Rs2.68bn loan default at Bank of Punjab raises rec…

German Consul General Thomas E Schultze has extended Independence Day greetings to the people of Pakistan, praising the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and Germany and calling for stronger bilateral relations. In his message marking Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, Schultze said the occasion was a time to celebrate the country’s creation while recognising the resilience, diversity and ambitions of its people. He noted that Pakistan and Germany will complete 75 years of diplomatic relations on October 15. He described the anniversary as an important milestone in the history of relations between the two countries. Schultze said economic links between Pakistan and Germany predated the establishment of formal diplomatic relations. He recalled that Siemens opened its first office in Lahore in 1922. According to the German diplomat, the relationship between the two countries rests on reliability, trust and sustainability. He said these principles had helped create lasting cooperation and opportunities that benefit both sides. Schultze highlighted the importance of economic ties between the two countries. He said Germany is Pakistan’s largest trading partner and the biggest importer of Pakistani products within the European Union. He also pointed to the significance of the EU’s GSP+ trade arrangement for Pakistan. Around 90 per cent of Pakistan’s exports to the European Union benefit from the scheme and enter the bloc’s market without customs duties, he said. The German consul general also highlighted the role of Pakistani women in the country’s future. He said women across Pakistan were making contributions in leadership, education, entrepreneurship and community development. Their efforts, he added, were helping create opportunities and inspiring younger generations. Schultze also spoke warmly about his experience in Pakistan. Having served in the country since last year, he praised the hospitality and warmth of the Pakistani people. He said Pakistan had gained a special place in his heart and expressed his appreciation for the relationship between the two countries. The German diplomat said he looked forward to working toward further strengthening Pakistan-Germany relations in the years ahead.

UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned the deadly suicide bombing in Swat, describing the attack as “heinous and cowardly” as Pakistan renewed its warning that terrorist groups continue to operate from alleged safe havens inside Afghanistan. The attack took place outside a police station in Kabal, Swat, on August 2, killing at least 16 Pakistani nationals, mostly civilians, and leaving dozens injured, according to the UN statement cited by Pakistan’s Dawn. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the bombing. In a statement issued through the office of the UN secretary general’s spokesperson, Security Council members expressed deep sympathy to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The council also stressed that those behind the attack must be held accountable, calling for perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism to be brought to justice. The UN body reiterated its longstanding position that terrorism, regardless of its motivation, location or perpetrators, remains a serious threat to international peace and security. It also urged member states to cooperate with Pakistan in accordance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions. Pakistan Raises Alarm Over Afghan Sanctuaries The condemnation came shortly after Pakistan raised concerns at a UNSC briefing over what it described as the growing threat from terrorist organisations operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, said several groups continue to maintain safe havens inside Afghanistan and pose an increasing threat to Pakistan and regional security. He specifically named the banned TTP, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade, Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K), East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and Al Qaeda affiliates. Pakistan urged the international community to ensure that Afghan soil is not used to launch terrorist attacks against neighbouring countries, while calling for stronger international cooperation to counter cross-border terrorism. The latest developments have added fresh pressure to an already sensitive security relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. They also came after the fourth US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in Washington, where officials from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorist organisations. For Pakistan, the UNSC condemnation provides international recognition of the seriousness of the Swat attack, while Islamabad continues to push for stronger action against militant networks it says operate across its western border.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), where he was briefed on preparedness measures and coordinated response arrangements for dealing with monsoon-related disasters. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) briefed the Field Marshal on the authority’s operational capabilities and its technology-driven disaster response mechanism. During the visit, Field Marshal Asim Munir stressed that the protection of human lives and critical national infrastructure must be ensured under all circumstances. He said the Pakistan Armed Forces remain fully prepared at all times to support the civil administration and the NDMA in relief, rescue, and rehabilitation operations whenever required. The Field Marshal also appreciated the NDMA’s efforts to strengthen the country’s disaster management capacity and enhance preparedness for natural emergencies. According to the ISPR, he underscored the importance of maintaining constant readiness, ensuring effective coordination among all relevant institutions, and delivering a timely response to emergency situations during the ongoing monsoon season.