pakistan standing tall
| |

Pakistan standing tall: realising Jinnah’s visio…

ByJustpaste.in

Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir: Advancing the Vision of Quaid-e-Azam

As Pakistan celebrates its 79th Independence Day, there is a growing sense that the country is witnessing a moment that would have deeply pleased its founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

For decades, Pakistanis have carried Jinnah’s vision of a strong, sovereign and respected Pakistan in their hearts. Today, as Pakistan’s diplomatic and strategic importance continues to grow, that vision appears increasingly visible on the international stage.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are working together to translate that vision into reality. Their close coordination has provided Pakistan with a sense of direction, unity and confidence at a time when the world itself is undergoing profound geopolitical change.

The Pakistan of today is increasingly being recognised as a country whose voice matters.

Jinnah envisaged a Pakistan that would not merely exist on the world map, but would stand with dignity, sovereignty and confidence among the nations of the world. His vision was of a country capable of determining its own destiny and making a meaningful contribution to international affairs.

There is a powerful resonance between that vision and the Pakistan we are witnessing today.

Jinnah once spoke of a future in which the world’s decisions would be influenced by Pakistan. For many years, that aspiration seemed distant. But recent developments suggest that Pakistan is moving closer to that position.

From facilitating dialogue between major powers to strengthening strategic partnerships with Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and China, Pakistan is demonstrating that it can engage with countries across different geopolitical blocs while protecting its own national interests.

The country’s ability to host US-Iran talks is particularly significant. In an increasingly polarised world, being trusted to provide a platform for dialogue is itself an indication of diplomatic relevance.

Pakistan’s relationship with China remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy, while ties with Türkiye and Saudi Arabia continue to deepen. At the same time, engagement with the United States has entered a phase in which Washington is once again recognising Pakistan’s strategic importance.

The positive remarks by US President Donald Trump about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir have also attracted international attention.

Perhaps most importantly, Pakistan is projecting itself with greater confidence.

The scenes in Islamabad surrounding the inauguration of Yadgar-e-Fateh, commemorating the sacrifices and achievements associated with Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, captured this changing mood. Political and military leaders standing together alongside the families of martyrs and veterans conveyed a powerful message that Pakistan’s strength lies in unity.

As an overseas Pakistani who has lived in the West for more than two decades, this transformation is particularly striking. I have witnessed different phases of Pakistan’s image abroad. There were years when Pakistan was frequently discussed through the prism of instability, terrorism and political uncertainty.

Today, the conversation is different.

Pakistan is increasingly being discussed in terms of its strategic importance, diplomatic role, defence capabilities, regional influence and economic potential.

This should make every Pakistani proud—but it should also make us more responsible.

International recognition alone cannot build a prosperous Pakistan. The next challenge is to convert diplomatic and strategic gains into economic prosperity, stronger institutions, better education, employment opportunities and an improved quality of life for ordinary Pakistanis.

That is where Jinnah’s vision must ultimately lead.

At 79, Pakistan has every reason to celebrate. The country is standing taller on the world stage, and the partnership between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir has helped project a message of unity and national purpose.

But this is not the end of the journey.

It is the beginning of a new chapter.

Jinnah gave Pakistan a dream. The responsibility of this generation is to turn that dream into a lasting reality.

Pakistan Zindabad.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Pakistan’s Commonwealth campaign ends with one medal

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan concluded its campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with just one medal, marking the country’s poorest performance at the event in more than three decades. Pakistan sent a contingent of 21 athletes to compete across various disciplines but returned with only a single medal. The country’s sole podium finish came in women’s boxing, where Fatima Zahra secured a medal for Pakistan. The result marks the first time since the 1998 Commonwealth Games that Pakistan has finished the event with only one medal. In 1998, the country won a lone silver medal. It was also Pakistan’s weakest Commonwealth Games performance in the last 36 years. The only poorer result came in 1990, when the national contingent failed to win any medal. Pakistan’s hopes of improving its medal tally on the final day were dashed when judoka Shah Hussain Shah was eliminated in his opening bout, ending the country’s campaign without any further success. Shah Hussain Shah and Olympic javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem had been widely regarded as Pakistan’s strongest medal prospects heading into the Games. However, both athletes fell short of expectations and were unable to secure podium finishes. The disappointing campaign stands in sharp contrast to Pakistan’s performance at the previous Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham four years ago, where the country won a total of seven medals, including two gold medals. The latest results have raised concerns over Pakistan’s overall performance in international multi-sport events, with the country finishing the Glasgow Games with only one medal despite sending athletes in several disciplines.

