Thai F-16 Jets Strike Cambodian Positions in Retaliation for Deadly Border Attacks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan observed Kashmir Exploitation Day on Wednesday with political leaders across party lines renewing their support for the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, while condemning India’s constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, as unlawful and contrary to international law and United Nations resolutions. Messages of solidarity were issued by senior government officials, provincial leaders, parliamentarians and political parties, all reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. Rallies, public gatherings and awareness events were also held in different parts of the country to mark the occasion. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan would continue extending its political, diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri people until they were able to exercise their internationally recognised right to self-determination. He described India’s unilateral decisions of August 5, 2019, as illegal and urged New Delhi to reverse all measures that altered the disputed territory’s constitutional status. Pakistan’s Foreign Office Pakistan’s Foreign Office also reaffirmed the country’s unwavering support for Kashmiris, paying tribute to what it described as their courage, resilience and sacrifices. A spokesperson said Pakistan would continue highlighting the Kashmir issue at regional and international forums and called on the global community to uphold international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to the families of those who lost their lives during the Kashmir conflict and appealed to the United Nations and international human rights organisations to take notice of alleged human rights violations in the region. She said August 5, 2019, represented an attack on the identity and rights of the Kashmiri people and maintained that Pakistan would continue raising its voice on their behalf. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also termed India’s constitutional changes a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. He urged the international community to play an effective role in ensuring the protection of human rights in Indian-administered Kashmir. Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani strongly criticised India’s actions, saying attempts to alter the demographic composition of the disputed territory and undermine the identity of the Kashmiri people were unacceptable. He stressed that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of its people and relevant UN resolutions. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi In Peshawar, a solidarity rally led by Governor Faisal Karim Kundi marched from the Civil Secretariat to the Governor House. Government employees, civil society representatives and citizens participated in the event, carrying Pakistani and Kashmiri flags while expressing support for the Kashmiri cause. Addressing participants, Kundi said Pakistan would continue standing with Kashmiris and expressed confidence that the people of the region would eventually determine their own future according to their wishes. Sindh Interior and Law Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar Sindh Interior and Law Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said force and restrictions could not suppress the desire for freedom among Kashmiris. He alleged that India had violated international law and reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the people of Kashmir. Sindh Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir Shah Sindh Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir Shah also urged the United Nations to play a more active role, saying Kashmiris had been facing serious human rights challenges for several years. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said the Kashmiri freedom movement would continue until the dispute was resolved in line with United Nations resolutions. He described the revocation of Kashmir’s special constitutional status as a challenge to international law and the UN system. Senator Sherry Rehman Senator Sherry Rehman praised the determination and resilience of the Kashmiri people, saying their struggle had continued despite years of political uncertainty. She maintained that India’s constitutional changes were aimed at ending the region’s special status. Federal Minister Amir Muqam At a separate rally in Islamabad, Federal Minister Amir Muqam said Pakistan marks August 5 every year to express solidarity with Kashmiris and condemn India’s actions. He alleged that demographic changes were being introduced in the disputed territory through settlement policies. PPP Parliamentarians Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari said the revocation of Kashmir’s special status had failed to weaken the freedom movement. He warned that policies pursued by the Indian government could further undermine regional peace and stability. The observance of Kashmir Exploitation Day concluded with renewed calls from Pakistan’s political leadership for greater international engagement on the Kashmir dispute. Leaders urged the United Nations and the global community to work towards a peaceful resolution of the issue in accordance with international law and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Abdul Rahim Shirazi has issued a strict warning to traffic wardens against corruption and misuse of authority. Shirazi said no traffic official would be allowed to demand money from citizens or become involved in illegal activities. He warned that anyone found guilty would face strict legal action. The CTO said some traffic officials had been involved in taking money from members of the public. He added that officials accused of such practices were being arrested. Shirazi issued a particularly strong warning against extortion. He said if any traffic official demanded extortion from a citizen, he would ensure that a terrorism case was registered against the official. The traffic chief said he was deeply concerned over cases in which traffic personnel had faced extortion charges. He described such incidents as a source of embarrassment for the traffic department. He stressed that traffic wardens were responsible for enforcing traffic laws and facilitating citizens. They must not misuse their positions for personal gain. The CTO directed traffic personnel to perform their duties honestly and professionally. He made it clear that corruption, harassment and illegal demands would not be tolerated. He also warned officials that strict action would be taken against anyone found exploiting their authority. The department would continue monitoring the conduct of traffic personnel, he said. The warning comes as Lahore traffic authorities seek to improve public confidence in traffic enforcement. Officials are also under pressure to ensure that citizens are treated fairly during routine traffic checks and enforcement operations. Shirazi said the traffic department must maintain discipline and transparency. He stressed that officials involved in wrongdoing would be held accountable under the law.

ISLAMABAD: A joint symposium on “Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building” was held in Islamabad on Wednesday, bringing together senior Pakistani and Chinese officials, diplomats, parliamentarians, academics and representatives of think tanks to discuss China’s approach to political organisation, governance and institutional development. The symposium was organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan in collaboration with the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS). Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani attended the event as chief guest. The Chinese delegation included Liu Daxiu, Head of Delegation and First-Class Inspector at the Party Building Research Institute of the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Zheng Huan, Professor of Party Building at the Central Party School of the CPC Central Committee. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong also addressed the gathering. While adressing, Pakistani and Chinese representatives reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between the two countries, noting that political and institutional exchanges have expanded alongside cooperation in economic, infrastructure and development-related fields. They further added that dialogue between political parties has become an important pillar of the Pakistan-China strategic relationship. Speakers outlined the evolution of Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building, describing it as a doctrine centred on strengthening the Communist Party of China through disciplined leadership, rigorous internal governance, organisational cohesion and ideological development. They said the framework seeks to ensure the Party’s long-term capacity to govern while maintaining accountability, institutional resilience and public trust. CPC’s efforts to curb corruption and maintain discipline, while strengthening the organisation at different levels were also discussed. The recurring theme throughout the symposium was that China’s development should not be viewed solely through the lens of economic growth. Pakistani and Chinese speakers argued that the country’s transformation has also been shaped by strong political organisation, consistent policy implementation and institutional continuity. At the same time, Chinese experts stressed that these experiences were not being presented as a model for direct replication, noting that every country must pursue its own path according to its national circumstances. Participants also reflected on the broader relevance of the CPC’s experience for political parties worldwide, discussing issues such as governance capacity, organisational resilience, leadership development and the ability of institutions to translate policy into tangible results. Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and IRS President Jauhar Saleem affirmed the importance of sustained engagement between the two countries and welcomed continued exchanges on governance, public policy and institutional development. The symposium concluded with an interactive session in which participants discussed the relevance of Party building, leadership and governance reforms to contemporary political challenges and future Pakistan-China cooperation.

HEIDELBERG: Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany, Saqlain Syedah, has announced that the restoration of the Allama Iqbal Chair at Heidelberg University is in its final stages, describing it as a major step towards strengthening academic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Germany. She made the announcement while addressing a literary gathering and mushaira held at Iqbal-Ufer, located on the banks of the River Neckar in the historic German city of Heidelberg. The event brought together members of the Pakistani community, writers, poets, academics and representatives of local organisations. The ceremony was chaired by renowned poet and community leader Syed Iqbal Haider, while Pakistan’s ambassador attended as the chief guest. Among the distinguished participants were Heidelberg City Council member Waseem Butt and German professor Hans Herder, whose speech in Urdu received warm appreciation from the audience. Speaking at the event, Waseem Butt announced that Allama Iqbal’s 150th birth anniversary in 2027 would be celebrated in Heidelberg with special ceremonies and cultural events. In her address, Ambassador Saqlain Syedah highlighted the importance of literary gatherings in promoting the Urdu language and preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage abroad. She also spoke about the deep historical and intellectual connection between Allama Muhammad Iqbal and the city of Heidelberg, where the philosopher-poet spent part of his academic life. The ambassador praised Syed Iqbal Haider for organising the literary event and thanked all participants for keeping Urdu literature and Pakistani cultural traditions alive in Germany. Syed Iqbal Haider also reflected on Allama Iqbal’s close association with Heidelberg and the River Neckar. He said Iqbal’s message of selfhood, human dignity and intellectual awakening continues to serve as a bridge between Eastern and Western thought. During the ceremony, the ambassador shared the encouraging news that practical steps to restore the Allama Iqbal Chair at Heidelberg University had reached their final phase. She expressed hope that the initiative would further enhance educational cooperation and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Germany.