Pakistan TV Satellite

ISLAMABAD: Prominent Chinese scholar Professor Vitor Gao has underscored the pivotal role that Pakistan is playing in de-escalating ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. In an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV, Professor Victor Gao of Soochow University praised Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic efforts, describing them as &ldquo;constructive and positive&rdquo; in working towards ending what he termed a war of aggression against Iran. He noted that Pakistan remains among a limited number of countries capable of engaging all sides and facilitating dialogue during a highly volatile period. Professor Gao emphasised that from China&rsquo;s perspective, the continuation or escalation of the conflict could trigger far-reaching consequences, including an energy crisis, economic instability, and a potential global financial downturn. He warned that failure to halt hostilities could have repercussions not only for the region but for the entire world. Referring to recent engagements between Pakistan and China, including discussions between their foreign ministers, he said both countries share a common position advocating cessation of hostilities, adherence to the United Nations Charter, and a return to peaceful negotiations. Highlighting Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic standing, the Chinese scholar remarked that successful mediation by Islamabad could elevate its status as a key global peace actor. &ldquo;If Pakistan succeeds in bringing the parties to the negotiating table, it will be recognised [for] playing a critical role in defending international peace,&rdquo; he stated. The scholar also pointed to the importance of careful diplomacy in managing differing interests, adding that global stability depends on rational decision-making by all parties.

The Newsroom

Professor Victor Gao highlights Islamabad’s growing diplomatic significance and urges trust-building to avert global crisis and potentially becoming a key international peace actor through successful mediation.

Pakistan’s role in de-escalating Iran conflict crucial: Chinese Scholar

ISLAMABAD: Former Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White has described Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&rsquo;s offer to facilitate talks as a &ldquo;very smart&rdquo; and strategic move. Speaking in Pakistan TV&rsquo;s programme Newsroom with Sana Maqbool, Dana W. White said the offer underscores Pakistan&rsquo;s constructive role in advancing diplomatic engagement and helping de-escalate tensions. White said the initiative demonstrated foresight on Islamabad&rsquo;s part, adding that President Trump&rsquo;s public acknowledgement of the offer reflected &ldquo;a great deal of respect&rdquo; for Pakistan. The former Pentagon spokesperson said the development could positively shape bilateral ties, particularly at a time when Trump has voiced dissatisfaction with NATO, Great Britain, and Europe, making new and willing partners more significant. She further said the move aligned with Trump&rsquo;s stated desire to end bloodshed quickly, arguing that he requires partners ready to help resolve the crisis.&nbsp; According to White, Pakistan is well positioned to assist in these conversations and could play a meaningful role in moving diplomatic efforts forward. Dana W. White said Washington believes there is still a possibility of a deal with Tehran, but warned that President Trump &ldquo;is not going to wait forever&rdquo;, pointing to ongoing backchannel communications despite what she described as public &ldquo;bluster&rdquo; from Iran.&nbsp; She said the United States&rsquo; objective remains unchanged, which was dismantling Iran&rsquo;s nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile capabilities.&nbsp; The former Pentagon spokesperson said while US military operations have degraded Iran&rsquo;s missiles and drones, attention is now shifting to diplomacy and identifying credible interlocutors.&nbsp; She said Washington and its allies may look beyond ideological leadership toward mid-level military figures and other actors willing to engage. She also emphasized that regional players, including Gulf states and potentially Pakistan, could help shape post-conflict dynamics, while Iran may seek an &ldquo;exit ramp&rdquo; that allows it to save face.&nbsp; White said Trump is pursuing a dual-track approach of pressure and diplomacy, insisting that Tehran must eventually come to the negotiating table or face further consequences.

Former Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said PM Sharif offer to help talks is smart. It improves Pakistan’s image, gains Trump’s respect, and could help reduce US-Iran tensions through diplomacy and pressure.

PM Sharif’s offer to facilitate talks a ‘very smart’, strategic move: ex-Pentagon official

ISLAMABAD: Former Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Dr Ali Awadh Asseri has hoped that consultations between the leadership of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would yield positive results not only for the two countries but also for the wider region. Speaking on Pakistan TV&rsquo;s programme The Newsroom, Dr Asseri, while referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&rsquo;s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, said the engagement was particularly significant given the challenging situation in the region.&nbsp; He expressed optimism that high-level engagement between their leadership would contribute to regional peace and stability. The former envoy said relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia remained unique, profound and durable.&nbsp; &ldquo;I have no illusion whatsoever that the visit of the prime minister and the consultation between the two leaderships will achieve good, hopefully peace and tranquility for both nations to begin with and for the whole region,&rdquo; he said. Dr Asseri said Pakistan-Saudi relations had deep historical roots and continued to grow stronger with successive governments in both countries.&nbsp; &ldquo;The unique thing about this relationship is that it is a people-to-people relationship, and that is what makes it special,&rdquo; he said, adding that while leaders may change, the relationship continues to be reinforced by new leadership in both countries. Highlighting the scope of cooperation between the two countries, Dr Asseri said the relationship encompassed economic and military cooperation, including a defence pact.&nbsp; He also pointed to the presence of around 2.5 million Pakistanis living and working in Saudi Arabia as a key pillar of bilateral ties. The former ambassador also stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.&nbsp; He said Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries had supported dialogue between the United States and Iran, facilitated by Oman&rsquo;s foreign minister, in the hope that it would yield positive results. He said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other GCC states were keen to see tensions reduced as the conflict served neither the Islamic world&rsquo;s interests nor the global economy, particularly amid disruptions to global oil supplies and rising prices.

