast a shadow on Islamabad-Beijing cooperation. But Tuesday’s meeting brushed aside those speculations.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their ironclad partnership and vowed to further deepen their cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz went on to say that no one could shake the strong bond between Pakistan and China.

An official readout by China’s Foreign Ministry said President Xi noted that China and Pakistan share a resilient bond, a brotherly bond, and also a bond built on trust and common values—an ironclad friendship that was forged through historical twists and turns and has grown ever stronger over time.

“As the once-in-a-century transformations are unfolding faster across the world, a robust China-Pakistan relationship is vital for regional peace and development,” President Xi noted, according the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Xi said that the two sides should accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, so as to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples and set an example for building a community with a shared future among neighbouring countries. Xi stressed that China supports Pakistan in maintaining unity, focusing on development, and enhancing national strength.

China is ready to work with Pakistan to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0 and upgrade the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and step up cooperation in industries, agriculture, and mining, with the aim of boosting Pakistan’s home-grown capacity for development.

China supports Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and hopes Pakistan will take solid and effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, to create a secure environment for bilateral cooperation.

The two sides should strengthen strategic communication, implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative, address common challenges, and uphold international fairness and justice.

Shehbaz congratulated China on the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and noted that the Communist Party of China’s pivotal role in the global struggle against Fascism changed the course of history of both China and the world.

“The ironclad Pakistan-China friendship has taken root in the hearts of the over 200 million Pakistani people, and every generation will remember China’s selfless support,” he said. “No force can shake this unbreakable bond.”

The prime minister stated that under President Xi’s great leadership, China has achieved remarkable economic and social progress, lifted the Chinese people out of poverty, and improved the people’s well-being.

At the same time, China also share opportunities with fellow developing countries through the Belt and Road cooperation, earning global acclaim and winning people’s hearts and minds.

The prime minister said that Pakistan unwaveringly commits to the ‘One-China’ principle and looks forward to strengthening friendly ties with China and advancing cooperation in various fields to ensure sustained progress in Pakistan-China relations.

“Pakistan will leave no-stone unturned to protect Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in the country. The Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi is of great significance for global peace, development, and stability. Pakistan fully supports and will actively promote this initiative,” according to the prime minister.

Availing himself of the opportunity, the prime minister renewed his most cordial invitation to President Xi Jinping to undertake an official visit to Pakistan next year, when both countries would celebrate the 75th anniversary of establishment of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz and his other members of the delegation met Russian President Putin. During the meeting, Shehbaz noted that both countries were making sincere efforts to promote bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of commerce and trade.

As a result of these efforts, bilateral trade witnessed a significant increase last year. He highlighted that Pakistan’s import of oil from Russia contributed to this growth. The prime minister expressed confidence that Pakistan-Russia relations were on an upward trajectory and moving in the right direction.

He mentioned that the two nations have signed protocols to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, iron and steel, energy, and transport.

In his remarks, Russian President Putin said Pakistan has always been and remains a traditional partner of Russia in Asia. He emphasised the importance of expanding trade between the two countries.

President Putin also noted that Pakistan and Russia were collaborating at the inter-parliamentary level and on international platforms. He extended invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to attend the upcoming SCO Heads of Government meeting, scheduled to be held in Moscow this November.

The prime minister accepted the invitation. President Putin also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Pakistan over the losses caused by the recent floods.

While in China, Shehbaz will join several other world leaders to attend the biggest ever military parade in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War on Wednesday (today).

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) informed a National Assembly panel on Tuesday that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved 47 percent exemptions in taxes and duties on sugar imports by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP).

While briefing the committee, FBR Member Dr Hamid Ateeq Sarwar stated that sugar imports are typically subject to 47.5 percent taxes—comprising 20 percent customs duty, 18 percent General Sales Tax (GST), 3 percent value-added tax, and 6.5 percent income tax.

However, after IMF approval, the government has now exempted state-owned sugar imports from these duties, with only a 5 percent tax remaining applicable. Sarwar confirmed that the IMF had endorsed the government’s decision to waive these levies for public sector imports.

TCP cuts volume sought in sugar tender to 50,000MT

Dr. Sarwar emphasized that since Pakistan had not imported sugar since 2021, these taxes were not being collected in practice. The new exemption applies specifically to government imports, while private sector sugar imports remain fully taxable.

Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Industries and Production, Asif Saeed Khan Lughmani, told the panel that the decision to export sugar was made by the Federal Cabinet, following recommendations from the Sugar Advisory Board (SAB). The SAB includes representation from various ministries, provincial cane commissioners, FBR, the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA), and sugarcane growers.

He added that the export decision was data-driven, and based on insights from the FBR’s Track and Trace System. The system accounted for a buffer stock of 540,000 metric tons—equal to one month’s domestic consumption—before recommending the export of surplus sugar.

Dr. Sarwar clarified that the government exported 750,000 metric tons of sugar and planned to import only 250,000 metric tons, which he described as a cost-neutral strategy. He noted that lower-than-expected sucrose content in sugarcane (6.5–8 percent compared to an estimated 10 percent) was the key reason for the tight production levels.

He assured the panel that the Track and Trace System is functioning reliably. Out of 81 sugar mills, production and release data from 79 mills are actively monitored.

“There is no fault in the Track and Trace System,” Dr. Sarwar asserted, while acknowledging the difficulty in making decisions based on future forecasts. He added that mills are currently releasing 18,000 metric tons of sugar into the market daily.

Although he expressed optimism about this year’s sugar production prospects, he noted it is still premature to provide a definitive forecast due to flood-related uncertainties. A representative of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research noted that in 7 out of the past 10 years, sugar prices in Pakistan remained higher than global prices. However, from 2021 to 2023, domestic prices were lower than those in the international market.

The panel’s convener observed that sugar prices are currently around 40% higher in Pakistan after including freight costs. The landed price of imported sugar, inclusive of all taxes, is Rs197 per kilogram.

Panel member Farhan Chishti asked about penalties imposed on sugar mills for price-fixing and cartelization. Officials replied that penalties amounting to billions of rupees have been levied.

A representative from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) informed the panel that two previous investigations—one in 2009 and another covering 2019–2021—found clear evidence of price manipulation and cartelization by PSMA and individual sugar mills.

The CCP imposed fines totalling Rs 44 billion, but the matter was referred back to the Commission by the Appellate Tribunal after a split decision, in which the then Chairperson cast the deciding vote.

“If PSMA and sugar mills made billions through price manipulation, CCP also imposed penalties in the billions,” the CCP official stated.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) also shared an updated list of directors of 191 companies, including sugar mills, based on their most recent statutory filings.

The panel, chaired by Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, also requested the latest minutes from the committee led by Power Minister Sardar Awais Leghari regarding the deregulation of the sugar sector. These would be reviewed for inclusion in upcoming policy recommendations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Like clockwork, a wheat price surge now follows a sugar crisis. Why? Because policymakers in this country have infinite faith in their wisdom, and zero respect for the laws of supply and demand.

For more than 12 months, Pakistanis enjoyed flour and roti prices lower than what they were in Q1 2022.

Back when the exchange rate was still under Rs180; back when Russia had just invaded Ukraine and the global commodity crisis had not yet entered full swing.

Unfortunately, this was not the result of some miraculous productivity-led output boom. It was daylight robbery, orchestrated by a ruling junta actively conspiring to steal from growers to keep the price of roti lower at the tandoor.

Yes, the price of roti at the tandoor did fall sharply for a few months. But to what end? When you demolish market prices the way the wheat market has been wrecked over the past 18 months, is it really a surprise that demand shoots through the roof?

And now prices are catching up again. Because the geniuses in Islamabad like to believe that the demand for wheat is purely a function of the number of mouths to feed, whether a roti costs Rs15 or Rs30.

At this point, it feels nauseating to repeat that this spiral follows a crop cycle in which the public sector refused to purchase grain from growers in the name of “deregulation”,but happily financed inventories for millers and factory owners. Do not take our word for it.

Ask the Punjab government, which in its infinite wisdom decided to foot the bill for any investor willing to take a speculative punt on a commodity as liquid as gold, taking advantage of prices that collapsed through the floor.

But let it be known that it is not only the investor who played the wolf in sheep’s clothing. That is not to say they did not gorge themselves on the buffet generously laid out on the taxpayer’s dime.

