shehbaz accuses india
| | |

PM Shehbaz accuses India of backing terrorism, urg…

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday accused India of playing a direct role in terrorism inside Pakistan and urged Afghanistan’s interim government to prevent militant groups from using its territory to launch attacks across the border.

Addressing participants at the Balochistan National Workshop, the prime minister said Pakistan had successfully eliminated terrorism by 2018, but claimed that violence later resurfaced as part of what he described as a “well-organized conspiracy.”

“India’s role in terrorism inside Pakistan is evident,” Shehbaz said, adding that the country had paid an enormous price in the fight against militancy, with more than 90,000 Pakistanis losing their lives over the years.

Referring to the recent killing of a session judge in Mastung, the prime minister described the incident as another reminder of the continuing terrorist threat facing the country. He stressed that defeating terrorism requires a united national response involving state institutions and the public.

Shehbaz also called on Afghanistan’s interim authorities to ensure that Afghan soil is not used by militant groups to carry out attacks against Pakistan. While emphasizing the importance of good relations between the two neighboring countries, he expressed regret that the Afghan administration had failed to stop terrorist elements operating from its territory.

The prime minister said Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for regional peace had received international recognition, adding that the country’s recent achievements had unsettled its adversaries. He praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for their diplomatic initiatives aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s regional and international engagement.

Turning to development, Shehbaz highlighted the strategic importance of Balochistan, describing it as Pakistan’s largest province by area and the smallest by population. He said the people of Balochistan had always played a vital role in strengthening the federation and assured them that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

He also announced that construction work on the dual carriageway linking Karachi and Chaman was progressing, calling it a major infrastructure project expected to improve connectivity and economic activity in the province.

Discussing the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, the prime minister said Punjab had made significant contributions for Balochistan while the other provinces had also extended full support. He pledged to correct past shortcomings and ensure every province receives its constitutional share of national resources.

Responding to questions from workshop participants, Shehbaz said Pakistan’s future prosperity depends on the collective efforts of all four provinces, expressing confidence that the country is ready to embark on a new phase of national development while continuing its fight against terrorism.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    KP police put Rs285.8m bounty on 83 wanted terrori…

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have announced rewards for information leading to the arrest or identification of 83 wanted terrorists. According to a list issued by the police, the total reward amount stands at Rs285.8 million. The Central Police Office said financial rewards would be given to individuals who provide information that helps authorities locate, arrest or identify the wanted terrorists. Police said the identity of anyone providing information would be kept completely confidential. The rewards announced for the wanted individuals range from Rs500,000 to Rs100 million, depending on the importance and threat level of each suspect. The list includes wanted individuals from several areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dera Ismail Khan, Kulachi, Darazinda, Daraban and Paharpur. Police urged citizens to remain vigilant and closely monitor suspicious activities linked to terrorists and Fitna al-Khawarij. Authorities appealed to the public to share credible information with law enforcement agencies. They stressed that the confidentiality of informants would be fully protected. The reward scheme is part of police efforts to locate wanted militants and strengthen security across the province. Officials said public cooperation could help prevent terrorist activities and improve the overall security situation in vulnerable areas.

