Category: 1. Pakistan

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday held his second phone call with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio since visiting Washington and an improvement in bilateral ties.

There has been a surge in relations between the US and Pakistan, with both nations inking a trade deal last week in which Washington lowered tariffs on Islamabad to 19 per cent, while tapping the latter’s oil reserves. The positive signals, which began emanating soon after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, seem to be turning into full-blown bonhomie.

From acknowledging Pakistan’s counterterror cooperation in the arrest of an Islamic State-Khorasan operative to claiming credit for stopping a nuclear war in South Asia, the country has perhaps featured more in this US president’s day-to-day media interactions than any past ‘commander-in-chief’.

In a post on X today, the Foreign Office (FO) stated that the two top diplomats had their most recent interaction over the phone.

“The two leaders discussed a range of bilateral matters and exchanged views on current regional and international issues,” the FO stated. “Both sides agreed to remain in contact and continue cooperation on areas of mutual interest.”

FM Dar had met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month and discussed trade, investment, counterterrorism cooperation and the clash between India and Pakistan in May, according to officials from both countries.

The meeting — the first such engagement between the foreign ministers of the two countries in three years — was considered a breakthrough in diplomacy between Pakistan and the US. Secretary Rubio had recognised Pakistan’s “unparalleled sacrifices” in the fight against terrorism and described Islamabad as a “constructive actor” in efforts to ensure regional stability.

The two had subsequently talked again on July 28 after their “productive meeting” and discussed key bilateral matters, including tariffs, as well as regional & global issues of mutual interest.

The Rawalpindi administration on Monday banned all assemblies and gatherings for a week, citing an “imminent threat”, ahead of the PTI’s planned nationwide August 5 protest.

Imran, imprisoned since August 2023, is serving a sentence at the Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case and also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the protests of May 9, 2023. He has issued a nationwide protest call, which will reach its “peak” on Aug 5 to mark the second year of his incarceration in multiple cases.

Imran has decried the lack of any “meaningful momentum” for the protest and ordered PTI members to immediately shun all their differences. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja previously said the party has no plans to gather workers at a specific place for the Aug 5 agitation, and instead it will protest at different locations across the country.

An order issued today from Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hassan Waqar Cheema said it was brought to his attention by the District Intelligence Committee (DIC) that there was an “imminent threat” within the limits of Rawalpindi district — particularly surrounding sensitive installations, prominent roads and other critical infrastructures — that may pose a serious risk to human life, public property, and the overall peace and order of the district.

“The DIC has reported specific intelligence suggesting that certain groups and elements are actively mobilising with intentions to disturb the law and order situation through large gatherings, protests, and disruptive assemblies,” the order read.

“The forum further indicates that these elements may target soft locations and mobilise individuals with the potential to engage in violent actions near key installations and other sensitive sites, thereby endangering the public peace and tranquillity,” it added.

It continued that it was essential to ensure the security of the people and installations and buildings against any potential threat or untoward activity, in the larger interest of public safety, security, peace and tranquility to avoid any untoward incident.

DC Cheema said that he was prohibiting the following activities within the district from Aug 4-10 under Section 144 (power to issue order absolute at once in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger) of the Code of Criminal Procedure:

• Assemblies, gatherings, sits-in, rallies, processions, demonstrations, protests and such other activities with a gathering of five or more people
• Carrying weapons, spikes, laden batons, gaulails, ball bearings, petrol bombs, improvised explosives or any other instrument that could potentially be used for violence
• Displaying arms and objectionable and hateful speeches
• Attempting to remove any restriction imposed by a police officer to regulate the assembly of people or the movement of traffic
• Pillion riding.
• Using loudspeakers

Separately, the Adiala Jail superintendent requested the Rawalpindi city police officer to beef up security.

“It is awfully brought into your notice that PTI political worker, family members, especially sister of PTI leader are used to protest against the Jail administration and other state institutions, particularly outside the Jail. It has come to our attention through electronic/social media that PTI leadership is planning to stage a protest outside this jail tomorrow on Tuesday, which could potentially lead to an untoward incident,” the request read.

“Given the sensitivity of the situation, it is imperative to strengthen the outer security of the jail to maintain law and order. Proactive measures must be taken to identify and apprehend any miscreants involved in organising this protest,” it added.

“Furthermore, strict action should be enforced to prevent such gatherings near the jail premises to avoid any disruption or security risks. Additional police guard deployment, barricades, and surveillance may be necessary to deter unlawful assemblies and ensure the safety of the facility. Your prompt attention to this matter is highly appreciated. Therefore, it has become a dire need of the hour to beef up the security (from all sides) of the jail to evade an unpleasant situation in future.”

It urged that, in light of the above, additional personnel be deployed at the jail and its surrounding areas urgently to strengthen the facility’s outer security under the supervision of police officers so that any unpleasant incident could be avoided.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said in an interview on Geo News show ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’ said the federal government had received a request two days ago, but no one had followed up on it despite attempts by the Islamabad administration to contact the sender.