But accountability cannot stop at the politicians alone. Heads should roll, not just of the royalty who signed off on these harebrained schemes, but also of the Baldrickswho keep dreaming up these “cunning plans.”

LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday again granted the prosecution time to produce the case record in the Jinnah House attack in connection with post-arrest bail petition of Shershah Khan, a nephew of incarcerated PTI founding chairman Imran Khan.

ATC-I Judge Manzer Ali Gill resumed the hearing of the bail matter, however, once again the record of the case was not presented by the prosecution.

A prosecutor stated that the record had been submitted to the Lahore High Court, therefore, more time was required to produce it. Shershah’s counsel opposed the prosecution’s request, saying the non-production of the record was a delaying tactic.

In response to the court’s query, the prosecutor said two to three days were required to present the record.

The judge allowed time for the record to be produced and adjourned further proceedings till Sept 4.

During the hearing, Shershah’s father Amir Sohail Khan was also present.

In his bail plea, Shershah contended that he had been implicated in the case on political grounds.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2025

THE latest figures regarding the number of terrorist attacks in Pakistan indicate that rather than abating, militant insurgencies in KP and Balochistan continue to take a heavy toll. As per data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict Studies think tank, the country witnessed the highest number of militant attacks in a decade last month; at least 194 people were killed in 143 attacks, most of them security personnel and civilians, while over 230 were injured. KP saw the highest number of attacks, where banned groups such as the TTP have again become active, while Balochistan saw the second highest total, where separatist outfits like BLA have been waging a war against the state. It appears that if we continue on this troubling trajectory, last year’s terrorism-related numbers may be surpassed; according to the PIPS think tank, there were over 520 terrorist attacks in 2024, claiming over 850 lives.

Considering these stark numbers, it is surprising why the outcry against terrorist violence is not louder at both the political and social levels. While there have been large demonstrations in KP — condemning terrorist violence and rejecting continued military operations — the rest of Pakistan seems oblivious to the terrorist threat. Perhaps this is because unlike previous waves, when terrorist groups repeatedly hit the country’s urban centres, this time the violence is mostly limited to the ‘peripheries’, such as the merged tribal districts of KP, and Balochistan. Yet complacency will not buy the state or the public peace. Unless the state employs a holistic counterterrorism policy to permanently uproot the militant threat, this cycle of violence will continue. CT operations alone are not the sole solution; they need to be complemented by multi-sectoral solutions highlighted in NAP and NAP 2.0. People cannot be expected to suffer displacement due to military operations every decade or so, only to see militants return to areas previously cleared. Efforts to check infiltration from Afghanistan must be paired with internal operations to permanently secure territory. Moreover, in Balochistan, along with countering separatist violence, the political process needs to be promoted to help defeat the insurgency. The numbers are very unsettling, and if terrorist groups are not stopped now, they will start looking to expand their areas of operation. The civilian wing of the ruling set-up must clearly enunciate what concrete CT steps it has in mind.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2025

PESHAWAR: The chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, has taken urgent notice of the potential spread of dengue fever following the recent spell of rains in the province and directed all the departments concerned to launch emergency anti-dengue measures without delay.

The chief minister’s secretariat has issued a formal communiqué to all the divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and relevant departments, underscoring that stagnant rain water is providing breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes which must be taken care of through immediate cleanliness and control drives.

The directives call for special attention to be given to the drainage of accumulated water at public places, construction sites, markets, schools, government offices and sewerage lines.

The health department has been instructed to ensure that hospitals are fully equipped in advance, with the availability of medicines, diagnostic facilities and treatment arrangements for dengue patients, while an integrated system is to be put in place for effective monitoring and timely reporting of dengue cases across the province.

The local government bodies have been made responsible for regular spraying and larvicide measures in all vulnerable areas.

Furthermore, the information department has been tasked, in collaboration with the health department and district administrations, to launch a large-scale awareness campaign to educate the public about preventive measures against dengue. This campaign will utilise print, electronic and social media platforms extensively.

Citizens have been urged to drain stagnant water in and around their homes, keep water tanks covered, and adopt precautionary measures such as using mosquito nets, repellents and protective clothing. The communiqué also directed mobilization of communities through mosques, schools and local notables to reinforce participation in preventive measures.

