The Iranian president’s political adviser said on Wednesday that Dr Masoud Pezeshkian was due to visit Pakistan on August 2 (Saturday) for a two-day trip, Iran’s IRNA news agency reported.
Pezeshkian will be the second Iranian president to visit Pakistan in as many years. The visit was initially planned for the last week of July.
In April 2024, Ebrahim Raisi undertook a three-day official visit to Pakistan. During the trip — which took place a month before Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash — the foreign dignitary also visited Lahore and Karachi.
In a post on X, Political Adviser to the Iranian President Mehdi Sanai said Dr Pezeshkian would travel to Pakistan on Saturday at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He said official meetings and discussions with “cultural and commercial elites” were on the agenda.
“The relations between the two countries encompass political, economic, religious and cultural dimensions, and the goals of the trip include developing provincial and border cooperation and increasing trade exchanges from the current $3 billion.”
The Foreign Office has been reached out to for a response on the matter.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar previously said that President Pezeshkian would “soon” make an official visit to Islamabad, IRNA reported.
Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of his visit to New York, FM Dar had said Pezeshkian was scheduled to visit Pakistan and expressed hope the trip would take place in early August.
“Pakistan supports diplomacy and a wise approach in the region and welcomes all efforts toward de-escalation and dialogue with Iran,” he was quoted as saying.
He said that he was in close contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, adding that Pakistan could not remain silent regarding recent events, including the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Dar had condemned the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran and the United States’ attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. “Diplomacy and dialogue are the only way out of the current situation, and Pakistan will continue to support both sides,” he had added.
PM Shehbaz visited Iran on May 27 as part of his regional tour to friendly countries aimed at expressing gratitude for their support during the conflict with India. He met Iranian leaders, including President Pezeshkian, to strengthen ties and deepen regional cooperation.
He had previously visited Iran in May 2024 to attend the memorial ceremony of former president Raisi and met Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
An illuminated view of the Sindh High Court building, decorated with colourful lights to celebrate Independence Day in Karachi, can be seen in this image taken on August 13, 2024. — Online
KARACHI: The Sindh government has unveiled a series of activities and events to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14, with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announcing prizes for the best-decorated vehicles, shops, and buildings across the province.
Speaking at a conference in Karachi on Wednesday, the chief minister encouraged public participation in a variety of planned festivities, saying that the port city would be at the forefront of the celebrations.
These events will include concerts in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur. The planned activities for the occasion are set to be diverse, featuring a poetry evening, a rickshaw rally, the formation of a human flag, and public competitions.
The CM said efforts were underway to arrange vintage car and heavy bike rallies, as well as fairs for women and painting contests.
The Culture Department has been instructed to hold singing competitions. CM Shah also mentioned that the Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Mela from August 9-11 would reflect the spirit of Independence Day.
He directed the IGP and DIG Traffic to finalise traffic plans, urging citizens to cooperate during rallies, even if inconvenienced, “for the sake of Pakistan.”
The chief minister said formal invitations would be sent to all political parties to participate in the events, and school schedules would remain unaffected. The Education Department is also organising separate programmes.
Moreover, he added that August 5 would be marked with a special event in protest against the abrogation of Kashmir’s special status, while a separate major event would also be held for persons with disabilities.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi (left) and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz. — SC website/APP/File
Shibli expresses deep concern over conduct of ATC hearings.
“Justice hurried is equally fatal,” says Faraz in letter to CJP.
Senator alleges principle of natural justice being “compromised.”
ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz has urged Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi to intervene in the ongoing May 9 trials, warning of “grave procedural violations” that he says are undermining fundamental rights and constitutional protections.
In a detailed letter addressed to the chief justice, Shibli expressed deep concern over the conduct of anti-terrorism courts in cities such as Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sargodha. He claimed that court proceedings are being held at an “extraordinary pace,” with sessions extending till 2 to 3am., depriving the accused of the right to a fair trial.