He said there were opposing narratives and viewpoints coming from within the PTI about the nature of the protest, adding that the party should not blame the government for its own “internal division and weakness”. Chaudhry said the government was “clear” that any protest was the PTI’s right.

The state minister questioned why the administration was not directly contacted and the party did not give legal cover to its protest.

The PTI had approached the Lahore High Court last week, seeking permission to hold a public rally at Minar-i-Pakistan on Aug 5.

It has also submitted a request to the Islamabad administration for holding a workers’ convention at F-9 Park tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the capital police have begun preparations. Officers had told Dawn.com that in the first phase, the Anti-Riot Unit of the police started exercises, physical training and refresher anti-riot courses at the Police Lines Headquarters.

Over a thousand personnel of the unit are undergoing refresher courses. The courses include physical training and exercises to make them fit and respond to the protesters with full energy.

Besides, they are also doing refresher courses on the usage and handling of anti-riot kits. They are getting training regarding the usage of shields to protect themselves and the force from stones and other objects that may be pelted at them.

Furthermore, they are also being trained on how to intercept mobs at certain points, cordon them off and disperse them. They are also learning how to deal with troublemakers and protesters taking law and order into their hands.

On the other hand, police have also started collecting details of local PTI leaders and activists besides keeping an eye on their activities. The intelligence units of the police have mounted surveillance over the leaders and hardcore members of the PTI.

Surveillance at all hotels, motels, inns and guest houses along with cthe apital’s suburbs and outskirts has also been increased to monitor the PTI workers’ activities and get information about their stay and gatherings. The police intelligence units were also asked to prepare fresh lists of local PTI leaders.

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 04 (APP): Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Monday that providing fast and uninterrupted internet is among the government’s top priorities, especially as internet usage in Pakistan has increased by 25% over the past year.

Speaking at the launch of TikTok’s STEM Feed, the minister said hat 5G services would soon be introduced in Pakistan. She emphasized the importance of high-speed internet, stating that it is essential for the country’s development.

Highlighting the rapid growth of Pakistan’s IT sector, she called for responsible and ethical use of technology in all areas of life. “Technology is now part of every field. We must use it wisely and positively,” she said.

Addressing the youth, she encouraged them to keep learning and to use digital platforms for sharing knowledge. “A single person can create change in education and jobs through technology,” she said.

Acknowledging TikTok’s widespread use across different sections of society, she said the platform follows Pakistan’s local laws. “We have strong working relations with TikTok,” she added.

She said the government aims to use TikTok as a tool to promote learning, especially through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) content.

She praised the collaboration between TikTok, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme.

Shaza Fatima also recognized the role of media in spreading awareness about technology and urged young people to use online platforms responsibly and guide others as well. “These platforms can help the country grow if used responsibly,” she said.

The minister announced that new legislation has been passed to provide every citizen with a digital identity. Through the Digital Pakistan Act, all governance, data, and services will be available through a single digital platform. “Every citizen will have a digital identity,” she said.

Referring to past achievements, she said that 4G services were launched during former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government in 2014. Now, a new spectrum auction is planned to improve 3G and 4G services and to roll out 5G, with a target of reaching 550 MHz.

She said the National Fiberization Plan will expand optic fiber connectivity across Pakistan, making the internet more stable and faster.

She also shared that one of the largest new submarine cables has already reached Pakistan and will become operational by the end of this year. Work is also ongoing to introduce satellite internet.

On digital inclusion, the minister said the government would provide smartphones on easy installments under the “Smartphone for All” policy initiated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. She also noted that women’s limited access to financial resources remains a key challenge.

Shaza Fatima said that over 1.2 million laptops have been distributed so far under the current government. This year, another 100,000 laptops will be given to deserving students based on merit through the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme.

The announcement came as the nation currently struggles with the rise of terrorist attacks, basic infrastructure and economic instability.

Speaking during a meeting in Beijing with Chinese officials, including Head of China’s Atomic Energy Authority and Space Agency Shan Zhongde, Iqbal called for deeper reliance on China to fill gaps in Pakistan’s space and nuclear programs, Geo News reported.

The lunar mission has been tasked to Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), which is yet to launch a satellite or space mission all on its own, particularly without the assistance of China.

Pakistan will contribute a 35-kilogram lunar rover to China’s Chang’e-8 mission in 2028, which aims to explore the Moon’s south pole. The rover will conduct scientific experiments, analyse terrain, and assess resource utilisation.

Meanwhile, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made significant strides compared to its neighbour, with notable success with its lunar mission, Chandrayaan and Mars mission, Mangalyaan. India is now also on its way to its first manned mission in space, Gaganyaan, scheduled for the first quarter of early 2027.

