Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday praised a recent report submitted to the US Congress that credited Pakistan with &ldquo;military success&rdquo; in its four-day clash with India, saying the document had &ldquo;validated Pakistan&rsquo;s strength&rdquo; and the performance of its armed forces.&nbsp;&ldquo;This report has stamped confirmation on what our brave soldiers achieved,&rdquo; he told a gathering after laying the foundation stone of a Danish School in Azad Kashmir&rsquo;s Harri Ghel.&nbsp;Sharif said the congressional findings, which highlighted the effectiveness of Pakistan&rsquo;s use of modern defense systems during the confrontation, reflected the &ldquo;professional excellence&rdquo; of the country&rsquo;s forces.&nbsp;&ldquo;Our soldiers and our pilots earned Pakistan respect on the world stage,&rdquo; he said, adding that decisions taken by the country&rsquo;s civil and military leadership were &ldquo;fearless and timely.&rdquo;&nbsp;The report, submitted to the US Congress by Washington, China Economic and Security Review Commission, described Pakistan&rsquo;s performance in the four-day clash with India as a &ldquo;military success,&rdquo; stating that the confrontation &ldquo;showcased Chinese weaponry&rdquo; in active combat for the first time.&nbsp;It said Pakistan&rsquo;s use of systems such as the HQ-9 air-defense platform, PL-15 air-to-air missiles and J-10 fighter aircraft served as &ldquo;a real-world field experiment,&rdquo; adding that Pakistani forces downed several Indian aircraft, including Rafales, in engagements that later became &ldquo;a key selling point for Chinese defence exports.&rdquo;&nbsp;The prime minister said Pakistan must now extend its efforts from battlefield achievements to economic progress.&nbsp;&ldquo;After proving our military capabilities, the time has come to secure victories in the economic field,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Nations that do not develop economically cannot succeed.&rdquo;&nbsp;Sharif used the occasion to reaffirm Islamabad&rsquo;s commitment to the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistan will continue its moral, political and diplomatic support until the Kashmiris receive their rights,&rdquo; he said, expressing a confidence that &ldquo;one day, the children of occupied Kashmir will also study in Danish Schools.&rdquo;&nbsp;Highlighting the expansion of the Danish School network, Sharif said the project, initiated in Punjab, was now being extended to Azad Kashmir.&nbsp;He announced new campuses for Neelum Valley and forward Kahuta, describing the initiative as a mission to ensure equal access to high-quality education.&nbsp;&ldquo;This is the institution that will give poor and orphaned children the opportunity to become engineers, doctors and leaders,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The dream we saw for education is now becoming reality.&rdquo;&nbsp;The prime minister urged the new Azad Kashmir leadership to uphold strong governance standards and ensure better public services. &ldquo;The people of Azad Kashmir deserve the best facilities,&rdquo; he said.

Education

Talking about a recent report submitted to the US Congress crediting Pakistan’s “military success” over India, PM Shehbaz Sharif says it validates the nation’s strength and armed forces’ performance.

PM Sharif hails US report on Pakistan’s success, vows educational uplift

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday extended heartfelt felicitations to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the people of T&uuml;rkiye on the auspicious occasion of the country&rsquo;s 102nd Republic Day. In a message shared on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said he joined the people of Pakistan in conveying their warmest greetings to their Turkish brothers and sisters.<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" 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=1983416237217435815&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=e5a7764e4b5f3f5afda3241472f87810c34e2d03&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 897px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div>He lauded T&uuml;rkiye&rsquo;s remarkable transformation and economic resurgence under the bold and dynamic leadership of President Erdoğan, noting that these achievements have earned global admiration. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s unwavering solidarity with T&uuml;rkiye, emphasizing that the two nations are united by bonds of faith, history, and fraternity that transcend geography and time. He further stated that the Pakistan-T&uuml;rkiye relationship has entered a new era of strategic partnership under the sagacious guidance of President Erdoğan, as both countries strive to unlock the vast potential of their time-tested and enduring ties across all spheres of mutual interest. The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan&rsquo;s pride in the accomplishments of the Turkish people and reaffirmed the resolve to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defense, and culture.

Foreign Affairs

Lauds Türkiye’s remarkable transformation and economic resurgence under the bold and dynamic leadership of President Erdoğan, noting that these achievements have earned global admiration.