“Justice hurried is equally fatal,” Faraz wrote, warning that the current judicial process risks becoming a mere “facade, bereft of fairness and credibility.”
He further alleged that the principle of natural justice is being “routinely compromised,” citing the appointment of state counsels without consent and the denial of reasonable adjournments as key violations. These practices, he said, directly contravene Article 10-A of the Constitution and international fair trial standards.
He also questioned the transparency of the proceedings, stating that restrictions on media coverage and limited access for families evoke the image of “secret courts.” He called for unhindered media access to ensure public oversight.
Highlighting allegations of evidence tampering and coercion by police and prosecution, Shibli requested an impartial inquiry and warned that the rule of law is being subverted by arbitrary practices.
“The judiciary’s role is more vital than ever in upholding impartiality,” the opposition leader stressed, asking the CJP to examine all ongoing and concluded May 9 trials for procedural fairness.
He concluded by urging the chief justice to take corrective steps, including reassessing past verdicts passed under questionable circumstances and restoring the constitutional guarantees of the accused.
His letter follows a similar appeal made a day earlier by Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan.
The anti-terrorism courts in different cities sentenced several PTI senior leaders and lawmakers to 10 years ‘ imprisonment in the May 9 mayhem cases last week.
May 9 mayhem
The May 9, 2023, events refer to the violent protests that broke out in several parts of the country following the arrest of the PTI founder and saw attacks on public properties and military installations, including Corps Commander House Lahore, also known as Jinnah House.
The riots were triggered by the arrest of ex-premier Khan from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in a graft case.
Several PTI leaders and workers were released on bail after their arrests, while many still remain behind bars.
The deposed prime minister, who was ousted from power via the opposition’s no-confidence motion in April 2022, has been behind bars since August 2023 as he was facing a slew of charges ranging from corruption to terrorism.
KARACHI (Web Desk) – The Sindh government unveiled an extensive programme of celebrations and competitions in connection with the Independence Day on August 14, with prizes announced for the best-decorated vehicles, shops, and buildings across the province.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah urged citizens to actively participate in the festivities, highlighting major public events planned in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur. “Karachi will take the lead in this year’s Independence Day celebrations,” he stated.
Among the planned activities are a poetry evening, rickshaw rally, human flag formation, and various public competitions.
The chief minister said that vintage car and heavy bike rallies are also being arranged on the occasion.
Pakistan to celebrate Independence Day 2025 with theme ‘Battle for Truth’
The provincial culture department has been tasked with organising singing competitions, while the Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai Mela — scheduled for August 9 to 11 — will also reflect the spirit of Independence Day, he added.
The chief minister directed the Inspector General of Police and DIG Traffic to finalise traffic management plans, urging public cooperation during processions.
“Even if there’s some inconvenience, we must bear it for the sake of Pakistan,” he said.
He further announced that formal invitations will be extended to all political parties to join the celebrations.
Security officers inspect the site where militants indiscriminately opened fired on tourists the previous day, in Pahalgam.
| Photo Credit: AP
Home Minister Amit Shah’s account of forces killing who he said were three Pakistanis involved in the April attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir was “replete with fabrications”, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday (July 30, 2025).
Mr. Shah told Parliament on Tuesday (July 29, 2025) that the three militants killed in a gun battle in a Kashmir forest this week were the perpetrators of the April 22 Pahalgam attack and that New Delhi had found evidence to back it.
“Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless assertions and provocative claims made by the Indian leaders during the Lok Sabha debate on the so-called “Operation Sindoor.” These statements reflect a dangerous tendency to distort facts, justify aggression, and glorify conflict for domestic consumption,” Spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.
“The account given by the Indian Home Minister is replete with fabrications, leading to serious questions about its credibility,” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The world knows that India attacked Pakistan without any verifiable evidence or a credible investigation into the Pahalgam Attack. During the intervening night of 6 and 7 May 2025, India’s targeting of the alleged terrorist infrastructure resulted actually in the martyrdom of innocent men, women, and children. India failed to achieve any of its strategic objectives. On the other hand, Pakistan’s resounding success in neutralising the Indian fighter jets and military targets is an indisputable fact, the Spokesperson said.
Instead of misleading their compatriots, the Indian leaders would be well-advised to acknowledge the losses incurred by their armed forces and accept the active role played by the third parties in realising the ceasefire, the statement said.
“India did not avail itself of the immediate offer made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan for a transparent and independent probe into the Pahalgam Attack. Instead, it chose the path of belligerence and aggression. It acted as judge, jury and executioner at the same time. Against this backdrop, any claims regarding the so-called “Operation Mahadev” do not hold any significance for us. The account given by the Indian Home Minister is replete with fabrications, leading to serious questions about its credibility. Is it a mere coincidence that the alleged perpetrators of the Pahalgam Attack were killed at the start of the Lok Sabha debate?” the Spokesperson said.
“We also reiterate our unequivocal rejection of the ceaseless Indian statements on establishing a “new normal” in bilateral relations. As we have already shown through our resolute actions in May 2025, we shall forcefully counter any future aggression. For us, the only “normal” in bilateral relations is respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and adherence to the principles and purposes of the U.N. Charter,” the statement said.
“The Indian narrative of an alleged “nuclear blackmail” by Pakistan is a misleading and self-serving construct, and an attempt to veil its own escalatory impulses while shifting blame onto Pakistan. It is well known that Pakistan deterred India through its conventional capabilities, affirming that discipline and restraint remain its guiding principles,” the statement added.
“We also wish to register our disapproval of the Indian leaders’ misplaced assertions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. India’s decision to hold the Treaty in abeyance shows its blatant disregard for the sanctity of international treaties, and strikes at a fundamental pillar of regional cooperation. Instead of taking pride in a unilateral and illegal move, India must immediately fulfil its Treaty obligations,” the spokesperson said.
“India’s continued reliance on disinformation, jingoism, and chest-thumping risks destabilising South Asia. However, as a responsible country, Pakistan remains committed to peace, regional stability, and a meaningful dialogue for resolution of all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir,” the statement said.
Pakistan has rejected Indian claims made during the Lok Sabha debate on “Operation Sindoor,” calling them baseless and provocative. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson condemned India on Wednesday for distorting facts, justifying aggression, and using conflict for domestic political gain.
According to FO spokesperson, India’s actions are a continuation of its tendency to fabricate allegations without credible evidence. Pakistan categorically rejected the notion of “Operation Sindoor,” which Indian leaders described as a military success targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan.
Read: Field Marshal reaffirms commitment to eliminating terrorism, uplifting Balochistan
The spokesperson reminded the world that India’s attack on Pakistan during the night of May 6-7 resulted in the martyrdom of innocent civilians, including men, women, and children. “India failed to achieve any of its strategic objectives,” the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan’s counteraction in neutralising Indian fighter jets and military targets remains an undisputed fact.
Statement by the Spokesperson in Response to Media Queries Pertaining to the Debate in the Indian Parliament on the Operation Sindoor.
Responding to media queries concerning the debate in the Indian Parliament on the so-called “Operation Sindoor”, the Spokesperson said:… pic.twitter.com/IJcWmzuBfN
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 30, 2025
Pakistan also criticised India’s refusal to engage in a transparent, independent probe into the Pahalgam attack, despite an offer made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan to investigate the matter. Instead of accepting the offer for an impartial investigation, India chose to escalate tensions and act unilaterally. “India acted as a judge, jury, and executioner at the same time,” the spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson further dismissed India’s claims about the so-called “Operation Mahadev,” calling it a fabricated narrative. The statement by India’s Home Minister was described as unreliable, raising serious doubts about its credibility. Pakistan pointed out that the alleged perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack were reportedly killed just before the Lok Sabha debate began, questioning the timing and validity of the Indian version of events.
Read more: Rahul slams Modi over Operation Sindoor spin
Pakistan also strongly rejected India’s continued insistence on establishing a “new normal” in bilateral relations. “For us, the only ‘normal’ in bilateral relations is respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and adherence to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter,” the spokesperson said. Pakistan has made it clear that any future aggression will be met with force, as evidenced by its decisive actions in May 2025.
Pakistan also reiterated its rejection of India’s accusations regarding “nuclear blackmail,” calling such claims misleading. “India’s narrative is a self-serving attempt to shift blame onto Pakistan and divert attention from its own escalatory actions,” the spokesperson stated. Pakistan affirmed that it uses its conventional capabilities to deter aggression, not to escalate conflict.
In addition to the military claims, Pakistan registered its disapproval of India’s unilateral actions concerning the Indus Waters Treaty. The spokesperson condemned India’s decision to hold the treaty in abeyance, arguing that such a move shows a blatant disregard for international treaties and undermines regional cooperation. “India must immediately fulfil its treaty obligations instead of celebrating illegal and unilateral actions,” the spokesperson said.
The statement concluded by warning that India’s reliance on disinformation and aggressive rhetoric risks destabilising South Asia. However, Pakistan remains committed to peace, regional stability, and meaningful dialogue aimed at resolving all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir.
Also read: Pakistan makes peace overture to India
The recent conflict between Pakistan and India marked a major military escalation between the two nuclear powers. Tension between Pakistan and India increased after the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 tourists.
In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day on April 23, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. India and Pakistan subsequently reduced diplomatic staff at their respective embassies in the other’s countries.
Pakistan strongly rejected the accusation, calling it unsubstantiated, but took reciprocal measures through its National Security Committee (NSC). These included halting trade with India, closing Pakistani airspace to Indian aircraft, and other countersteps.
On the night of May 7, the Indian Air Force launched an unprovoked attack on civilian targets in Pakistan. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) immediately retaliated and shot down at least six IAF jets, including three French-built Rafales.
Escalating further, on the night of 9–10 May, India launched another round of strikes against Pakistan, but this time targeted military sites and airbases.
In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, striking back at Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases and other strategic targets. The early morning strikes came as a shock for the Indian military leadership, who had underestimated Pakistan’s response to their unprovoked attacks.
As the conflict spiralled, US President Donald Trump announced on May 10 that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts overnight. The two sides gradually reduced troop numbers from the international border in the following weeks.
ISLAMABAD, July 30 (Xinhua) — Pakistan’s export of goods and services to Afghanistan witnessed an increase of 38.68 percent in fiscal year 2025, which runs from July 2024 to June 2025, compared to the same period of the last fiscal year, officials from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Wednesday.
The overall exports to Afghanistan were recorded at 773.89 million U.S. dollars in fiscal year 2025, up from 558.03 million dollars in fiscal year 2024, the SBP officials said.
On a year-on-year basis, the exports to Afghanistan went up by 8.24 percent from 46.41 million dollars in June 2024 to 50.23 million dollars in June 2025.
Meanwhile, the imports from Afghanistan into Pakistan in fiscal year 2025 were recorded at 25.90 million dollars, compared to 11.96 million dollars in fiscal year 2024. ■
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has reiterated his commitment to eliminating terrorism and its facilitators in the region, stressing that security forces are the guests of the nation and must be protected from harm, any attack on them will be met with a strong response.
“Our forces are our guests, and we will never tolerate any harm coming to them. Our ancestors taught us to protect our guests, and our security forces have given their lives for the country,” he said in a video message following an Apex Committee meeting on Wednesday.
CM Gandapur called for a united effort from the government, military, institutions, and the public to restore peace, highlighting that terrorism remains the largest obstacle to peace in the province.
“The founder of PTI and our vision was to uplift the areas that have been deprived of development. For development, peace is essential, but unfortunately, peace has not been achieved here,” he added.
“The enemy countries of Pakistan never want peace here,” Gandapur said, adding, “The roots of terrorism in Pakistan are linked to these hostile nations, and we must fight terrorism together.”
He emphasised the importance of exposing individuals attempting to create mistrust between the public, government, and security forces. “When the public is not with us, this war cannot be won. The people’s support is crucial,” he added.
Gandapur further underscored the need to identify and eliminate facilitators of terrorists. “Facilitating terrorists is neither in our religion nor allowed by law,” he stated.
“Terrorists hide among populations, and when they target forces, they also put civilians at risk. We cannot allow terrorists to remain in these areas,” the CM added.
The CM further announced that jirgas would begin from August 2 to engage local communities in efforts to eliminate terrorism, aiming to avoid military operations that may cause displacement. He assured that every effort would be made to protect civilians during anti-terrorism actions.
Gandapur also addressed concerns about the province’s mineral resources, asserting, “These resources belong to the province. No one has requested control over them, and we will not allow anyone to take control.”
He concluded by calling on the people of K-P to recognise those spreading harmful narratives and emphasised the need for unity in the fight against terrorism. “We will win this war together if we stand united,” he affirmed.
Earlier, an emergency meeting on the law and order situation was held under the chairmanship of the chief minister. The meeting was attended by members of the PTI parliamentary party, the chief secretary, the inspector general of police, the additional chief secretary, and other relevant officials.
During the meeting, the law and order situation was reviewed in light of the Bajaur incident, and the chief minister was briefed by relevant authorities on the latest developments.
Following the meeting, CM Gandapur issued a video statement, stating that the provincial government stands by the decisions made during the recent All Parties Conference on peace and security. He said the government is preparing for the implementation of those decisions.
Calling the Bajaur incident a tragic event, he said that military operations against terrorism are causing civilian casualties, which negatively impact public trust. “These kinds of incidents are eroding public trust in the army, and without public confidence, we cannot win the war against terrorism,” he said.
The chief minister said that the security personnel martyred in the war on terror are “our children too” and are as dear as the civilians of the province. He said flawed policies are preventing proper recognition of these sacrifices and called for a revision of such policies.
He had said a schedule for holding jirgas in the merged districts had been issued. Local-level jirgas will be held over the next ten days, followed by a grand jirga. Consultations with local elders, elected representatives, and stakeholders will help formulate a future course of action and narrative.
Gandapur said that the recommendations from the jirgas would be presented before security officials for a possible review of current policy. He reiterated that the fight against terrorism must be based on public trust.
He also expressed reservations regarding the use of ‘Action in Aid of Civil Power’ and said an assembly session has been called from August 1 to debate this issue, among others, and determine whether it is serving its intended purpose.
“Our clear message is that we stand with the people and will go to every length for them,” the chief minister said, adding, “This is our province, our land. Wrong decisions should not be imposed on us without consultation.”
He assured the public that Imran Khan’s party, its workers, and the provincial government stand with them. “We will not rest until their problems are resolved,” he added.
Gandapur further said he had instructed all deputy commissioners not to impose curfew or Section 144 without prior approval from the Home Department.
A meeting chaired by the chief minister was also held on the law and order situation in Bajaur. Condolences and sympathies were expressed for the families of civilians and security personnel martyred in the incident.
The chief minister announced Rs10 million in compensation for the families of each martyred civilian and security official, and Rs2.5 million each for the injured civilians and security personnel.
Pakistan has rejected the Indian home minister’s remarks linking militants killed in Kashmir to the country, calling them “fabrications,” as tensions between the South Asian rivals remain high.
“The account given by the Indian Home Minister is replete with fabrications, leading to serious questions about its credibility,” Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The remark is in response to Amit Shah’s address in India’s lower house of Parliament on Tuesday, where he said security forces had killed the militants behind April’s deadly Kashmir attacks and recovered evidence, including voter IDs, linking them to Pakistan.