Former Saudi ambassador Dr Ali Awadh Asseri said Pakistan-Saudi leadership consultations, including Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, could strengthen bilateral ties, reduce regional tensions, and promote peace, stability, dialogue, and cooperation.

Consultations between Pakistan, Saudi leaderships to yield positive results for wider region: former envoy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has successfully evacuated thousands of its citizens from Iran amid escalating tensions, said Muhammad Mudassir Tipu, Pakistan&rsquo;s Ambassador to Iran. In an exclusive interview on the Pakistan TV programme The Newsroom, Ambassador Tipu said that Pakistan has approximately 35,000 nationals living across Iran, with a significant number concentrated in the Sistan-Balochistan province near the Pakistan border, as well as in major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Hamadan, Qom and Karaj.&nbsp; He said a large portion of the population includes students, businessmen, pilgrims and individuals on short-term visits. &ldquo;Since the outbreak of hostilities, we have evacuated about 2,000 Pakistanis through government-coordinated efforts, while another 2,000&ndash;3,000 returned independently with our assistance,&rdquo; Tipu said, adding that over the past weeks the Pakistan embassy has been in constant contact with its citizens, guiding and sensitising them to the evolving situation. The ambassador highlighted the embassy&rsquo;s 24/7 operational centre, which coordinated evacuations by collecting citizen information, arranging buses, and guiding individuals to Pakistan&rsquo;s border at Taftan, adding that other routes, such as the Azerbaijan border, were also used to facilitate safe passage. Special attention was given to Pakistani students, including those at Tehran Medical University and other educational institutions.&nbsp; Tipu noted that Pakistani nationals in remote areas, including ports such as Bandar Abbas, were also assisted directly by embassy staff to ensure safe transport back to Pakistan. &ldquo;Citizens must be aware of working banking centres, ATM availability, and medicine supplies.&nbsp; Due to intermittent disruptions of Wi-Fi and navigation systems, we advised downloading Iranian navigation apps to ease travel within the country,&rdquo; he stressed. He urged Pakistani citizens still in Iran to contact the embassy via Twitter, Instagram, or official Foreign Ministry channels, which remain operational despite high call volumes.&nbsp; &ldquo;When the conflict began, we were receiving 400&ndash;500 calls daily, including messages from families in Pakistan seeking updates from their children,&rdquo; Tipu said.

In an exclusive interview on the Pakistan TV programme The Newsroom, Ambassador Tipu said that Pakistan has approximately 35,000 nationals living across Iran, with a significant number concentrated in the Sistan-Balochistan province near the Pakistan border, as well as in major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Hamadan, Qom and Karaj. 

Pakistan evacuates about 2,000 nationals amid rising tensions in Iran: Envoy

ISLAMABAD: Christoph Hoerstel, Federal Chairman of The German Center, has praised Pakistan&rsquo;s potential role in mediating the US-Iran dialogue, describing it as a &ldquo;wonderful opportunity&rdquo; for the country to demonstrate its diplomatic capabilities. He made these remarks during a Pakistan TV programme, Beyond Borders.&nbsp;Hoerstel recalled that Pakistan, some 30 years ago, was mentioned on the main page of China&rsquo;s Ministry for Foreign Affairs as the only friend China had at that time. &ldquo;Pakistan has very good working relationship with Western countries, we can see very clearly that this was a fantastic idea for Pakistan to enter into this reality.&nbsp; It is a very important one, it is a strategic one. In fact, from my point of view, that was a glorious idea. I think Pakistan has the very best ability to carry this plan out,&rdquo; he said. Hoerstel referred to Oman&rsquo;s previous attempt to mediate between the US and Israel, saying that while Oman was &ldquo;very honestly constructive,&rdquo; it was impossible to bridge the huge gap between the positions of the two sides.&nbsp;&ldquo;Positions of Iran and the US are so far away&mdash;it&rsquo;s not a gap, that&rsquo;s an abyss. Any mediator has of course a lot of structural and procedural adventures to master, and I do think Pakistan, with its history and vicinity to Afghanistan, and experience from the Soviet occupation, is very experienced in difficult points,&rdquo; he added. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2038694826611188201&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=f69895b0fec36c90303c807c08ee1bc7c8b8ddb2&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 649px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2038694826611188201"></iframe></div></div>&nbsp;On the quadrilateral framework of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt, Hoerstel described it as &ldquo;a strong block, not just symbolic.&rdquo; &ldquo;Saudi Arabia is the leading power of the Muslim world. Turkiye is a NATO member and a bridge with Iran. Egypt is essential for issues like Palestine. These four countries are forwarding their own foreign policy issues, and they will set a clear example of joint policy towards peace under the host country, Pakistan,&rdquo; he said. Hoerstel said he expects a &ldquo;very clear, very clear-cut type of action towards peace&rdquo; under Pakistan&rsquo;s leadership. &ldquo;This is to my understanding right now not symbolic. It&rsquo;s real practical policy and it can achieve goals,&rdquo; Hoerstel added.

