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LAHORE: Senior journalists, defence analysts and experts have described the Makkah Joint Defence Pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye as a significant step towards strengthening regional peace, collective security and strategic cooperation. The views were expressed during a panel discussion titled “Makkah Pact: Peace, Security and Stability,” organised by the Press Information Department (PID) Lahore. PID Lahore Director General Shafqat Abbas said the agreement was not directed against any particular country but was intended to strengthen peace, stability, mutual confidence and collective security. He stressed that dialogue, diplomacy and cooperation should remain the preferred means of resolving regional disputes. He said Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye brought different strengths and experiences to the partnership, creating opportunities for closer cooperation in defence, diplomacy, economics and strategic affairs. According to him, modern national power extended beyond military strength and depended equally on a strong economy, quality education, scientific advancement, technology, skilled human resources and effective diplomacy. Shafqat Abbas called for greater efforts to convert Pakistan’s defence capabilities and achievements into economic opportunities through investment in education, research, technology, skills development and exports. He said a combination of strong defence and economic stability could enable Pakistan to play a more influential role internationally. Senior journalist and analyst Mujeebur Rehman Shami highlighted Pakistan’s achievements in defence, diplomacy and foreign relations since independence. He praised Pakistani diplomats for enhancing the country’s international standing despite limited resources and stressed the urgent need to improve education, technical skills, research and scientific development. He also called for higher exports, improved productivity and stronger economic policies, saying that Pakistan’s defence successes should ultimately contribute to broader economic progress. Senior journalist Salman Ghani said the pact combined the unique strengths of its three members, describing Pakistan as a country with significant defence capabilities, Saudi Arabia as a major economic power and Türkiye as an important player in defence technology and military production. He said the partnership could open new avenues for investment, economic cooperation and regional stability. Defence analyst Colonel (retd) Abid said Pakistan’s political and military leadership had played an important role in developing the agreement. He noted that the pact carried implications beyond defence and could influence regional diplomacy, economic relations and strategic cooperation. Former Vice Chancellor of Home Economics University Dr Faleha Afzal said the agreement had further demonstrated Pakistan’s potential role in promoting peace and stability and expressed hope that other Muslim countries would eventually participate in similar cooperative initiatives. Columnist Malik Salman stressed the importance of mutual trust and collective security among Muslim countries, while urging Pakistan to maintain a balance between defence preparedness and economic development. Government College University Lahore Urdu literature professor Dr Farzana Riaz said the pact could create new opportunities for unity and cooperation among Muslim countries and encourage joint efforts to address shared regional challenges. Journalist Noorullah said the agreement could contribute to greater peace and stability in the region, but stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to convert Pakistan’s strategic and defence strengths into tangible economic and diplomatic gains. The participants agreed that closer cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye could have wider implications for regional peace, defence coordination, diplomacy and economic development. They called on Muslim countries to overcome differences, focus on common interests and pursue peace, development and collective security through dialogue and coordinated efforts. Concluding the session, Shafqat Abbas thanked the participants and said discussions of this nature were important for increasing public understanding of major national and international developments and encouraging informed debate.

  The Peshawar High Court has issued a written judgment regarding a petition filed against the non-extension of visas for an Afghan businessman and his family members. The court has directed the relevant authorities to decide the applicant’s visa extension case within 15 days in accordance with the law. According to the written decision issued by the High Court, the petitioner is a registered taxpayer with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The applicant possesses a National Tax Number (NTN) and is also a member of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The court observed that the applicant has established business ties and fulfills the necessary legal requirements as a registered member of the business community. The judgment stated that the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, Islamabad, failed to make a timely decision on the visa extension applications submitted by the petitioner. Due to the delay in processing the applications, the applicant and his family have faced difficulties and uncertainty regarding their legal status in Pakistan. The court emphasized that government authorities are required to make decisions within a reasonable period and in accordance with the provisions of the law. The judgment noted that the applicants had submitted proper applications for visa extensions after the expiry of their previous visa periods. Therefore, their pending applications should have been considered and decided promptly by the relevant department. The Peshawar High Court further directed the concerned authorities to review the pending visa extension requests and issue a detailed decision within 15 days. The court made it clear that the decision must be based on legal principles and should address all relevant aspects of the applicants’ cases. The court’s order highlights the importance of timely administrative decisions, particularly in matters involving foreign nationals who are legally residing and conducting business activities in Pakistan. Delays in such cases can create serious challenges for individuals, including difficulties related to travel, business operations, documentation, and compliance with immigration requirements. The judgment also reflects the court’s view that individuals who meet legal obligations, such as tax registration and business registration, deserve a fair and timely review of their applications. The authorities have been instructed to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure that administrative procedures are completed within the timeframe prescribed by law. The case was brought before the High Court after the applicant’s visa extension requests remained unresolved despite the submission of formal applications. The petitioner argued that the delay by immigration authorities had caused hardship for him and his family. After examining the facts of the case, the court issued directions to ensure that the pending matters are resolved without further delay. The written decision of the Peshawar High Court serves as a reminder that government departments must act efficiently and transparently when dealing with legal applications. The court’s order does not grant an automatic visa extension but requires the authorities to make a proper and lawful decision on the pending applications within the specified 15-day period.

  The Peshawar High Court has issued a written order on a petition seeking the recovery of a missing citizen and directed the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter. According to the written order, the CCPO has been instructed to appoint an inquiry officer to investigate the disappearance. The court specifically directed that the officer appointed for the inquiry must be of at least the rank of inspector, ensuring that the investigation is conducted by a senior police official. The court also issued several directions regarding the collection of evidence. It ordered the investigating officer to obtain CCTV footage from a private petrol station where the petitioner and his brother were present at the time of the incident. The footage is expected to help establish the circumstances surrounding the citizen’s disappearance and identify any individuals who may have been involved. The court further directed the authorities to record the statement of the petitioner and collect all available evidence related to the case. The inquiry officer has been instructed to examine the facts thoroughly and ensure that no relevant piece of evidence is overlooked during the investigation. The Peshawar High Court ordered that the inquiry be completed within one month and that a detailed report be submitted to the court after its conclusion. The deadline was set to ensure that the investigation proceeds without unnecessary delay and that the family receives information about the whereabouts of the missing citizen. The written order stated that the petitioner and his brother were present at a private petrol pump when the incident allegedly occurred. According to the petitioner’s account, his brother was taken to an unknown location on May 15. Since then, his whereabouts have reportedly remained unknown, prompting the petitioner to approach the high court seeking his recovery. The court also took note of the position presented by the police during the proceedings. According to the written order, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Chamkani Police Station rejected the allegations concerning the disappearance of the petitioner’s brother. Despite the SHO’s denial, the high court considered it necessary to order a formal inquiry and directed senior police authorities to investigate the matter independently. The court’s directions include examining CCTV footage, recording statements and gathering all relevant evidence to determine what happened to the missing citizen. The inquiry is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and determine whether further legal action is required. By directing the CCPO to appoint an officer of inspector rank or above, the court has emphasized the need for a serious and transparent investigation. The authorities have been given one month to complete the inquiry and submit their findings before the court. The case will proceed based on the report and evidence collected during the investigation.

  A subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior reprimanded a Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) official during a meeting after the official failed to provide the records and details sought by the committee. During the meeting, Committee Chairman Saifullah Abro expressed strong displeasure over the FBR official’s failure to submit the required information. Questioning the official’s position, Abro asked, “Are you even above the prime minister?” He further warned the official not to attempt to avoid the committee’s questions by giving explanations about the board’s internal procedures.   Abro made it clear that the committee expected the FBR to provide the requested information instead of offering excuses or referring to internal matters. He stressed that parliamentary committees have the authority to seek information from government departments when investigating matters of public importance. The chairman particularly sought details regarding certificates issued by the FBR to cigarette manufacturing companies. He said the committee should be provided with complete information about the certificates issued by the tax authority and the companies that received them.   “Details of the certificates issued by the FBR to cigarette companies must be provided,” Abro said during the meeting. He indicated that the committee wanted to examine the record and determine the circumstances under which the certificates had been issued. The matter came under discussion as the committee reviewed information concerning cigarette companies and the relevant government records. The failure to provide the requested documentation prompted the committee leadership to take a tougher stance toward the concerned officials. During the meeting, the committee also issued directions to officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The committee instructed FIA authorities to initially issue notices to 108 companies as part of the proceedings. The notices are expected to seek information and clarification from the companies regarding matters under investigation by the committee. The move indicates that the committee intends to broaden its examination and obtain information directly from the companies concerned rather than relying solely on government departments. Abro also warned the officials against forcing the committee to escalate the matter to the highest level of government. Addressing the authorities, the committee convener said, “Do not force us to write to the prime minister.” His remarks reflected the committee’s frustration over what it considered a lack of cooperation from the relevant authorities. The chairman emphasized that government institutions should respond to parliamentary oversight mechanisms and provide the information requested by lawmakers. The committee’s proceedings highlight the role of parliamentary oversight in examining the functioning of government departments and ensuring transparency. By seeking details of certificates issued to cigarette companies and directing the FIA to issue notices to 108 companies, the subcommittee appears to be pursuing a broader inquiry into the matter. The committee is expected to review the information obtained from the FBR, FIA and the companies concerned in subsequent meetings. Further action could be considered after the requested records and responses are submitted. The strong remarks by Saifullah Abro also signal that the committee may escalate the issue if government departments continue to withhold or delay the provision of information. For now, the FIA has been directed to proceed with notices to the 108 companies, while the FBR is expected to provide details of the certificates issued to cigarette manufacturers.