According to Geo News, the discussion between the two sides, framed as strategic cooperation, largely highlighted Pakistan’s growing dependence on Chinese technology and expertise.

Iqbal promoted the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, claiming that the country’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reinvigorated the country’s stagnant space science sector, Geo News reported.

He noted that three Pakistani-made satellites were launched recently, though all with significant Chinese assistance, and Pakistan now hopes to again piggyback on China’s space station to send its first astronaut by 2026, with no clear independent capability.

With climate change and domestic resource crises looming, Iqbal shifted focus to energy, calling for more Chinese support in nuclear power and cutting-edge tech like quantum computing, a field in which Pakistan has little to no native capacity.

Pakistan’s space sector, led by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), was established in 1961 by Dr Abdus Salam, a Nobel laureate and scientific advisor to President Ayub.

Insufficient government funding has hindered SUPARCO’s progress, with an annual budget of $36 million compared to India’s ISRO, which receives significantly more.

SUPARCO has faced leadership issues, with retired army generals heading the agency for the past 11 years, raising questions about its scientific direction.

Moreover, Pakistan relies heavily on China for satellite launches and development, limiting its indigenous capabilities.

Few universities in Pakistan offer space-related courses, restricting the growth of skilled professionals.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani government had once again failed to honour its financial commitments under the CPEC, with outstanding payments to Chinese power producers ballooning to PKR 423 billion by June 2025, as reported by The Express Tribune.

Chinese official Shan Zhongde responded with predictable diplomacy, praising Pakistan’s alignment with Chinese interests and reaffirming Beijing’s role as the driving force behind any meaningful scientific or economic advancement Pakistan hopes to achieve.

RAWALPINDI:

Authorities in Rawalpindi have imposed Section 144 across the district, banning all public gatherings, motorcycle pillion riding, and rallies from August 4 to August 10, citing security concerns ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) August 5 protest.

The Deputy Commissioner’s office issued a formal notification on Monday, stating that the restrictions are aimed at maintaining law and order during a sensitive period.

According to the notification, “There will be a complete ban on political gatherings, rallies, and processions in Rawalpindi district. Pillion riding on motorcycles will also be prohibited from August 4 to 10.”

The notification also prohibits the display of arms and the use of loudspeakers in public spaces. Any attempt to remove official roadblocks placed on major thoroughfares will result in legal action, officials warned.

Read More: PTI alliance mobilises for August 5 ‘power show’

Meanwhile, Authorities have directed the Rawalpindi police force to remain deployed and on high alert ahead of PTI planned protest movement beginning on 5 August.

According to sources, City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Khalid Hamdani has instructed the Special Branch and all police units to remain at their designated duty points until further notice. The directive, issued through a formal memo by the SP Security, mandates full attendance across police stations, outposts, guard units, and offices.

“All officers must remain present at their assigned locations to ensure timely response in case of any emergency,” the official directive reads.

The order also instructs station clerks to verify and ensure full attendance of the force under their command. Police presence will be maintained around the clock to respond swiftly to any unrest.

On the other hand, Islamabad’s district administration has also issued a stern warning ahead of a possible protest by the PTI, stating that anyone found involved in illegal gatherings will be arrested immediately.

Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said that Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code is currently in force in the federal capital, under which public gatherings, rallies, and protests are strictly prohibited.

“Anyone becoming part of any unlawful activity will be arrested without delay,” Memon said in a statement. “Strict legal action will be taken against violators of Section 144.”

The city administration has appealed to residents to refrain from joining any illegal protest or activity, warning of serious legal consequences for those who defy the law.

It is worth noting that after a series of failed protests, the PTI founder has once again decided to demonstrate street power to campaign for the rule of law and the release of imprisoned party leaders and workers. However, the party appears divided on key policy matters, with dissenting voices increasingly surfacing in public.

Also Read: Police crack down on PTI ahead of Aug 5 protest

Days ahead of its planned protest on August 5, the PTI is facing a widespread crackdown, with party leaders going into hiding, workers reporting home raids and several bank accounts reportedly frozen. Party leaders and workers allege that police across Punjab have intensified efforts to suppress the protest by launching a campaign of intimidation.

Many party workers lament that since August 1, police have been knocking on doors, forcing workers to sign affidavits promising not to participate in the protest.

The raids have led to panic within PTI ranks, with multiple leaders choosing to go underground to avoid arrest. Party sources claim that the “door-knocking” campaign has expanded rapidly over the past few days.

In addition to the pressure tactics on the ground, several reports have emerged of financial restrictions being imposed on PTI leadership. The bank account of Hafiz Zeeshan Rasheed, a senior PTI office-bearer in Punjab, has reportedly been frozen, one of many such cases, according to the party.