  • | |

    Balochistan rail operations fully restored

    ByJustpaste.in

    Train services between Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan have resumed after a one-day suspension caused by railway track repair work. Railway officials confirmed that operations were restored after maintenance teams completed the necessary repairs. The temporary suspension was imposed to ensure passenger safety and to allow engineers to carry out essential work on the affected section of the track. Following the restoration of services, the Jaffar Express departed from Quetta for Peshawar as scheduled. The resumption of the train marked the return of regular rail connectivity between Balochistan and the country’s other provinces. Officials also said that the Jaffar Express travelling from Peshawar is expected to arrive in Quetta on Wednesday according to its scheduled timetable. They added that train operations are now running normally after the completion of repair work. The railway administration said the suspension was purely a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring safe travel. Maintenance crews worked continuously to restore the track within a day, allowing train operations to resume without further delay. The restoration of rail services is expected to provide relief to passengers who were affected by the temporary suspension. Travellers can now continue their journeys through the regular train schedule, while railway authorities have assured passengers that they will continue monitoring the track to ensure safe and uninterrupted operations. Pakistan Railways periodically carries out maintenance work on its network to improve safety and operational efficiency. Officials urged passengers to stay updated on train schedules through official railway channels, particularly when maintenance work or weather conditions affect rail operations.

  • |

    Chris Brown responds to Lionel Richie’s jail joke

    ByJustpaste.in

    Chris Brown has responded to Lionel Richie after the legendary singer made a light-hearted joke about Brown and Usher’s ongoing R&B tour. Richie recently addressed the pair’s “The R&B Tour” while performing with Earth, Wind & Fire. During a break between songs at the Mortgage Matchup Center, the 77-year-old singer pointed out that Usher and Brown were attempting to bring something new to the R&B touring scene. “Usher, Chris Brown… see, they trying to do something new,” Richie told the crowd. However, he quickly reminded fans that artists from his generation had already created similar large-scale R&B performances decades ago. Referring to his time with the Commodores and Earth, Wind & Fire, Richie said they had been doing the same thing around 40 years earlier. He then added a cheeky remark that quickly caught the attention of social media users. “Only difference is, between then and now, we didn’t go to jail!” Richie joked. The comment drew laughter from the audience, while Richie appeared to realise that the joke could be taken seriously. He immediately softened his remarks, saying that they were “fine Christian men.” The clip of Richie’s comments soon went viral online, prompting Brown to respond directly. Rather than appearing offended by the veteran singer’s joke, Brown joined in on the humour. Commenting on a video of the incident, the singer wrote, “damn unk. We love ya paw paw,” accompanied by laughing emojis. His response suggested that he understood Richie’s comments as playful banter rather than a serious criticism. Richie’s joke comes at a time when Brown has faced renewed legal attention. The singer is reportedly seeking a retrial in a dog attack case in which he was ordered to pay millions of dollars in damages to a former housekeeper following an alleged incident involving his dog. Brown also recently pleaded guilty to affray over a 2023 nightclub incident in London involving music producer Abraham Diaw. Brown and his vocal coach, Omololu Akinlolu, who was also charged in connection with the case, are expected to be sentenced in October 2026. Meanwhile, Brown and Usher continue their major “The R&B Tour,” which features 33 stadium dates across North America. The tour began in June and has brought together two of R&B’s biggest modern stars for a series of highly anticipated performances. Usher has previously framed the tour as a celebration of R&B and its ability to fill major stadiums, rather than a competition between the two headliners. Richie’s comments therefore appear to have been more of a playful reminder of R&B’s long history than a serious criticism of Brown and Usher. Brown’s relaxed response also showed that he was willing to take the joke in good spirits.