  • | |

    Pakistan turns 79, leaders call for unity, reform …

    ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan marked its 79th Independence Day on Friday, the country’s civilian and military leadership delivered a common message: the sacrifices that created Pakistan must now be matched by unity, institutional reform, economic progress and opportunities for its people. Independence Day celebrations began across the country with traditional ceremonies. A 31-gun salute was held in Islamabad, while 21-gun salutes were fired at provincial headquarters. At the mausoleum of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi, a change-of-guards ceremony was also held to honour the founder of Pakistan. The messages issued by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the armed forces focused not only on Pakistan’s past but also on the challenges shaping its future. Zardari urges reforms and investment in youth In his Independence Day message, President Zardari paid tribute to the leaders of the Pakistan Movement and millions who made sacrifices for an independent homeland. He described independence as more than a historic achievement, saying each generation had a responsibility to strengthen the country and build on the work of those who came before. Reflecting on the country’s security challenges, the president said the events surrounding last year’s Marka-i-Haq had demonstrated Pakistan’s desire for peace as well as its determination to defend its sovereignty and national interests. He also paid tribute to members of the armed forces, police and law enforcement agencies who had lost their lives while protecting the country. The president stressed that Pakistan’s security was closely connected with peace in the region. He said the country would continue using diplomatic channels to encourage dialogue, reduce tensions and support regional stability. But the strongest part of his message centred on domestic development. Zardari called for economic, social and governance reforms, better education, stronger skills development and greater opportunities for young people. He said Pakistan’s youth represented the country’s greatest strength and that investment in their education and abilities would ultimately determine the nation’s future. For ordinary citizens, he noted, national progress should be visible in everyday life — through better education and healthcare, employment opportunities and greater economic security for families, farmers, workers and businesses. PM Shehbaz highlights economic progress Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also called for national unity while highlighting what he described as economic achievements made during the past two-and-a-half years. He said Pakistan had navigated difficult circumstances and moved towards economic stability, while remittances from overseas Pakistanis had risen by $11.3 billion over two years. The prime minister identified information technology, innovation, industrial and agricultural development, employment creation, education and skills training as key priorities for the government. He also praised the armed forces for their role during Marka-i-Haq and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defending its national interests, including its water resources. Shehbaz pointed to the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye as evidence of Pakistan’s growing strategic importance. He also reiterated Islamabad’s support for the people of occupied Kashmir and Palestine, while calling for diplomatic solutions to regional disputes. Military leadership calls for unity Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also issued Independence Day messages. According to ISPR, the armed forces paid tribute to Jinnah, the country’s martyrs, veterans, law enforcement personnel and citizens who had served Pakistan. The military leadership reaffirmed its commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, upholding the Constitution and protecting national interests. The message also stressed that Pakistan’s real strength lay in the unity and collective determination of its people. As the green and white flags filled streets, buildings and homes across the country, the leadership’s messages offered a reminder that Independence Day is not only about remembering 1947. It is also about asking what Pakistan can become in the years ahead — a country where security is matched by stability, economic growth by opportunity, and national strength by better lives for its people. The shared call from the leadership was clear: unity, discipline and meaningful reform must turn the promise of independence into progress for every Pakistani.

  • | | |

    KP Cabinet increases Ehsaas Naujawan programme to …

    PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet has approved an increase of Rs2 billion in the size of the Ehsaas Naujawan Programme, taking its total allocation from Rs3 billion to Rs5 billion. The decisions were taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in Peshawar. Officials said the additional funding would strengthen the provincial government’s youth-focused initiatives and provide greater support to young people. The cabinet also approved a grant-in-aid for Langlands School and College in Chitral. A separate grant was approved for model schools in the merged districts. The meeting also focused on improving access to education. The cabinet approved an interdepartmental memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing the number of children who remain out of school. Another major decision was taken regarding textbooks. From the financial year 2027-28, students from grades six to eight across the province will receive textbooks free of cost. The cabinet also approved financial assistance for the treatment of 21 patients. The move is aimed at helping patients facing difficulties in meeting medical expenses. In another important decision, the provincial cabinet approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public-Private Partnership Authority Bill 2026. The legislation is intended to strengthen the framework for public-private cooperation in development projects. The cabinet also approved stipend slots for house jobs in government hospitals. It further approved an increase in stipends for doctors completing their house jobs, along with additional grants for the programme.