The maritime affairs ministry on Monday approved its first-ever ferry service licence to an international ferry operator, authorising the company to operate routes connecting Pakistan with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Last month, the ministry announced an ambitious plan to expand Gwadar Port’s operational capacity by introducing additional shipp­ing lines and launching a ferry service connecting Pak­istan with GCC countries.

The approval followed a high-level meeting of the licensing committee, comprising officials from maritime affairs, defence, foreign affairs, and interior ministries, along with representatives from the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation as well as port and shipping authorities.

According to a statement issued by the ministry, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry hailed the move as a historic step aligned with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision and Pakistan’s National Maritime Policy.

“This licence creates the opportunity for boosting regional connectivity, religious tourism, and economic activity via sea routes,” he emphasised.

The new ferry service is expected to serve hundreds of thousands annually, particularly pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq, alongside workers and tourists bound for GCC states.

“The ferry service will alleviate pressure on land routes and reduce travel costs compared to air transport for the Pakistani diaspora and religious travellers,” he noted.

“Initial operations will commence from the ports of Karachi and Gwadar using modern ferry vessels equipped with essential amenities to ensure safe, affordable travel. Expansion of routes and port calls is planned based on demand and bilateral agreements,” he added.

“This ferry service launch forms part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to develop its blue economy, improve trade logistics, and promote maritime tourism, reflecting a renewed commitment to sustainable regional sea transport infrastructure.”

Last week, amid a deadlock in negotiations over the government’s decision to ban land travel to Iran for pilgrims during Arbaeen — the chehlum of Imam Husain — the Maritime Mini­stry was deliberating to launch a ferry service to facilitate travel of zaireen (pilgrims) to Iran and Iraq.

Last month, five private companies proposed routes for the newly announced ferry service from Gwadar to the Gulf region, according to the maritime ministry.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir is aiming to build a sustainable and multi-faceted relationship with the United States, British magazine The Economist reported on Sunday.

Relations between Washington and Islamabad have grown deeper since US President Donald Trump took office. On July 31, both nations struck a trade deal lowering US tariffs on Pakistan to 19 per cent, while also establishing an agreement to explore Pakistani oil reserves.

In June, the COAS made a five-day official visit to the US, where he met with Trump over luncheon, becoming the first serving army chief to have a face-to-face meeting with a sitting US president. During the trip, Field Marshal Munir stressed the “immense potential for a broader, multidimensional relationship built upon mutual respect” with Washington.

The COAS’ visit followed a four-day military confrontation with India in May, after New Delhi blamed Islamabad for the April 22 Pahalgam attack without evidence. A US-brokered ceasefire ended the war.

“There he was, enjoying a private lunch with Donald Trump in the White House on June 18, just over a month after Pakistan’s brief conflict with India,” The Economist wrote about the June luncheon.

“Then, at the end of July, came further snubs for India: branding it a ‘dead economy’, Mr Trump imposed tariffs of 25pc while hailing a new trade deal with Pakistan.”

The Economist wrote that the field marshal’s fortunes “reflect a shift in American policy that affects India, China and the Middle East”.

Speaking to the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, The Economist quoted him as saying that Field Marshal Munir is “well versed” with The West, despite not having trained in the US or the UK.

“To India’s dismay, America and Pakistan are now rebuilding ties with a focus on trade, counter-terrorism and consultation on Middle Eastern policy.
America may even sell arms again to Pakistan,” the magazine noted.

Additionally, The Economist recognised that Pakistan recently earned Washington’s praise for killing and capturing leaders of a local offshoot of the Islamic State terrorist group.

In June, United States Central Command (Centcom) commander Army General Michael Kurilla hailed Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in the arena of counter-terrorism, citing their struggle against terrorism in Balochistan and against terrorist groups like the Islamic State.

“He (Munir) has sparked interest from Trump associates in Pakistan’s crypto and mining sectors … and he has positioned Pakistan as a potential means to advance America’s interests with Iran and its efforts to get more Muslim countries to establish diplomatic ties with Israel,” the magazine wrote.

America, in turn, toned down its criticism of Pakistan’s programme to
build longer-range ballistic missiles, which officials from former president Joe Biden’s administration considered a threat to the US, The Economist wrote.

“It has resumed some aid programmes [and] it is also considering selling weaponry, including armoured vehicles and night-vision goggles, to help Pakistan combat local insurgents.

“American officials are examining Pakistan’s evidence to support its
claims that India backs those insurgencies, although they are unconvinced, so
far.”

In January, prior to Trump’s inauguration as president, the US said Pakistan played a pivotal role in US counterterrorism efforts over the years, but it “has never been a formal ally bound by treaty obligations”, according to former White House official John Kirby.

Meanwhile, Pam Bondi, who is currently serving as the US attorney general, emphasised during her confirmation hearing that global cooperation would be essential to counter the growing threat posed by Afghanistan-based terrorist groups like Islamic State-Khorasan Province.