  • |

    Petrol prices may bring relief in two days if global oil rates stay stable

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has indicated that consumers could receive some relief in petroleum prices within the next two days if international crude oil rates remain stable, while acknowledging that elevated fuel costs continue to place pressure on households and the wider economy. Speaking in Lahore, the petroleum minister said the government was closely monitoring developments in the international oil market and would take the prevailing global prices into account during the next petroleum price review. Malik explained that petroleum prices in Pakistan are linked to international market trends and are calculated on the basis of a seven-day average. He said the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is responsible for determining the prices under the existing mechanism. He added that the movement of global oil prices during the next couple of days would be particularly important in determining whether consumers could receive positive news in the upcoming review. Government averts fuel supply crisis The minister said Pakistan had managed to maintain uninterrupted supplies of petroleum products despite severe pressure created by regional tensions and volatility in international energy markets. According to Malik, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team took measures on both the economic and diplomatic fronts to ensure that the country did not experience a fuel shortage. He said the government had continued supplying petroleum products across the country even during a period when uncertainty in the region was creating serious risks for energy-importing nations. “There was no shortage of petroleum products in Pakistan during the tension,” Malik said, stressing that maintaining fuel supplies remained one of the government’s key priorities. He acknowledged, however, that preventing a shortage did not eliminate the financial burden caused by high international oil prices. International oil market remains a major concern Malik said the recent regional conflict created extraordinary volatility in global energy markets. He pointed to sharp increases in crude oil, petrol and diesel prices during the period of heightened tensions. He said crude oil prices had at one stage climbed as high as $170 per barrel, while diesel prices reached around $280 and petrol prices also touched $170. The minister further referred to periods when market expectations pointed towards even more dramatic increases, with petrol and diesel prices moving towards levels of around $500. Such volatility, he said, demonstrated the difficulties faced by countries that rely heavily on imported energy to meet domestic requirements. Pakistan, being an energy-importing country, remains particularly vulnerable to sudden increases in international oil prices because changes in global rates can quickly affect domestic fuel prices, transportation expenses and industrial costs. Expensive fuel putting pressure on people The petroleum minister conceded that high fuel prices are creating difficulties for ordinary citizens and businesses. He said an increase in petroleum prices does not remain confined to fuel stations, as higher transportation and energy costs eventually affect the prices of goods and services throughout the economy. According to Malik, expensive petroleum products increase the cost of moving agricultural produce, industrial raw materials and finished goods, thereby adding to inflationary pressure. “The people are suffering” because petroleum products are expensive, he said, while maintaining that the government was making efforts to provide relief within its available financial capacity. Petroleum levy collection exceeds target Malik also disclosed that the government collected around Rs1,900 billion through the petroleum levy during the previous year, exceeding the official target of Rs1,700 billion. The collection represents an important source of government revenue, but the minister acknowledged the broader economic implications of relying on petroleum-related revenues while consumers are already facing high fuel costs. He said the government had to balance revenue requirements with the need to protect consumers from excessive increases in petroleum prices. Prices cut when conditions allowed The minister said the government reduced petroleum prices whenever international market conditions and other relevant factors created room for downward revisions. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had ordered reductions when an agreement was reached and circumstances permitted the government to pass on the benefit to consumers. Malik said the administration was attempting to manage fuel prices within the limits imposed by international markets and domestic economic conditions. He also recalled the prime minister’s commitment to introducing greater transparency in the petroleum pricing mechanism. The minister said the government had been required to make difficult decisions as part of broader efforts to stabilise the economy and place Pakistan on a sustainable development path. Heavy reliance on imported energy questioned Malik also raised concerns over Pakistan’s longstanding dependence on imported energy. He questioned why the country had continued relying on overseas energy supplies for decades despite having significant potential for developing domestic oil and gas resources. The minister said Pakistan obtains around 90% of its energy requirements from foreign sources, leaving the economy exposed to fluctuations in global energy prices and geopolitical developments. He argued that reducing this dependence should be treated as a long-term national priority. According to Malik, Pakistan has promising gas resources in areas such as Waziristan and Balochistan, and greater efforts are required to explore, develop and utilise domestic reserves. He said increasing local production could eventually reduce pressure on the country’s import bill and provide greater protection against international price shocks. Focus shifts towards domestic energy development The minister said Pakistan could not continue responding to every international energy crisis after it had already occurred. Instead, he stressed the need for long-term investment in exploration, infrastructure and domestic energy production. He said the government wants to move the country away from a cycle in which international price increases immediately translate into domestic economic difficulties. Malik described development of local energy resources as an important component of Pakistan’s broader economic strategy. He said the government was working towards an environment in which energy availability could support industrial expansion, investment and economic growth. Major energy infrastructure initiative planned Malik also referred to a new infrastructure initiative, saying the prime minister and the field marshal had assigned a major internationally recognised company to undertake energy infrastructure work within a