The CM emphasised that dengue prevention was a collective responsibility and that all the departments were accountable for ensuring public awareness as well as implementing effective on-ground interventions. He made it clear that the commissioners would be required to submit weekly reports on anti-dengue operations, hospital preparedness and awareness campaigns so that the drive against dengue could be pursued in a comprehensive and effective manner.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2025

• Ravi at Sidhnai in exceptionally high flood at 1am with 173,000 cusecs flow
• Explosives used at Mai Safura dyke to protect irrigation structures
• Multan faces flood threat; 100 villages at risk near Muhammad Wala
• Chenab floods devastate homes, crops in Jhang; locals allege favouritism
• PM reviews flood response from Beijing
• PMD forecasts more rains

LAHORE: The authorities started breaching dykes as the raging Chenab and Ravi rivers threaten to unleash an unprecedented deluge towards the densely populated cities of south Punjab as the water levels reach critical gauges near the headworks of Sidhnai and Muhammad Wala.

In a statement released after midnight on Wednesday, the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said the Ravi River at Head Sidhnai had entered an extremely high flood stage.

To avert a major disaster, controlled breaches were carried out at the Mai Safura dyke near Head Sidhnai. PDMA officials confirmed that two cuts were made using explosives to release pressure on the embankment.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said the breaches were executed under emergency circumstances to protect vital irrigation structures. He stressed that the decision was unavoidable, as rising floodwaters posed a severe threat to the safety of the embankment and surrounding infrastructure.

The breaches came as the Punjab government took emergency measures, including placing explosives at three strategic locations to conduct controlled breaches and prevent catastrophic urban flooding.

The convergence of the Ravi with the Chenab at Ahmadpur Sial is expected to significantly raise water levels in the Chenab, amplifying flood threats for the districts of Khanewal, Multan and Muzaffargarh. Authorities installed dynamite upstream of Sidhnai Headworks, at Head Muhammad Wala, and near Sher Shah to protect critical infrastructure.

The Sidhnai breach will affect Pirmahal, Khanewal, Kot Diwan, Kund Sargana, Kund Malkani, Kabi­rwala Maqsoodpur and Behrampur.

The breach before Head Muhammad Wala will submerge more than 100 villages and mouzas of the district Multan, including Muhammad Pur Ghota, Sorij Miani, Qasim Bela, Muzaffarabad and mouza Wolwat.

While the breach at Sher Shah will submerge mouza Jungle Wala, Gadar Kachumer, mouza Buch, Sehri Wala, Sultanpur Hamar, mouza Jamoor, Khanpur Qazi and others.

High flood in River Tawi

Earlier, the PDMA chief said that high flooding might occur in the Tawi River. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Mr Kathia said: “An alert was issued by the Indian High Commission and a high flood may occur in the River Tawi.”

The Chenab River’s flow has increased by 60,000 cusecs in one hour, he added. Heavy rains were lashing India-held Jammu’s Tawi, and heavy showers were also happening in northern Punjab, he said, adding that the water flow would increase.

Water flow

According to the Flood Forecasting Division’s data released at 1am on Wednesday, the Chenab River at Marala Headworks was in high flood and flowing at 237,678 cusecs, with a rising trend.

Head Khanki was in medium flood and was flowing at 166,529 cusecs (rising trend), while Qadirabad was in low flood and was flowing at 128,078 cusecs (steady). Head Trimmu was also in high flood at 385,911 cusecs, but the flow was falling.

On the Ravi River, Head Sidhnai was in exceptionally high flood with a flow of 173,734 cusecs and rising. Upstream, Balloki was in high flood at 125,930 (steady), Shahdara in low flood at 49,280 (steady), and Jassar also in low flood at 63,720 (rising).

On the Sutlej River, Head Ganda Singh Wala was in exceptionally high flood at 269,501 cusecs (steady), Head Sulemanki was in high flood at 124,913 cusecs (steady) while Head Islam was in medium flood at 95,727 cusecs (steady).

At Panjnad, where five rivers — the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Jhelum, and Chenab — converge, the water flow was 169,207 cusecs (steady) and fell into the category of low flood.

