Category: 1. Pakistan

• Tribal elders fully endorse army’s zero-tolerance policy for peace.
• They pay rich tribute to forces for their unparalleled sacrifices.
• Jirga lauds military’s resolve to eliminate Fitna-al-Khawarij.

Tribal elders in North Waziristan on Saturday announced their support for the Pakistan Army in the fight against Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij.

The resolve came during a jirga of tribal elders held in Miranshah, North Waziristan with the support of Pakistan Army, Geo News reported.

The tribal elders fully endorsed the Pakistan Army’s zero-tolerance policy for the establishment of peace and elimination of Fitna-al-Khawarij.

Participants paid rich tribute to the security forces and martyrs for their unparalleled sacrifices. They assured to extend full cooperation to authorities in confronting Fitna-al-Khawarij and militant elements.

Addressing a separate jirga held at CM House, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said that the purpose of the jirga was to consult with the tribes on the restoration of peace.

The chief minsiter said that a 20-member jirga from the merged distaricts would prepare a comprehesive strategy for restoration of peace and present it before the government and the military leadership.         

The country has been reeling under increased terrorist attacks targeting especially the law enforcers and security forces since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in the bordering provinces of KP and Balochistan.

The country witnessed a sharp increase in terror attacks in January 2025, surging by 42% compared to the previous month, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank.

Government will establish separate immigration counters for foreign passengers at all international airports, a government statement said on Saturday, in a move aimed at boosting tourism and investment.

The initiative, introduced on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is designed to promote tourism, ensure the smooth flow of trade, and facilitate foreign investment.

Officials said the dedicated counters will help reduce immigration processing times, making travel more convenient for international visitors. The arrangement is also expected to shorten procedures for returning Pakistani citizens, as passenger flows will be separated.

“This measure is part of the government’s broader strategy to make Pakistan more attractive and welcoming for international tourists, investors and business delegations,” an official statement said.

The government has recently stepped up efforts to enhance infrastructure and streamline travel procedures to position Pakistan as a more competitive destination in the region.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday ordered the establishment of separate immigration counters at all international airports to facilitate foreign passengers and boost tourism and investment.

A press release from the Prime Minister’s Office said the decision was taken to “promote tourism in the country, ensure continuity of business activities and facilitate foreign investment”.

It added that the establishment of the counters would reduce the immigration processing time at the airports.

The statement also said that Pakistanis returning to the country would be able to complete their immigration process in a shorter time after the establishment of separate and designated counters for foreigners.

“The initiative is part of a strategy to make Pakistan more attractive and friendly for global tourists, investors, and business delegations,” the PMO said.

In February, Pakistan won the Best Partner Pavilion Award at the New York Travel and Adventure Show 2025. The two-day event is the largest US travel show organised annually for travel enthusiasts from across the world.

In January, Gilgit-Baltistan was included in CNN’s list of top 25 destinations to visit in 2025.

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 2nd Aug, 2025) A meticulously crafted replica of the revered Fasting Buddha, an iconic Gandhara-era masterpiece dating back to the 2nd century, was formally handed over to Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam’s largest Buddhist temple.

The gift was given by Ambassador of Pakistan Kohdayar Marri in a landmark event symbolizing cultural and spiritual solidarity between Pakistan and Vietnam, Foreign Office Spokesperson, on Saturday, said in a press release.

Ambassador Kohdayar Marri, during the ceremony, emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage and fostering intercultural dialogue.

“This gift reflects Pakistan’s rich heritage, respect for all faiths and our shared vision of peace. Tolerance and respect is the essence of islam, and such exchanges reinforce diplomacy and harmony,” he said.

The original Fasting Siddhartha statue, discovered in Sikri, Pakistan and housed in Lahore Museum, depicts Prince Siddhartha’s profound austerity in pursuit of enlightenment.

“The replica, gifted by the Government of Pakistan, embodies values of discipline, resilience, and interfaith harmony,” it was added.

The event commenced with sacred prayers led by the Secretary General of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, who blessed the statue at the Pakistani Embassy before its journey to Ninh Binh.

At Bai Dinh Pagoda, the statue was received by Most Venerable Thich Minh Quang in a traditional Buddhist ritual, attended by senior Vietnamese officials, religious leaders, and dignitaries.

Venerable Thich Minh Quang hailed the gesture as a beacon of inter-religious goodwill, promoting mutual understanding between Pakistan and Vietnam.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for enduring friendship between the two nations.