Beyond Borders

Christoph Hoerstel praised Pakistan’s potential role in mediating between the US and Iran, citing its experience and location, and highlighted its key role with Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt in promoting practical peace efforts.

Pakistan well-equipped to mediate US-Iran talks: German analyst

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister&rsquo;s Focal Person for Polio Eradication and Chairperson of the National Commission for the Rights of the Child Ayesha Raza Farooq has urged parents and caregivers to cooperate fully with vaccination teams as Pakistan prepares to launch its first nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2026 from February 2 to close final immunity gaps and push towards zero transmission. Speaking on Pakistan TV&rsquo;s programme Beyond Borders, Ayesha Raza Farooq appealed to families to ensure that every child under five receives polio drops during each campaign, calling on communities and the media to help Pakistan finally cross the finish line toward permanent polio eradication. Prime Minister&rsquo;s Focal Person for Polio Eradication expressed optimism that 2026 could become Pakistan&rsquo;s breakthrough year against the disease, provided campaign quality, political ownership and community cooperation remain strong. &ldquo;The February campaign will target more than 45 million children under the age of five across the country. Over 400,000 frontline workers, accompanied by supervisors and area in-charges, will conduct door-to-door vaccination, administering two drops of the polio vaccine to every eligible child,&rdquo; she added. The PM&rsquo;s aide said the programme had refocused on core operational basics, including selecting vaccinators from local communities, strengthening their training and interpersonal communication skills, and improving supportive supervision to ensure effective engagement with caregivers at the household level. Ayesha Raza Farooq explained that campaign quality will be monitored more rigorously this year through independent monitoring, digital tracking systems and daily district-level reviews led by deputy commissioners, allowing for real-time corrective action whenever gaps are identified.&nbsp; She said the emphasis has shifted from post-campaign evaluation to pre-campaign preparedness and intra-campaign monitoring, enabling the programme to respond immediately rather than retrospectively. &ldquo;Polio cases have declined significantly, falling from 74 in 2024 to 31 in 2025, with the virus now confined to limited geographical pockets. The 2026 roadmap therefore focuses on high-risk areas, including parts of South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi and mobile populations, while major urban centres such as Lahore have shown marked improvement,&rdquo; he added. Referring to disease detection, she said Pakistan operates one of the world&rsquo;s largest and most sensitive polio surveillance systems.&nbsp; &ldquo;We have 127 environmental sampling sites in 88 districts across the country where we&rsquo;re collecting sewage samples throughout the month to see if we detect any virus there. Now why is that critical? Because that helps the programme stay ahead of the virus and we are able to see what paths the virus is taking across the country. It helps us identify high-risk districts,&rdquo; she added. Ayesha Raza Farooq underscored the importance of political ownership, noting that the prime minister personally chairs the National Polio Task Force and conducts regular stock-taking meetings. She said this high-level oversight has resulted in faster decision-making, stronger accountability at provincial and district levels, and sustained focus across political and administrative structures.&nbsp; According to her, the prime minister&rsquo;s direct engagement sends a clear message that polio eradication is a shared national responsibility. She also emphasised the critical role of coordination with Afghanistan, explaining that Pakistan and Afghanistan constitute a single epidemiological block for polio.&nbsp; PM&rsquo;s focal person said both countries regularly synchronize vaccination campaigns, share virus genetic sequencing data and conduct special drives in border areas to reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.&nbsp; Ayesha Raza Farooq said nearly 60 percent of Pakistan&rsquo;s polio workforce comprises women, many of whom work in conservative, remote and at times insecure environments.&nbsp; She said empowering women vaccinators is essential not only for equity but also for programme effectiveness, as female workers are often the only ones able to access households and build trust with mothers and caregivers.

Speaking on Pakistan TV’s programme Beyond Borders, Ayesha Raza Farooq appealed to families to ensure that every child under five receives polio drops during each campaign, calling on communities and the media to help Pakistan finally cross the finish line toward permanent polio eradication.

Government seeks parents' support for Feb 2 polio drive

ISLAMABAD: Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), has said transformative change, effective plan and smart use of technology can still pull the world back from a looming water crisis, but only if governments act now. He was speaking in Pakistan TV&rsquo;s show &lsquo;Beyond Borders&rsquo; where he discussed the latest United Nations report on global water bankruptcy of which he is the lead author.Madani said technology alone cannot solve the crisis. &ldquo;Without proper policies, technology would fail. Without technology, policies would not be sufficient to deal with the problems or to address the problems that the world in the 21st century is dealing with,&rdquo; he said. Professor Madani said the era of treating water stress as a temporary challenge is over, and called on governments to adopt decisive and coordinated solutions. &ldquo;It is better to admit to the failure rather than to live with the delusion,&rdquo; he said, adding that it needs to be taken &ldquo;seriously not only by the policymakers, but also by scientists and the media in communications with the general public&rdquo;. He said water scarcity is no longer a future risk but a present-day disruption already affecting food systems, trade networks and national stability across regions. He said water shortages, aquifer depletion and climate shocks are compounding global pressures created by conflicts, trade wars and fragile supply chains. He said countries heavily dependent on agriculture face the most complex trade-offs as water cuts threaten both food production and employment. &ldquo;It&#39;s not an easy problem, given the fact that 70% of the world&#39;s water is in the good hands of farmers, mostly in poor economies, mostly in the global south, where governments do not have the power or capacity to diversify their economies overnight and provide alternative modes of livelihood for the farmers,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If you don&#39;t act today, the only choice would be rationing,&rdquo; Madani said, warning that cutting water without providing alternatives to farmers means unemployment, migration and conflict. Therefore, he added, a lot of measures need to be combined to act on a timely basis before it is late. Professor Kaveh Madani said efficiency-enhancing technologies, selective supply expansion, consumption reduction and data-driven management must work together, adding that tools such as satellite monitoring and artificial intelligence can improve trust and decision-making. He also urged governments to elevate water to the level of national security, particularly in countries like Pakistan that experience both floods and droughts.

Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), has said that transformative change, an effective plan, and smart use of technology can still pull the world back from a looming water crisis, but only if governments act now.

Effective plan, smart use of technology can pull world back from water crisis: UN expert

ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh&rsquo;s interim government has asserted its full preparedness for the upcoming national elections, even as questions over India&rsquo;s role and regional diplomacy dominate public debate ahead of the high-stakes polls. Speaking exclusively to Pakistan TV, Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, said the administration has taken extensive measures to ensure elections are free, fair, peaceful, and credible. Nearly one million security personnel will be deployed nationwide, vulnerable polling stations have been identified, and around 90 percent of voting centres are now connected to a digital monitoring app to ensure transparency. Alam expressed confidence that high voter turnout would reflect growing public trust in the interim setup. On Indian interference, Alam pushed back strongly, accusing sections of Indian media of spreading misinformation. He emphasized that the interim government has no political affiliations and is solely focused on conducting neutral elections, contrasting the process with polls held during former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina&rsquo;s tenure, which he described as deeply flawed and restrictive. According to Alam, international scrutiny and public expectations have made electoral credibility a top priority for Dhaka. On Bangladesh-India relations, Alam stressed the need for ties based on mutual respect and equity. He said Bangladesh seeks balanced foreign relations while expanding trade, enhancing regional connectivity, and reviving South Asian cooperation under SAARC. Alam also highlighted warming Bangladesh-Pakistan ties, noting a significant rise in bilateral trade and the expected resumption of direct flights, which he said could further boost people-to-people contact and economic cooperation.

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, said the administration has taken extensive measures to ensure elections are free, fair, peaceful, and credible.

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, speaks exclusively to Pakistan TV on elections and regional cooperation.

Bangladesh’s interim government promises credible polls amid regional diplomacy focus

Pakistan TV

ISLAMABAD: Kazakh ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin says Kazakhstan is keen to expand cooperation with Pakistan across trade, education and tourism sectors, stressing that stronger collaboration between the two countries&rsquo; media communities can play a decisive role in achieving these goals.&nbsp; He shared these remarks in an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV. The ambassador underlined that media platforms are often underestimated but have the power to shape national conversations and public perceptions at scale. He said closer ties between media organizations, journalists, and broadcasters of both countries can help introduce new opportunities to wider audiences, encourage tourism flows, and build academic and cultural linkages. Referring to the recent visit of President of Kazakhstan &nbsp;to Pakistan, Kistafin noted that the Kazakh leader was accompanied by the largest-ever delegation to visit the country, including a 50-member media team from state and private outlets. He said the extensive coverage that followed made Pakistan a central topic across Kazakh TV channels, newspapers, and radio, with widespread discussion on investment and partnership prospects. He said that sustained media engagement and content exchange can further deepen bilateral understanding and ensure that cooperation in commerce, education and tourism is supported by strong public awareness in both nations.

World This Morning

Kazakh ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin says Kazakhstan is keen to expand cooperation with Pakistan across trade, education and tourism sectors, stressing that stronger collaboration between the two countries’ media communities can play a decisive role in achieving these goals. 

Kazakhstan Seeks Broader Partnership with Pakistan in Trade, Education and Tourism: Kazakh Envoy

Islamabad: The award ceremony is one of the most emotional moments of my life,&rdquo; said Pakistan-origin Ali Akbar, his voice heavy with emotion, as he reflected on a remarkable half-century journey of selling newspapers on the streets of Paris, a humble livelihood that ultimately earned him the respect and admiration of an entire nation. Speaking exclusively to Pakistan TV, in its morning show, World This Morning, Akbar said he felt &ldquo;truly honored and deeply grateful,&rdquo; and calling the moment unforgettable. Akbar is Known as Paris&rsquo; last newspaper hawker, has now been awarded the National Order of Merit, one of France&rsquo;s highest civilian honours, personally conferred by President Emmanuel Macron. His story is not just about migration or survival, but about dignity, service, and unwavering faith. Surrounded by his children, grandchildren, wife, and extended family, he said being recognized by the French President felt like a lifetime of honest labor finally being acknowledged. Akbar traced his journey back to Rawalpindi, where poverty forced him to work from a very young age. As a child, he polished shoes, sold popcorn, and worked in wealthy households to support his family. Living without clean drinking water, he made a promise to himself to one day build a better home for his mother, a dream that became the driving force behind his decision to leave Pakistan before the age of eighteen. His path to France was long and uncertain, taking him through several countries before he eventually settled in Paris. There, life remained challenging. Selling newspapers in extreme weather, Ali&nbsp;Akbar became a familiar and respected face in the Latin Quarter, interacting daily with intellectuals, writers, politicians, and students including a young Emmanuel Macron. Despite never attending formal school in France, he learned the language through daily interactions and observation. Ali Akbar said that faith, honesty, and service to people kept him going. His message to Pakistan&rsquo;s youth is clear: stay consistent, work hard, remain honest, and serve others &mdash; because true recognition comes to those who never stop striving.