PM Sharif felicitates Erdoğan, Turkish nation on Republic Day

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday welcomed the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord between Cambodia and Thailand, calling it &ldquo;another historic day for peace and diplomacy.&rdquo; In a statement issued on X (formerly Twitter), PM Sharif congratulated the governments and people of Cambodia and Thailand on their landmark agreement to end months of hostilities along their shared border. &ldquo;I congratulate the leadership and people of Cambodia and Thailand on the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord,&rdquo; he said, expressing &ldquo;deep appreciation&rdquo; for U.S. President Donald Trump&rsquo;s instrumental role in advancing peace through the KL Accord, the Gaza Peace Plan, and his efforts to promote stability in the Middle East and South Asia &mdash; &ldquo;saving millions of lives across the globe.&rdquo;<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" 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=1977825416737095689&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=9dfec250f7666fa98c69846d3746befae251fa32&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 576px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;"></iframe></div></div> Sharif also lauded Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his &ldquo;tireless pursuit of peace and harmony in the region.&rdquo; The statement comes a day after President Trump co-signed the ceasefire agreement between the two Southeast Asian nations. Clashes erupted along the Thailand&ndash;Cambodia frontier earlier this year when a territorial dispute flared into open conflict, killing more than 40 people and forcing 300,000 to flee their homes, AFP reported. Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an initial truce in late July after mediation efforts by President Trump, Chinese diplomats, and Prime Minister Anwar, who currently chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The new peace accord was signed in Kuala Lumpur by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, alongside Trump and Anwar. &ldquo;This is a momentous day for all of the people of Southeast Asia, as we sign a historic agreement to end the military conflict between Cambodia and Thailand,&rdquo; President Trump said at the ceremony. The accord commits both countries to de-mining efforts along their border, withdrawal of heavy weapons, and the deployment of ASEAN-led ceasefire monitoring teams. Thailand has also pledged to release 18 Cambodian soldiers held in captivity for the past three months. Shortly after the signing, the White House announced new trade deals with both Thailand and Cambodia &mdash; a move seen as part of broader efforts to bolster regional stability and economic cooperation.

Congratulates the governments and people of Cambodia and Thailand on their landmark agreement to end months of hostilities along their shared border.

PM Sharif hails Trump-brokered peace accord between Cambodia, Thailand

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday emphasized the need for national unity, social harmony, and collective effort to ensure Pakistan&rsquo;s peace, progress, and prosperity, saying that the entire nation must work together as one family to build a stronger and more developed country. Addressing participants of the National Workshop Balochistan in Islamabad, the prime minister said every citizen has a role to play in strengthening national cohesion and promoting love, tolerance, and sacrifice. &ldquo;Pakistan is one household, wherever there&rsquo;s a fire, we must join hands to put it out,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Only through love, unity, and selflessness can we make Pakistan a great nation.&rdquo; Sharif said that Pakistan&rsquo;s provinces form one &ldquo;family,&rdquo; and harmony among them is vital for a strong federation. &ldquo;We are Pakistanis first and then Baloch, Sindhi, Punjabi or Pashtun,&rdquo; he noted, recalling the spirit of consensus during the 2010 NFC Award when Punjab made &ldquo;historic sacrifices&rdquo; to strengthen national unity. He praised Balochistan&rsquo;s unique culture, history, and natural wealth, stressing that its development is essential for Pakistan&rsquo;s overall prosperity. &ldquo;Balochistan&rsquo;s natural resources are a blessing that remain untapped. The province&rsquo;s progress will lead to the country&rsquo;s collective success,&rdquo; he added, noting that better roads, power supply, and infrastructure were key to bringing education, healthcare, and industry to remote areas.&nbsp;The prime minister also reflected on the country&rsquo;s security challenges, recalling that Pakistan had successfully defeated terrorism by 2018. &ldquo;We must now ask ourselves &mdash; why did divisions re-emerge? We need to confront these hard questions and work together to restore lasting peace,&rdquo; he said. Sharif further emphasized that peace, brotherhood, and development are the true guarantees of progress. Referring to the reconstruction of the Karachi-Chaman highway, once known as the &ldquo;bloody road,&rdquo; he said the government has approved its dualization project worth Rs350 billion to ensure safer travel and better connectivity for Balochistan. He added that the government&rsquo;s reform agenda is delivering positive results across institutions. &ldquo;The journey of improvement in every sector of Pakistan is moving ahead with determination,&rdquo; he said. PM hails PIA&rsquo;s comeback flight to UKMeanwhile, the prime minister congratulated the nation, especially overseas Pakistanis in the United Kingdom, on the resumption of Pakistan International Airlines&rsquo; (PIA) direct flights from Islamabad to Manchester. He lauded the efforts of Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif, the Civil Aviation Authority, and PIA officials, saying the airline&rsquo;s reputation, once damaged by restrictions, was being restored after years of effort. &ldquo;By the grace of Allah, Pakistan&rsquo;s image is being revived globally,&rdquo; he remarked, adding that the new direct flights would further strengthen people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the UK.