  • | |

    AJK election commission revises third-phase pollin…

    The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has revised the schedule for the third phase of the Legislative Assembly elections. Polling in Poonch and Sudhanoti districts has been postponed. The election commission has now decided to hold the third phase in Bagh and Haveli districts. Under the earlier schedule, polling was planned for August 10. Voting was expected to take place across 11 seats in four districts of the Poonch division. The election authorities have now changed the plan. The new schedule will cover constituencies in Bagh and Haveli. The first two phases of the AJK elections have already been completed. The first phase was held on July 27 in the Mirpur Division. The second phase took place on August 2 in the Muzaffarabad Division. The elections are being closely watched because of the political contest between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan Peoples Party. The PML-N has emerged as the leading party in the first two phases. Its leaders have claimed that the party has secured enough support to form the next AJK government. In the second phase, voting was held in 21 constituencies. Nine seats were located in the Muzaffarabad Division. Twelve seats were reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in different parts of Pakistan. According to unofficial and provisional results, the PML-N won 15 of the 21 seats. The PPP secured the remaining six seats. The PML-N had also performed strongly during the first phase. Unofficial results showed the party winning nine constituencies. The PPP won four seats. The election process has also been accompanied by allegations of irregularities and violence. The PPP has questioned the fairness of the elections and accused the authorities of failing to ensure a transparent process. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has strongly criticised the election process. He described the polls as unfair and alleged that violence and irregularities affected the voting. Bilawal also said the PPP would continue its political struggle despite the party’s performance in the elections. He claimed that the federal government would face political challenges in the future. The PML-N has rejected the allegations. PML-N leader and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah challenged the PPP to present evidence of electoral irregularities before the election commission. He said accusations should be supported by evidence. He also accused the PPP of promoting allegations of rigging from the beginning of the election process. The revised schedule has now shifted attention towards Bagh and Haveli. The election authorities are expected to provide further details about polling arrangements and the dates for voting in the postponed constituencies.

  • | |

    Ishaq Dar holds telephone conversation with Saudi …

      Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, during which the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest as well as regional and international developments. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson, the two foreign ministers exchanged views on a range of issues of common interest during the telephone call. The conversation focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and maintaining close coordination on important regional and global matters. During the discussion, Ishaq Dar and his Saudi counterpart also reviewed the prevailing regional situation. The two ministers exchanged views on developments affecting peace and stability in the region and discussed the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and cooperation among countries. The foreign ministers also discussed multilateral cooperation and matters related to international forums. They emphasised the importance of maintaining coordination between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on issues of common concern at both regional and international levels. According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close contact and cooperation through bilateral and multilateral platforms. The telephone conversation comes as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue to maintain close and longstanding relations based on political, economic, diplomatic and people-to-people ties. Both countries regularly consult each other on regional developments and issues of mutual interest. Pakistan considers Saudi Arabia an important partner in the Middle East, while Saudi Arabia has maintained close relations with Pakistan over the years. High-level exchanges between officials from both countries have remained an important feature of their bilateral relationship. The discussion between Ishaq Dar and Prince Faisal bin Farhan also reflects the importance attached by both countries to regular diplomatic consultations. Such contacts provide an opportunity for the two sides to exchange assessments of emerging regional developments and coordinate their positions on matters discussed at international forums. Multilateral cooperation was another important aspect of the conversation. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have worked together at various international platforms and have frequently supported closer coordination on issues affecting the Muslim world and the broader international community. The two ministers also reiterated the importance of continued engagement between their respective governments. By maintaining regular communication, both sides aim to strengthen their strategic partnership and enhance cooperation on matters of mutual interest. The telephone conversation is expected to contribute to ongoing diplomatic efforts to further deepen Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations. Both countries have repeatedly expressed their desire to expand cooperation across multiple areas and maintain strong institutional and political contacts. The Foreign Office spokesperson did not provide further details about the specific regional issues discussed during the call. However, the reference to the regional situation and multilateral cooperation indicates that the conversation covered broader developments beyond bilateral relations. The reaffirmation of close coordination on bilateral and multilateral platforms demonstrates the continued importance of the relationship between Islamabad and Riyadh. Regular communication between senior officials remains a key mechanism for both countries to exchange views, coordinate diplomatic positions and respond to developments in the region. The latest telephone conversation between Ishaq Dar and Prince Faisal bin Farhan therefore underscores the two countries’ commitment to maintaining close diplomatic engagement and strengthening cooperation at both bilateral and international levels.

Leave a Reply

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