Multan under threat

Multan Commissioner Amir Kareem Khan said the city is still under the threat of flood, and explosives were installed to breach the Head Muhammad Wala protective dyke if it attained the maximum gauge level of 417.

He said that a committee of experts would decide whether to conduct a controlled breach in any dyke after reviewing three major factors: whether the water level is reaching a critical gauge, whether the water is creating a threat to infrastructure (such as the Head Muhammad Wala Bridge), and whether the rising water will damage the protective dyke.

Mr Khan said that the water flow from Trimmu Barrage was slow and the water level reached the critical gauge at Jhok Vaince, from where the Multan district starts.

The rescue operation in the district was complete, and the water level did not reach the critical gauge at Head Muhammad Wala yet and was flowing at 409 feet from sea level, he added.

Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said that around one million people and over 700,000 livestock had been relocated to safer areas. In total, 3,243 villages and a population of more than 2.4m had been affected by the floods,” she said.

“The government has set up 395 relief camps, providing shelter and food to affected families, along with 392 medical camps and 336 veterinary camps to ensure the protection of both human and animal lives.”

Homes, crops damaged in Jhang

Floodwaters from the Chenab have devastated crops and homes across Jhang district, particularly in Chund Bharwana, Daduana Kuhna and Ahmadpur Sial, where rice and sugarcane fields and mud houses were destroyed.

While a breach near Rivaz Bridge helped divert water and protect some areas, locals said no government relief reached them, with aid instead coming from nearby philanthropists.

In Ahmadpur Sial, residents accused the authorities of creating a breach on the wrong side of the Sultan Bahoo Bridge to protect influential landowners’ crops, which they said worsened the destruction in Garh Maharaja.

However, district officials rejected allegations of favouritism, insisting the breach decision was made after consultation.

More rains forecast

The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted scattered thunderstorms and isolated showers over the next 24 hours in river catchments and divisions, including Islam­abad, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sahiwal, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur.

The Pakistan Commission of Indus Waters reported a high flood in the Tawi River, warning that it would impact downstream districts via the Chenab, including Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal.

The Flood Forecasting Division has also cautioned that the Chenab at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad is likely to reach high flood levels within 24 hours, with associated tributaries and nullahs expected to swell across multiple divisions and districts.

PM reviews flood response

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level review meeting on the country’s flood situation and rescue and relief efforts from Beijing, where he is on an official visit.

The premier briefly set aside his engagements to receive a detailed briefing from the chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), chief secretaries of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakh­tunkhwa, and other relevant departments.

The NDMA reported close coordination with provincial governments and disaster management authorities to monitor river flows at Trimmu, Balloki, Sidhnai, Ganda Singh Wala and Sulemanki, while flood peaks were expected at Panjnad before mo­­ving downstream to Guddu Barrage in Sindh by Sept 6.

PM Shehbaz directed the National High­way Authority and the Ministry of Energy to prioritise restoration of damaged communication routes and electricity transmission systems. He stressed that federal and provincial governments must work in full coordination to ensure the timely eva­c­u­­­­­ation of families, distribution of relief goods, and rehabilitation of affected infrastructure.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2025

• PM expresses gratitude for ‘unflinching support to Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty’; Beijing raises issue of its nationals’ security
• Pakistan, Russia keen to boost trade; Putin invites Shehbaz to visit

ISLAMABAD: Chinese President Xi Jinping in a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday pledged support for Pakistan’s home-grown capacity for development, expressing readiness to build China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0 and upgrade the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and step up cooperation in industries, agriculture, and mining sectors.

Separately, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Russia required to be enhanced and stressed on taking steps in this regard, while also extending invitation to PM Shehbaz to visit Russia in November.

The PM, who held separate meetings with President Xi and President Putin in Bejing during his visit to China to attend SCO summit, expressed gratitude to both countries for what he called ‘unflinching support to Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty’ and hope that the strong ties would add to the progress and prosperity of the region.

According to PM Office, Pakistan and China on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the iron-clad and all-weather strategic cooperative partnership through enhanced cooperation, reflecting their unique bilateral relationship.

The bilateral ties and cooperation were discussed in a meeting between PM Shehbaz and Chinese President Xi at the Great Hall of the People, wherein they agreed that the relationship between both countries was unique and unparalleled, which should be reflected in their enhanced cooperation.

