PCB warns former cricketers over participation 

  Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi has said that Pakistan has become militarily invincible and stressed that “work, work and work” should remain the nation’s guiding principle for the country’s progress and prosperity. The governor made these remarks while addressing an Independence Day ceremony at the Governor House, where he hoisted the national flag and offered prayers for the security, stability and prosperity of Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, Nihal Hashmi said that Independence Day was an opportunity to remember the people who struggled and made sacrifices for the creation of Pakistan. He emphasized that the nation should honour their efforts by working sincerely for the development of the country. “Work, work and work should be our motto,” the governor said, calling on citizens to contribute actively to the country’s progress. He stressed that Pakistan’s future depends not only on government institutions but also on the commitment and responsibility of every citizen. The Sindh governor also spoke about Pakistan’s defence capabilities, saying that the country had become militarily invincible. He said that when India challenged Pakistan’s defence, Field Marshal Asim Munir gave India a “befitting response,” adding that the response demonstrated Pakistan’s strength and resilience. Hashmi said Pakistan’s defence capabilities had earned recognition internationally. He maintained that the country had shown that it was capable of protecting its sovereignty and responding effectively to any threat. The Independence Day ceremony at Governor House was attended by officials and other guests. The national flag was hoisted as part of the celebrations, while prayers were offered for the country’s security, peace and prosperity. The governor also highlighted the importance of cleanliness and civic responsibility. He said that keeping homes, schools, neighbourhoods and cities clean was the responsibility of every citizen. He urged people to play their part in improving their surroundings instead of relying solely on government institutions to address cleanliness and sanitation issues. According to Hashmi, national development begins at the individual and community levels. If citizens take responsibility for maintaining clean streets and public spaces, it can contribute to a healthier and more organized society. He further called on every Pakistani to play a constructive role in the country’s development and prosperity. He said that citizens should perform their responsibilities honestly and work collectively to strengthen the country. The governor’s message on Independence Day centred on three major themes: national unity, hard work and civic responsibility. He said that remembering the sacrifices made for Pakistan should inspire citizens to work for its future rather than merely celebrate Independence Day as a national occasion. He also emphasized that Pakistan’s continued progress requires collective efforts from people across the country. From maintaining cleanliness in local communities to contributing to economic and social development, every citizen can play a role in strengthening the nation. Concluding his message, Nihal Hashmi urged citizens to remain committed to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. He said that the country’s future could be strengthened when individuals, communities and institutions work together with a sense of responsibility and dedication.

  ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly rejected India’s remarks at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) concerning the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and allegations of terrorism, describing them as an attempt to misrepresent facts and divert attention from issues raised by Pakistan. The response came after India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism and suggested that the issue had affected bilateral cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan dismissed these allegations during the UNSC’s High-Level Open Debate on “Natural Resource Governance: The Foundation of Peace, Security and Prosperity.” Speaking in a right of reply, Pakistan’s First Secretary to the UN, Ansar Shah, said India’s statement was misleading and represented a futile effort to distort the facts surrounding the treaty and regional security issues. He maintained that the Indus Waters Treaty remains legally valid and binding, rejecting India’s claim that the agreement could be placed in abeyance through unilateral action. Shah stated that the treaty contains no provision allowing either party to suspend or set it aside on its own. He referred to the Court of Arbitration’s August 2025 award, which, according to Pakistan, reaffirmed that the treaty continues to remain fully in force along with its dispute resolution mechanisms. He argued that India’s unilateral approach violated the terms of the agreement as well as established principles of international law. Pakistan also accused India of using shared water resources as a political tool. Shah said any attempt to weaponise water for political pressure or to restrict water access would amount to a serious breach of international legal obligations and norms. He added that such actions could undermine regional stability and pose risks to international peace and security, making the issue relevant to discussions at the Security Council. Responding to India’s allegations regarding terrorism, Shah rejected the accusations and instead claimed that India was attempting to conceal its own involvement in activities that Pakistan says have contributed to terrorism within its borders. He alleged that militant groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and the Majeed Brigade had been responsible for attacks that claimed the lives of thousands of Pakistani civilians and security personnel, including women and children. Pakistan reiterated its long-standing allegation that India supports and finances these groups, a claim India has consistently denied. Shah also referred to reports of alleged extraterritorial operations involving India, saying such incidents had raised international concerns. He further argued that India could not portray itself solely as a victim of terrorism while ignoring accusations directed against it. Addressing the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Shah said the people of the region continue to be denied their right to self-determination. He maintained that the territory remains internationally recognised as disputed and asserted that no unilateral measures could alter its legal or historical status. He also urged India to fulfil its obligations under the UN Charter and implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Earlier in the debate, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, reaffirmed that the Indus Waters Treaty remains effective and legally binding. He called on the UN Security Council to remain vigilant against the misuse or weaponisation of natural resources and encouraged greater use of preventive diplomacy, peaceful dispute resolution, monitoring mechanisms, and other international measures to prevent disputes over shared resources from escalating into broader conflicts.