Ali Akbar said that faith, honesty, and service to people kept him going. 

Paris’ last newspaper hawker knighted: Ali Akbar’s remarkable journey from Rawalpindi to French honor

ISLAMABAD: Palestinian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Zuhair Mohammad Hamadallah Zaid has said the Palestinians want a permanent ceasefire that will save lives and allow unhindered aid into Gaza.&nbsp; Speaking in Pakistan TV&rsquo;s show &lsquo;World This Morning&rsquo;, Dr Zaid said the Palestinians seek lasting solution, recognition of their inalienable rights, as affirmed in UN resolutions, and the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. The Palestinian representative praised Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;unwavering and unshakable&rdquo; support, saying the country consistently stands at the forefront in defending Palestinian rights.&nbsp; He expressed deep appreciation for the backing shown by the Pakistani government, prime minister, the army and people. He highlighted the recent statement delivered by Pakistan&rsquo;s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Asim Iftikhar, describing his speech as &ldquo;clear and honest&rdquo; and fully aligned with the Palestinian position.&nbsp; Palestinian ambassador Zaid said the 20-point plan linked to US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s proposal, which was adopted by the UN Security Council, outlined a three-phase process. He said the success of the plan hinges on the states acting as guarantors for both sides, adding that the Palestinians have the full backing of Arab and Muslim countries and expressed complete trust in them.&nbsp; He said a stabilization force will be responsible for maintaining peace and ensuring Israel does not violate the agreement, while the United States will serve as the guarantor for Israel.&nbsp; He stressed that effective monitoring by the stabilization force, along with guarantees from Arab and Muslim states for the Palestinians and from Washington for Israel, is essential for the plan&rsquo;s implementation. He said Arab and Muslim states, along with a stabilization force, will monitor the ceasefire and report to a newly formed Peace Board, to be chaired by the United States.&nbsp; The envoy stressed that the immediate priority is ending the war, and the current plan presents an opportunity to stop the fighting.&nbsp; Under the proposal, a two-year transitional period would conclude with the Palestinian Authority taking responsibility in Gaza, ultimately leading toward a two-state solution. Without this, he warned, the region risks returning to instability and chaos

Palestinian Ambassador Dr. Zaid urged a permanent Gaza ceasefire, praised Pakistan’s strong support, and emphasized a UN-backed plan.

Palestinians want permanent ceasefire, unhindered aid into Gaza: envoy

ISLAMABAD: Poland is seeking to significantly expand trade, defence cooperation, and technological partnership with Pakistan as bilateral relations enter a new phase, said the Polish Ambassador to Pakistan Maciej Pisarski. In an exclusive interview with Pakistan Television, Ambassador Pisarski described the recent visit of Poland&rsquo;s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski as a &ldquo;major step forward,&rdquo; noting that both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in mining, fintech, water management, agriculture, and defence technologies. He highlighted that bilateral trade has crossed US$1 billion, though both countries have far greater potential. He emphasized Poland&rsquo;s interest in increasing its commercial footprint in Pakistan, especially as Polish energy giant Orlen has already invested over US$500 million in the country&rsquo;s gas sector. On defence ties, Pisarski recalled Poland&rsquo;s historic role in supporting the formation of the Pakistan Air Force and expressed readiness to enhance cooperation in aviation, training, and defence technology. He also underscored opportunities for collaboration in fintech, praising Pakistan&rsquo;s young digital workforce and calling it a powerful complement to Poland&rsquo;s fast-growing digital innovation ecosystem. Highlighting educational and cultural bonds, the ambassador noted the rising number of Pakistani students in Poland and the longstanding humanitarian and historical links between the two nations. Pisarski concluded by saying Poland and Pakistan &ldquo;share values, history and aspirations&rdquo; and can jointly pursue a more stable and prosperous future.

Recalls Poland’s historic role in supporting formation of Pakistan Air Force, expresses readiness to enhance cooperation in aviation, training, and defence technology.