Security

The prime minister says every citizen has a role to play in strengthening national cohesion and promoting love, tolerance, and sacrifice.

PM Sharif calls for unity, inclusive growth to strengthen Pakistan’s future

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with President Asif Ali Zardari and other senior officials, extended warm greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and around the world on the occasion of Diwali, reiterating the country&rsquo;s commitment to protecting the rights of all minorities. In a statement on his social media platform X, PM Sharif highlighted the universal message of Diwali, which celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and harmony among communities. &ldquo;Let us work together to ensure that every citizen, regardless of faith or background, can live in peace and contribute to progress,&rdquo; said the prime minister on X. In Hindu belief, Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates &ldquo;the return of Lord Rama after a 14-year exile and the triumph of righteousness over injustice.&rdquo; Devotees light candles and lamps &ldquo;to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.&rdquo; The Hindu community remains the largest religious minority in Pakistan. According to the latest official census data from 2023, released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), around 3.8 million Hindus live in Pakistan, representing about 1.6% of the total population.&nbsp; President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message, said the festival &ldquo;reminds us of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.&rdquo; He emphasized that Pakistan&rsquo;s Constitution guarantees equal rights and full religious freedom to all citizens, adding that this principle reflects the vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan&rsquo;s founder, who envisioned a Pakistan where minorities enjoy equality and opportunity. Federal Minister for Human Rights and Law Azam Nazeer Tarar also extended greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan and abroad, acknowledging their significant contributions to the nation&rsquo;s social, cultural, and economic fabric. According to a statement from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the minister reaffirmed the government&rsquo;s &ldquo;unwavering commitment to ensuring equal rights, religious freedom, and dignity for all citizens as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.&rdquo; He expressed hope that Diwali would bring &ldquo;joy, peace, and prosperity to everyone, and further strengthen the bonds of unity and mutual respect within our society.&rdquo; Global Diwali greetings World leaders and global business figures also marked the occasion with messages of peace and celebration.&nbsp;Apple CEO Tim Cook wished &ldquo;everyone celebrating around the world a joyful and healthy Diwali,&rdquo; while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer extended greetings to Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities across Britain. <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: absolute; 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Culture

From Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to President Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistani leaders extended Diwali greetings to the Hindu community, reaffirming their commitment to protecting minority rights, religious freedom, and promoting interfaith harmony across the nation