PM Shehbaz appreciated “China’s unflinching support to Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and socio-economic development, as well as the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a flagship project of President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to help both countries to build an even stronger Pakistan-China community with a shared future”.

He reaffirmed the desire to continue working closely with China for the successful implementation of the next phase of upgraded CPEC, with its five new corridors.

The PM Office quoted President Xi as saying that China would continue to assist Pakistan in all fields of economic growth and development, especially as the two countries were now ushering in second phase of CPEC that would focus on Pakistan’s most important economic sectors.

PM Shehbaz renewed his “most cordial” invitation to President Xi to undertake an official visit to Pakistan next year when both countries would celebrate the 75th anniversary of establishment of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties.

Security issue

Also, President Xi said China supports Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and hopes “effective measures” would be taken to “ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, to create a secure environment for bilateral cooperation”.

According to Reuters, China pressed Pakistan to improve security of Chinese nationals, who have been repeatedly attacked by militants while working on Beijing-funded multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects in the South Asian country.

However, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who joined the PM in China and attended the meeting with President Xi, confirmed to Dawn that the Chinese head of state has raised the issue of Chinese nationals’ security in Pakistan. “He (President Xi) said security is important,” the minister quoted the Chinese president as saying.

Meeting with Putin

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz met President Putin and expressed gratitude to the Russian president for supporting Pakistan, saying that was viewed as ‘a balancing act in the region’.

Both leaders agreed to further enhance the bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields.

PM Shehbaz said Pakistan respected Russia’s ties with India and wanted to establish very strong relations of its own, which would be “supplementary and complementary”.

Responding to Putin’s invitation to attend the SCO Heads of Government Summit in November, the premier replied that he was looking forward to it.

President Putin said, “Pakistan has always been a traditional partner and remains as such in Asia, and we cherish these ties,” adding that both sides had agreed to intensify their bilateral relations.

He noted that their bilateral trade needed to be enhanced and stressed taking steps to address the issue.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Tuesday announced a public holiday for Sept 6 on account of Eid Miladun Nabi (peace be upon him), Dawn.com reports. A notification in this regard was issued by the Cabinet Division.

Last week, the Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee had announced that Eid Miladun Nabi will fall on coming Saturday. September 6 will also mark the country’s 60th Defence Day, commemorating the sacrifices of the fallen heroes of the 1965 war against India.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2025

KARACHI: As consumers continue to pay inflated prices for various flour types, millers have accused the Punjab government of creating an artificial wheat and flour crisis by imposing a ban under Section 144 on the inter-provincial movement of wheat and related products.

The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) South Zone argued that such restrictions contradict the wheat deregularisation policy and violate Article 151 of the Constitution, which allows the free movement of goods across provinces. The association warned that provincial-level curbs inevitably lead to nationwide disruptions.

PFMA South Zone Chairman Abdul Junaid Aziz, in a letter to Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Tuesday, said the ban had placed wheat stocks worth billions of rupees at risk in Punjab, especially in the wake of recent floods. The restriction also deprives consumers in other provinces of access to lower-priced flour.

He noted that Punjab accounts for 70pc of the country’s wheat output, making other provinces heavily dependent on its surplus. “We are a single nation. Our joys and sorrows are shared. Such measures damage national unity,” Aziz stated, calling on the federal government to intervene immediately.

He warned that the stored wheat in flood-affected areas could be destroyed if not moved promptly to safer locations in other provinces. “The Punjab government is taking a heavy risk by blocking the movement of wheat, endangering national food security and increasing financial losses to the exchequer,” he said.

Aziz added that Punjab currently holds sufficient surplus wheat stocks and there is no justifiable reason for the movement ban.

Chaudhry Aamir Abdullah, Central Executive Member of PFMA South, proposed that the government either lift the inter-provincial movement restrictions or allow the private sector to import one million tonnes of wheat to avoid an imminent wheat and flour crisis.

He noted that the Punjab government had set up checkpoints at exit routes and motorway interchanges to monitor and block the transport of wheat and flour to other provinces.Millers warned that failure to act swiftly could lead to a severe flour shortage and further price hikes in the coming months.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2025