Poland looks to boost trade, defence ties with Pakistan: Ambassador Maciej Pisarski

ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has warned that Pakistan will act again if attacks originating from Afghan soil continue, saying the country has no choice but to defend itself if Afghan Taliban fails to take action against terrorist groups. &ldquo;We have told the Afghan government if again in future something will happen and if we have intelligence reports that these are their hideouts, we will strike again,&rdquo; Governor Kundi said while speaking on Pakistan TV&rsquo;s programme &lsquo;Experts Corner&rsquo;. He said Islamabad has repeatedly asked Afghan authorities to ensure their territory is not used for attacks against Pakistan, adding that terrorist organisations, including the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and al-Qaeda, continue to operate from across the border and launch attacks inside Pakistan. Kundi said Pakistan has presented evidence at international forums showing that Afghan territory is being used against it, but Afghanistan has failed to take effective action. Referring to recent cross-border strikes, he said Pakistan responded after attacks in Bajaur and Bannu, maintaining that intelligence-based operations targeted militant hideouts. He described the operations as successful and reiterated that similar measures would be taken if cross-border attacks persist. &ldquo;If one government is not taking any action then Pakistan has to take action,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; The governor said Pakistan has been fighting terrorism for more than two decades, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He identified the TTP as a major threat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and blamed the Balochistan Liberation Army for violence in Balochistan. Kundi expressed full support for the military, police and Frontier Corps, praising their coordination and sacrifices in efforts to restore peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also criticized a previous policy that allowed terrorists to return to Pakistan, saying it reversed gains achieved during operations between 2008 and 2013 in Swat and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).&nbsp; He argued that many terrorists regrouped and rearmed, benefiting from weapons left behind after the withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan. On the merged districts, he said promised development funds had not been fully delivered or effectively utilized, contributing to unrest.&nbsp; He stressed the need for sustained investment in infrastructure, education and policing to ensure long-term stability in the region.

The Experts Corner

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi warned Pakistan will act against cross-border attacks from Afghanistan if Afghan Taliban fails to curb TTP and al-Qaeda, emphasizing security, development, and long-term stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Pakistan to act again if attacks from Afghan soil continue: Kundi

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Finance, Revenue and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani said on Thursday that, following the successful privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the next phase would focus on electricity distribution companies, including IESCO, GEPCO, and FESCO, as the government remains firmly committed to sustainable and inclusive growth.&nbsp;Speaking in an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV, Kayani described the successful privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as a landmark achievement after decades of failed attempts, saying it would reduce the burden of loss-making state-owned enterprises on the national exchequer and help transform PIA into a profitable, world-class airline.&nbsp;&ldquo;The momentum created by the PIA deal will help generate greater investor and advisory interest going forward for the privatization program,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;&ldquo;The next phase of privatisation is focused on electricity distribution companies, including IESCO, GEPCO and FESCO,&rdquo; Kayani added.&nbsp;The minister said Pakistan&rsquo;s economy has undergone a significant turnaround over the past two years, shifting from crisis management to macroeconomic stabilisation.&nbsp;He added that the government assumed office in February 2024, at a time when inflation was hovering between 20 and 25 percent and Pakistan had just entered a new IMF programme.&nbsp;&ldquo;Today, less than two years on, we have not only successfully completed IMF reviews but also restored economic confidence,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;The minister highlighted key achievements, including an increase in the tax-to-GDP ratio from 8.8 percent to 10.2 percent within a year, a notable rise in foreign exchange reserves, and a significant jump in workers&rsquo; remittances. &ldquo;Pakistan&rsquo;s improving outlook has been recognised globally, with all three major rating agencies, Standard &amp; Poor&rsquo;s, Moody&rsquo;s and Fitch, upgrading the country&rsquo;s ratings outlook,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;Kayani credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&rsquo;s direct oversight of reforms at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for improved tax collection.&nbsp;&ldquo;Initiatives such as Faceless Customs, digitisation of tax systems, and enforcement measures have reduced leakages and enhanced efficiency, earning recognition from the IMF, which showcased Pakistan&rsquo;s reforms as a case study during its annual meetings.&rdquo;&nbsp;Looking ahead, Kayani said the government&rsquo;s priority is shifting from stabilisation to quality GDP growth driven by exports and private-sector investment. He stressed the importance of inclusive growth that benefits lower-income groups and expands employment opportunities.&nbsp;&ldquo;To this end, the government is engaging closely with the private sector through working groups and policy consultations,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;He also pointed to record-breaking performance at the Pakistan Stock Exchange as a reflection of growing investor confidence, while acknowledging it as one of several indicators of economic health. Additionally, Kayani praised the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for improving ease of doing business by providing a one-window platform for domestic and foreign investors.&nbsp;The minister said reduced inflation, lower policy rates and a focus on export diversification, including IT and value-added agriculture, would help ensure sustainable economic growth in the years ahead.

After PIA’s privatization, Pakistan plans to privatize power DISCOs, citing economic stabilisation, IMF-backed reforms, improved ratings, and rising revenues.

After PIA success, government to privatise electricity distribution companies: Bilal Kiyani   

Catch all the episodes of Experts Corner right <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4wy5En4mb0&list=PLBUQ0YVF5knsUxhL90SXlvbIhEHyOnpR7&index=1" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.