  • |

    Campaigners demand UK tour cancellation over Jared Leto claims

    ByJustpaste.in

    Women’s safety campaigners are urging organisers to cancel Thirty Seconds to Mars’ upcoming UK concerts. The calls follow serious allegations of criminal sexual conduct against frontman Jared Leto. A BBC investigation published last week featured accounts from four women accusing the musician and actor of sexual assault and grooming. The alleged incidents reportedly took place across the 2000s and 2010s. At the time, the women were teenagers while Leto was in his 30s and 40s. He is now 54 years old and strongly denies all the allegations against him. Leto’s band is currently set to perform at two major UK arenas next April, in London and Manchester. Both the End Violence Against Women coalition and domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid have voiced concern over the shows going ahead. A Women’s Aid spokesperson told BBC Newsbeat it was troubling that concerts platforming an alleged abuser were still being planned. The charity urged organisers to prioritise safety over profit rather than continue giving such figures a stage. Janaya Walker, interim director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, echoed that sentiment. She said the issue ultimately comes down to prioritising people, particularly women and girls, over commercial interests. Walker described the continued sale of tickets for the London and Manchester shows as deeply worrying. She warned it could cause real distress among survivors of gender-based violence, who may see coverage of the allegations followed by business proceeding as usual. Thirty Seconds to Mars, known for hits like “The Kill” and “This Is War,” was formed by Leto and his brother in the late 1990s. The band has since grown into a major international touring act. A related BBC documentary features former band associates describing discomfort around how Leto interacted with teenage girls backstage. One alleges young girls were regularly invited to meet him after concerts and at private residences. Among the accusers is a former model who says she felt compelled to lie about her age when meeting Leto at 19. She alleges a disturbing comment from Leto during a private encounter that followed. In total, ten women spoke to the BBC documentary, with nine sharing their accounts publicly for the first time. Leto did not respond to the BBC’s initial questions but later issued a firm denial, calling the accusations completely false.

  • | | |

    Supreme Court bars fresh claims after final contra…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that contractors cannot pursue additional financial claims or seek arbitration after voluntarily accepting a final settlement, reinforcing the binding nature of contractual agreements. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, alongside Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, dismissed a petition seeking permission to appeal against an earlier ruling of the Peshawar High Court. Justice Irfan Saadat Khan authored the judgment. The dispute originated from a construction contract awarded in December 1993 for the Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar. During the project, the contractor sought additional payments, citing delays and funding shortages. According to the judgment, the company later accepted Rs88.555 million as final payment and signed a No Demand Certificate, formally giving up its right to pursue further financial claims under the contract. Despite the settlement, the contractor subsequently approached the courts seeking arbitration over additional demands. The trial court and the Peshawar High Court rejected the request, and the Supreme Court has now upheld those decisions. The apex court clarified that once a party willingly accepts final payment and signs a No Demand Certificate, it cannot reopen financial claims or invoke arbitration unless it can establish that the settlement was secured through fraud, coercion or undue influence. The court stressed that voluntarily concluded agreements must remain enforceable, particularly in public-sector development projects where contractual certainty is essential. It warned that allowing settled disputes to be reopened without evidence of wrongdoing could weaken confidence in contracts and create uncertainty in commercial dealings.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *