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LONDON:  Constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, a vibrant economy and a strong defence are the four pillars that will safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and ensure its long-term stability, former Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence Production Senator Lt Gen (R) Abdul Qayyum HI(M) said in London. Addressing a Pakistan Independence Day reception organised by the International Lawyers Club UK (ILCUK) in London to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, the President of the Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society (PESS) said Pakistan’s independence was won through “immense sacrifices, visionary leadership and the constitutional struggle led by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.” “Among the greatest blessings of Allah Almighty is living as free citizens of an independent and sovereign Pakistan,” he said, adding that the country’s freedom “is not merely inherited but has to be continuously protected through unity, discipline and national resolve.” Paying tribute to Pakistan’s Armed Forces, Senator Abdul Qayyum said the military had repeatedly defended the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against external aggression, terrorism and hybrid threats. “Our Armed Forces have successfully confronted external aggression, terrorism and various hybrid threats because of the determination of our people and the sacrifices, professionalism and courage of our soldiers,” he said. “The nation takes pride in its internationally respected Armed Forces, which have repeatedly defended Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He warned that Pakistan continued to face a range of internal and external challenges, including terrorism, foreign-sponsored insurgency, disinformation campaigns, sectarianism and political polarisation. He stressed that operations against terrorists and armed militants should be viewed as a constitutional responsibility of the state rather than political repression. “Action against armed militants, terrorists and those working against the state should not be misconstrued as repression, but rather as the constitutional responsibility of the state to protect the lives and property of its citizens,” he said. While acknowledging the importance of democratic freedoms, Senator Abdul Qayyum said freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly. “Freedom of expression and difference of opinion should never come at the expense of national security,” he said, adding that unity between the people, constitutional institutions and the Armed Forces remained “the strongest guarantee of Pakistan’s sovereignty, stability and democratic future.” Highlighting the historic contribution of lawyers to the Pakistan Movement, he said the legal fraternity had played a decisive role in achieving independence through constitutional means. He urged lawyers and barristers to continue defending the Constitution, upholding the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions. Turning to Pakistan’s future priorities, the senator called for strict adherence to constitutional governance, separation of powers, an independent judiciary and impartial accountability. He also advocated comprehensive industrial and agricultural reforms, greater investment in education, science, research and artificial intelligence, modernisation of Pakistan’s defence capabilities and stronger border security. Referring to criticism of the military, Senator Abdul Qayyum said retired servicemen, pensioners of second-line forces and civilians associated with the defence sector stood firmly behind the Armed Forces. “Those who demonise this sacred institution in the national and international media do no service to the country,” he said, urging the media to report responsibly and avoid undermining institutions responsible for safeguarding Pakistan’s security. Concluding his address, Senator Abdul Qayyum called on Pakistanis at home and abroad to renew their commitment to strengthening national institutions, rebuilding the economy, educating future generations and honouring the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs. “I am confident that through unity, collective effort and by placing national interests above political differences, Pakistan will emerge stronger, more resilient and more prosperous in the years ahead,” he said.

ANKARA: An Iranian passenger aircraft travelling from Istanbul to Tehran made an emergency landing at Ankara International Airport after reportedly developing a serious technical problem during the flight. According to sources, Iranian Flight 7282 departed from Istanbul at 11:43am Pakistan Standard Time with Tehran as its destination. The flight initially proceeded normally after takeoff. At around noon, the aircraft was reportedly cruising at an altitude of approximately 35,000 feet when a sudden technical malfunction occurred. The aircraft subsequently began losing altitude, prompting the crew to take emergency measures. The pilot formally declared an emergency at approximately 12:13pm. During the emergency descent, the aircraft rapidly lost altitude and reportedly descended to around 10,975 feet. Sources said the aircraft later disappeared from radar at an altitude of approximately 7,815 feet. It reportedly reappeared on radar around five minutes later at an altitude of about 5,150 feet. As the situation developed, the pilot contacted Ankara Air Traffic Control and requested permission to divert the aircraft to Ankara for an emergency landing. The request was granted, and the aircraft landed safely at Ankara International Airport at approximately 12:29pm. Following the landing, security and emergency personnel immediately moved into position around the aircraft. The plane was surrounded as a precaution and subsequently transferred to a designated area of the airport. Sources said the aircraft remained at Ankara Airport following the emergency landing. Its engines were reportedly still running while the aircraft remained under observation. There were no immediate reports of casualties or injuries following the landing. The exact nature of the technical malfunction has not yet been officially disclosed. It is also unclear whether the problem involved the aircraft’s engines, flight-control systems or another critical component. A technical inspection is expected to determine what caused the aircraft to lose altitude so rapidly during the flight. The incident comes as aviation authorities continue to maintain strict emergency procedures for aircraft experiencing technical problems while operating in international airspace.