Experts Corner

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said Pakistan will respond to any violation from the Afghan side during the temporary pause for Eidul Fitr. Speaking exclusively to Pakistan TV, the information minister said Pakistan took this initiative of announcing a temporary pause in Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq in view of the upcoming Eidul Fitr and also after receiving requests from brotherly countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkiye.&nbsp; He said the pause in the operation will remain in effect till the night of March 23/24, and the operation will resume after the Eid festival.&nbsp;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 648px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2034327474491027652&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=82058e6f0821aaa9f6daafb48e0bcc54f7e5aeed&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2034327474491027652"></iframe></div></div>He reaffirmed that the country remains fully alert in defending its sovereignty.&nbsp; He emphasized that the pause was temporary and did not signal any weakening of Pakistan&rsquo;s stance against terrorism. The minister criticised the Afghan Taliban for failing to meet their commitments, stating, &ldquo;all promises of Taliban have not been converted into reality&rdquo;. Rejecting allegations levelled by the Afghan Taliban of civilian harm during the operation, Tarar said: &ldquo;All our strikes in Afghanistan are on military installations&rdquo;, and that &ldquo;Taliban&rsquo;s claims of targeting civilians are false and baseless&rdquo;.&nbsp; He reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s position toward Afghan citizens, stating, &ldquo;we have nothing against Afghan citizens&rdquo;. On the issue of false propaganda peddled by the Afghan Taliban, the minister said: &ldquo;Afghan Taliban have resorted to false propaganda.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;We are countering their lies with truth and facts,&rdquo; he said, stressing that &ldquo;Pakistan will continue to expose Afghan Taliban lies through mainstream media and social media&rdquo;. Highlighting the India-Taliban nexus, Tarar said: &ldquo;Afghan Taliban have embraced the Indian policy of spreading fake news.&rdquo; Concluding, he reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s readiness, stating, &ldquo;we are fully alert and vigilant in defending our country.&rdquo;

SAT News Desk

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said Pakistan will respond to any violation from the Afghan side during the temporary pause for Eidul Fitr.

Any Afghan Taliban violation of pause to get befitting response: Tarar

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik says Pakistan is going after terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan and will continue operations until all threats to national security are neutralized, emphasizing that civilians remain completely safe.&nbsp;Speaking exclusively to Pakistan TV, Dr. Malik dismissed claims of attacks on hospitals or civilian areas, calling them &ldquo;nonsense.&rdquo;&nbsp;He stressed that Pakistan&rsquo;s strikes are guided entirely by intelligence and focused solely on neutralizing threats to national security. &ldquo;Our target is completely intelligence-based. We are only going after terrorist centers and nothing else,&rdquo; he said, reaffirming that civilians are never a target.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 698px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2034257766651433173&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F4795%2F&sessionId=d369d6eb44e90908a198e58168d327a35917a503&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>Dr. Malik highlighted the strong cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan. &ldquo;Our hearts go out to the people of Afghanistan. They are our neighbors, our brothers and sisters,&rdquo; he said, emphasizing Pakistan&rsquo;s long-standing hospitality and shared traditions.&nbsp;He added that our operations are purely defensive, aimed at protecting Pakistan from suicide bombings and terrorist attacks originating from across the border.&nbsp;On the legitimacy of terrorist groups, he remarked, &ldquo;Afghan terrorists are losing legitimacy&mdash;not just militarily, but also morally and politically.&nbsp;No peace-loving citizen anywhere in the world supports acts of terror or suicide bombings.&rdquo; He explained that terrorists are now increasingly exposed and forced to resort to propaganda to maintain influence.&nbsp;Dr. Malik also clarified that the operations do not target any technical or civilian infrastructure. &ldquo;We are going after the infrastructure of terrorism&mdash;the hideouts, the training centers, and the sponsors of violent attacks,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;He emphasized that these measures protect not only Pakistan but also ordinary people living in neighboring areas affected by militant activity.&nbsp;Concluding, he reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to intelligence-led operations: &ldquo;Our focus is clear&mdash;we are going after terrorist infrastructure now and will continue going after it until the threats to our people are fully neutralized.&rdquo;

Speaking exclusively to Pakistan TV, Dr. Malik dismisses claims of attacks on hospitals or civilian areas, calling them “nonsense.”

Pakistan targets only terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan: Musadik Malik

ISLAMABAD: &nbsp;Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar has said that the Afghan Taliban carried out an unprovoked act of aggression, which Pakistan responded to with utmost readiness and strength. Speaking exclusively to Pakistan TV, the minister said Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and expertise in defending the motherland under challenging circumstances. He stated that the response by Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces overwhelmed the Afghan Taliban, leaving them in a state of uncertainty. According to the minister, the coordinated and forceful retaliation compelled the Afghan Taliban to resort to spreading fake news on social media.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 648px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2027162195524534431&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=d2db63fee3b7c2a37f07e9faf1d7f0e5cf55f319&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>Tarar added that an international news channel also disseminated what he described as fake news from the Afghan Taliban, but later had to delete its tweet. Providing details of the counter-operation, the minister said 133 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed, more than 200 were injured, 27 posts were destroyed, and nine posts were taken over by Pakistani forces. The Pakistan Air Force targeted Afghan Taliban defensive installations in Kandahar, Kabul, and Paktia, the minister said. He further stated that two Corps Headquarters, three Brigade Headquarters, two ammunition depots, one logistics base, three battalion headquarters, two sector headquarters and 80+ tanks, artillery, APCs were destroyed. Tarar said Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces have once again demonstrated that any aggression or malicious intent against the country will be dealt with firmly. He said the Pakistani nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces and that the forces have made the nation proud. The minister also said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif praised the timely and courageous response of the armed forces under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Reiterating Pakistan&rsquo;s position, Tarar said it is unacceptable for Afghan territory to be used for attacks against Pakistan. He added that terrorists trained on Afghan soil carry out attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistan has once again made it clear that any such actions or unprovoked aggression will be met with a strong response, the minister said.

Ataullah Tarar says 133 khwarij killed, key installations destroyed as armed forces respond with “coordinated and robust” action.


Pakistan retaliates befittingly after unprovoked Afghan aggression: information minister

ISLAMABAD: Turning strategies into real impact on the ground &ndash; that&rsquo;s the message from UK at the Pakistan Governance Forum. The British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, in an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV, stressed that while roadmaps and policies are important, true success is measured by what citizens actually experience. &ldquo;I am delighted that the UK has been able to join in and support this Pakistan Governance Forum and conference happening today and tomorrow,&rdquo; High Commissioner Marriott said. &ldquo;As we just heard from the Prime Minister, it&rsquo;s a whole-of-government effort by countries like the UK to bring together resources and expertise to deliver for the people of Pakistan.&rdquo; Marriott highlighted the UK&rsquo;s long-standing partnership with Pakistan, recalling work in 2013 when the current Prime Minister, then Chief Minister of Punjab, collaborated with the UK to implement key development roadmaps. &ldquo;Now he is the Prime Minister delivering across Pakistan. What matters is delivering for citizens on the ground,&rdquo; she said.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2026629165865382301&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F4092%2F&sessionId=37927809d4a612c8185ab0376b196ac60d8a9571&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 648px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2026629165865382301"></iframe></div></div> The High Commissioner praised Pakistan&rsquo;s talent and dedication: &ldquo;Pakistan has amazing people, brilliant civil servants, doctors, and teachers delivering every day. This is about ensuring systems are in place so they can do their jobs to the best of their ability.&rdquo; The Pakistan Governance Forum brings together government officials, international partners, and civil society to discuss strategies and actionable solutions for improved governance and citizen services across the country. The UK&rsquo;s participation underscores its ongoing commitment to support Pakistan in achieving tangible outcomes for its citizens.

At the Pakistan Governance Forum in Islamabad, British High Commissioner Jane Marriott told Pakistan TV that the UK supports Pakistan in turning policies into real results, stressing whole-of-government cooperation, strong systems, and tangible improvements for citizens nationwide.

UK Backs Pakistan Governance Forum: Focus on Delivering Results for Citizens

Catch every episode of The Perspective right <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQyUQ3GPMtQ&list=PLBUQ0YVF5knsitkv2xAE8Sdcj04mgYAsX&index=1" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.

The Perspective

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Climate Change Dr Musadik Malik has said Pakistan&rsquo;s recent actions along the border should not be viewed as &ldquo;aggressive&rdquo; but rather as a &ldquo;firm stance&rdquo; to safeguard the country&rsquo;s sovereignty and protect its people from cross-border terrorist attacks.&nbsp;&ldquo;I would not call it aggressive, I would call it firm,&rdquo; Dr. Malik said, emphasizing that Pakistan&rsquo;s position is rooted in defending its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens, particularly those living in border regions.&nbsp;He noted that communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of Balochistan have long borne the brunt of terrorism and instability.&nbsp;&ldquo;Most of the people who live along the borders have already faced a lot of devastation. The poor and the most vulnerable are being attacked,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;The minister also paid tribute to Pakistan&rsquo;s security personnel, highlighting the daily sacrifices made by soldiers and law enforcement officials combating terrorism.&nbsp;&ldquo;Our security forces are facing attacks every day. We are losing young men almost daily, and that is unacceptable,&rdquo; Dr Malik said.&nbsp;He stressed that Pakistan&rsquo;s resolve to confront terrorist networks was not about escalation, but about self-defence and national security. &ldquo;If there are organizations and hideouts involved in acts of terror or directly attacking Pakistan, then the state has every right to act firmly &mdash; as any country would,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;Dr Malik underscored that Pakistan will continue to take decisive measures to protect its borders and people, reiterating that the nation will not allow its children or vulnerable communities to &ldquo;be put in harm&rsquo;s way for nothing.&rdquo;

Minister Musadik Malik described Pakistan’s recent border actions as a 'firm stance' to protect sovereignty and citizens from terrorism, praising security forces’ sacrifices and affirming continued decisive measures for national safety.

Pakistan TV Satellite

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The Experts Corner

Pakistan to act again if attacks from Afghan soil continue: Kundi

After PIA success, government to privatise electricity distribution companies: Bilal Kiyani

Experts Corner

SAT News Desk

Any Afghan Taliban violation of pause to get befitting response: Tarar

Pakistan targets only terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan: Musadik Malik

Pakistan retaliates befittingly after unprovoked Afghan aggression: information minister

UK Backs Pakistan Governance Forum: Focus on Delivering Results for Citizens

The Perspective

The Perspective

Pakistan’s actions ‘firm, not aggressive’, says Minister Musadik Malik