Pakistan extends Diwali greetings, reaffirms commitment to minority rights

Saqib Tanveer

ISLAMABAD:&nbsp;A suicide attack by khawarij (terrorists) aimed at security forces of Pakistan was foiled in Mir Ali, North Waziristan District, security sources said on Friday. According to the sources, a terrorist rammed an explosive‑laden vehicle into the wall of a security forces camp, which detonated. After that, three more terrorists tried to enter the camp, they said.&nbsp;As a result of timely and brave action, all three terrorists were killed outside the camp, while the security forces suffered no loss or damage. In just the past two days, 88 terrorists supported by the Afghan Taliban have been killed. &ldquo;God willing, under the National Action Plan (NAP), the Pakistan Armed Forces and the law‑enforcement agencies will remain steadfast in defending the country until the last terrorist is eliminated,&rdquo; the sources said. Vehicle laden with explosives seized&nbsp;Moreover, security forces seized a vehicle belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij that was laden with hundreds of kilograms of explosives, security sources said on Friday. According to reports, the terrrists had planned to drive the vehicle into a civilian settlement in Bajaur and detonate it, the sources said. Security forces destroyed the vehicle. There were no casualties or injuries among security forces or civilians, they said. The explosives were being brought from Afghanistan into Pakistan along with smuggled goods, the sources said. Pakistan, Afghanistan to hold talks Pakistan and Afghanistan are set to hold talks to defuse ongoing border tensions, security sources confirmed to Pakistan TV Digital on Thursday, following a week of deadly clashes and a temporary 48-hour ceasefire. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, addressing his cabinet earlier in the day in Islamabad, said the &ldquo;ball is in the Afghan Taliban&rsquo;s court&rdquo; to ensure a lasting truce and address Pakistan&rsquo;s security concerns. &ldquo;If in 48 hours they want to resolve the issues and address our genuine demands, then we are ready for them,&rdquo; Sharif said, stressing that Afghan territory must not be used for attacks inside Pakistan. His remarks came as the Pakistan Army announced that more than 80 militants were killed in a series of counterterrorism operations along the frontier, even as the ceasefire remained in effect. Major infiltration attempt foiled According to the military&rsquo;s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces foiled a major infiltration attempt in the Mohmand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing at least 45 militants linked to Fitna al-Khwarij, a term used by Islamabad for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The ISPR said the attackers had crossed from Afghanistan intending to strike targets inside Pakistan. &ldquo;Between 45 and 50 militants were killed, while several others were injured,&rdquo; the statement added. In earlier operations between October 13 and 15, the army targeted militant hideouts in North Waziristan, South Waziristan, and Bannu districts, killing 34 terrorists, including 18 in North Waziristan&rsquo;s Spinwam area, eight in South Waziristan, and another eight in Bannu, after intense exchanges of fire. The military described the operations as part of a broader campaign against groups backed by &ldquo;hostile intelligence networks.&rdquo; The clashes this week were among the most serious in months, leaving dozens of soldiers and civilians dead on both sides before the ceasefire took effect. The latest exchange comes after cross-border assaults on the night of October 11&ndash;12, when Afghan Taliban fighters and allied militants launched coordinated attacks along multiple sectors. Pakistani forces repelled the offensive, killing over 200 attackers, while 23 soldiers embraced martyrdom, according to the military&rsquo;s media wing ISPR. As both sides prepare for talks, Sharif&rsquo;s remarks signal Islamabad&rsquo;s firm stance: any enduring peace, officials say, will depend on Kabul&rsquo;s willingness to rein in militants operating from Afghan soil.

According to security sources, a terrorist rammed an explosive‑laden vehicle into the wall of a security forces camp, which detonated; three more terrorists tried to enter the camp who were killed.

Suicide attack in Pakistan’s northwest foiled, four terrorists killed: security sources

Gaitty Ara Anis

WASHINGTON: Pakistan has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026&ndash;2028 term with a resounding majority of 178 votes, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Tuesday, reaffirming its position as an active voice for human rights on the global stage. The election took place at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, where thirteen other nations also secured seats on the 47-member body. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the development, calling it &ldquo;a testament to Pakistan&rsquo;s effective and vibrant role at the United Nations.&rdquo; In a statement issued by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office, Sharif reaffirmed the government&rsquo;s &ldquo;unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting human rights across all dimensions, civil, political, economic, social, and cultural.&rdquo; Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, expressing gratitude to UN member states for their &ldquo;overwhelming trust and support,&rdquo; said on X, formerly Twitter, &ldquo;This election reflects global recognition of Pakistan&rsquo;s strong credentials and active contributions toward strengthening the international human rights framework.&rdquo; He added that Pakistan would continue to &ldquo;work constructively with all partners in the spirit of tolerance, respect, and consensus-building.&rdquo; This marks the sixth time Pakistan has been elected to the Human Rights Council since its establishment in 2006. A recognition that underscores the international community&rsquo;s confidence in Islamabad&rsquo;s consistent advocacy for universal human rights and multilateral engagement. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan will use its upcoming term to &ldquo;advance dialogue and cooperation&rdquo; on key issues such as the right to development and the protection of people living under foreign occupation. The ministry also reiterated that Pakistan will continue to raise concerns about &ldquo;grave human rights violations&rdquo; in the Indian occupied Kashmir and Palestinian Territory, in line with the Council&rsquo;s mandate. Based in Geneva, the UN Human Rights Council is the UN&rsquo;s principal intergovernmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally. With its renewed mandate, Pakistan aims to strengthen its role as a consensus-builder and advocate for fairness, transparency, and universality in global human rights discourse. &ldquo;Pakistan&rsquo;s election is not just a diplomatic achievement,&rdquo; said a senior diplomat at the UN, &ldquo;it&rsquo;s a reaffirmation of the country&rsquo;s enduring belief in dialogue, inclusivity, and the universality of human dignity.&rdquo;

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council reflects its vibrant and effective role at the UN and reaffirms Islamabad’s unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting global human dignity

Pakistan secures UN Rights Council seat, reaffirms commitment to global justice 

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday strongly condemned Afghanistan&rsquo;s recent acts of aggression and reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s resolve to safeguard its national interests, regional sovereignty, and security.&nbsp;In a statement, President Zardari said Pakistan would never accept any &ldquo;controversial or misleading stance&rdquo; on Jammu and Kashmir, adding that India&rsquo;s claims regarding the disputed territory were illegal and contrary to international law and UN resolutions.&nbsp;He expressed regret that the Afghan leadership had &ldquo;turned away from the oppressed people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,&rdquo; calling it an injustice to both history and the Muslim Ummah.&nbsp;Zardari noted that the use of Afghan soil for attacks by the so-called &ldquo;Fitna-al-Khawarij&rdquo; &mdash; a reference to militant groups &mdash; was a documented fact acknowledged even in UN reports. He warned that the nexus between &ldquo;the Khawarij and India&rdquo; was targeting Pakistani civilians and security personnel.&nbsp;The president urged the Afghan leadership to take concrete steps against anti-Pakistan terrorist groups operating from its soil, stressing that terrorism was a shared regional challenge that could not be borne by one country alone.&nbsp;He reiterated that Pakistan would make no compromise on its sovereignty and had consistently extended all possible facilitation to Afghanistan in trade, economy, and connectivity.&nbsp;&ldquo;Mutual cooperation and economic partnership form the foundation for lasting peace and prosperity in the region,&rdquo; he said, adding that Pakistan desired a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan. <div class="fr-embed instagram-embed" style="width: 50%; display: block; max-width: 600px;"><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-1" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPspi-oDdV1/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=14&wp=485&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com&rp=%2Farticles%2F1265#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A1889589.199999988%2C%22ls%22%3A637.3999999761581%2C%22le%22%3A648.8999999761581%7D" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="1023" scrolling="no" style="background: white; max-width: 540px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219); box-shadow: none; display: block; margin: 0px 0px 12px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px;">&nbsp;</iframe></div>Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the cross-border aggression, saying Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces were fully capable of defending every inch of the motherland.&nbsp;He said Islamabad had always acted with restraint and responsibility but would respond firmly to any violation of its sovereignty.&nbsp;&ldquo;The government will take all necessary measures to protect Pakistan&rsquo;s territorial integrity and ensure peace in the region,&rdquo; the prime minister added.&nbsp;The prime minister also lauded the Pakistan Army&rsquo;s swift and professional response under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying the forces not only repelled the aggression but also neutralized several enemy positions, forcing a retreat.&nbsp;He emphasized that Pakistan&rsquo;s defense was in strong hands and that the nation stood united with its security forces against any provocation. Dar urges Taliban to act against terrorists Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said he was &ldquo;deeply concerned&rdquo; over the developments along the Pak‑Afghan border, calling unprovoked firing and raids by the Taliban government a &ldquo;serious provocation.&rdquo; <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" 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=1977301437160779869&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F1265%2F&sessionId=3cf72649712ea0166c123d48be461eb7eec96caf&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 345px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&nbsp;The statement said Pakistan&rsquo;s retaliatory strikes targeted Taliban infrastructure and aimed to neutralize Fitna‑al‑Khawarij and Fitna‑al‑Hindustan terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil.&nbsp;He said that the defensive response was not directed at the peace‑loving Afghan civilian population and that, unlike Taliban forces, Pakistan was exercising &ldquo;extreme caution&rdquo; to avoid civilian casualties.&nbsp;Dar also reiterated its long‑standing position that combating terrorism is a shared regional responsibility and said it had repeatedly provided Kabul with information on terrorist networks operating from Afghan territory.

President Zardari says Pakistan would never accept any 'controversial or misleading stance' on Jammu and Kashmir. PM Shehbaz says armed forces are fully capable of defending every inch of the motherland.

President, PM condemn Afghan aggression, vow to defend national sovereignty

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday urged accelerating beef exports to Malaysia as part of a broader push to strengthen bilateral trade ties, chairing a high-level meeting via video link from New York, his office said.&nbsp;PM Sharif highlighted the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Malaysia, noting Kuala Lumpur&rsquo;s consistent support for Islamabad in times of crisis.&nbsp;&ldquo;There is immense potential in Pak-Malaysia trade, which we must fully harness,&rdquo; the PM&rsquo;s office said, quoting Sharif, emphasizing the meat sector as a priority.&nbsp;He directed relevant institutions to draft a comprehensive, actionable plan to expand beef exports to the Malaysian market.&nbsp;The meeting also reviewed existing trade volumes and Pakistan&rsquo;s broader export potential in Malaysia, with instructions for authorities to prepare a concrete strategy to deepen commercial cooperation.

Economy

Via video link from New York, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed officials to prioritize beef exports in efforts to enhance Pakistan-Malaysia trade, stressing the need for a concrete plan to expand market access and bilateral cooperation.

Pakistan pushes beef exports in drive to boost Malaysia trade

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with the heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, underscoring Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to economic reforms, fiscal stabilization, and climate-resilient recovery.&nbsp;Sharif thanked IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva for the Fund&rsquo;s continued support under various facilities, including the $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement and the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF).&nbsp;&ldquo;The impact of the recent floods on Pakistan&rsquo;s economy must be factored into the IMF&rsquo;s review,&rdquo; Sharif emphasized.&nbsp;Georgieva praised Pakistan&rsquo;s progress on economic reforms and reiterated the IMF&rsquo;s support for the country&rsquo;s macroeconomic stability. She expressed sympathy for flood-affected communities and underlined the need for comprehensive damage assessments to shape recovery priorities. Sharif-Gates meet&nbsp;Separately, the PM met with Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, on the sidelines and expressed appreciation for the foundation&rsquo;s generous donation to Pakistan&#39;s recent floods in 2025.&nbsp; Prime Minister Sharif expressed appreciation for the foundation&rsquo;s generous donation to Pakistan, as well as for the donation made following the 2022 floods.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition, the premier appreciated the support extended by the Gates Foundation to Pakistan for its polio eradication efforts, as well as improvements in immunization and nutrition, and financial inclusion in the country, according to a statement issued by the prime minister&#39;s office. According to the statement, the premier emphasized that polio eradication remained a top priority, and partnership with the Gates Foundation would remain vital to achieving this objective. &quot;The prime minister and [Bill] Gates reaffirmed their shared commitment to continue working together to advance cooperation in sectors of health, nutrition, digital transformation, and larger socio-economic development of the country,&quot; it added.&nbsp;World BankEarlier, in talks with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, the prime minister discussed reforms in tax collection, energy sector restructuring, and climate action under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) 2026&ndash;2035, which includes a $40 billion financing commitment.&nbsp;&ldquo;President Banga appreciated the reform measures being undertaken by Pakistan and reaffirmed the Bank&rsquo;s commitment to Pakistan&rsquo;s development agenda,&rdquo; stated the PM&rsquo;s Office.&nbsp;Sharif commended the World Bank&#39;s rapid response to past crises, including the 2022 floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, and welcomed the Bank&rsquo;s evolving role as a more agile development partner.&nbsp;Since joining the World Bank in 1950, Pakistan has received over $48.3 billion in assistance, with the current portfolio consisting of 54 projects totaling $15.7 billion.&nbsp;Strengthening bilateral tiesIn a separate meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with Lithuania&rsquo;s Acting Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys. Both sides agreed to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation in digital economy and education.&nbsp;A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of the Convention on Avoidance of Double Taxation, described as a &ldquo;significant milestone&rdquo; to boost investor confidence and economic collaboration.&nbsp;&ldquo;We are committed to maintaining momentum in bilateral engagement and exploring new areas of mutual interest,&rdquo; said Dar.&nbsp;Kuwait and PakistanPM Sharif also met with Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah to deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture, manpower, and health.&nbsp;Sharif conveyed gratitude for Kuwait&rsquo;s support during Pakistan&rsquo;s 2022 floods and extended a formal invitation for the Crown Prince to visit Pakistan later this year.&nbsp;Both leaders discussed key regional and international developments, with the crown prince commending Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic role in raising awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people.&nbsp;These engagements on the sidelines of UNGA reflect Pakistan&rsquo;s strategic push to build resilient economic frameworks, secure long-term international financing, and strengthen bilateral and multilateral partnerships.&nbsp;As Pakistan continues navigating the challenges of post-disaster recovery and structural economic reform, its outreach in New York underscores a growing emphasis on global collaboration for inclusive growth and stability.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation held key meetings with IMF, World Bank, Lithuania, and Kuwait to bolster economic reforms, flood recovery efforts, and strengthen diplomatic and development partnerships.

Articles tagged with "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif"