ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said Pakistan’s armed forces were fully prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and called for a “neutral” investigation into a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that has brought Pakistan and India close to the brink of another conflict.
Sharif’s remarks came as Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged gunfire for a second straight day on Saturday as ties plummeted between the two nuclear-armed neighbors over the attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists on Tuesday.
Indian police have identified three suspects, including two Pakistani nationals, who carried out the April 22 attack. Pakistan has denied any involvement. Since the attack, both nations have unleashed a raft of measures against each other, with Pakistan closing its airspace to Indian airlines and India suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty that regulates water-sharing from the Indus River and its tributaries.
Sharif said the tragic incident in Pahalgam was yet another example of New Delhi’s “perpetual blame game” that must come to a halt, adding that Islamabad was “open to participate in any neutral, transparent and credible investigation.”
“Water is a vital national interest of Pakistan... any attempt to stop, reduce or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty would be responded to with full force and might and nobody should remain under any kind of false impression and confusion,” Sharif said during a passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad.
“Our valiant armed forces remain fully capable and prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and its territorial integrity against any misadventure as clearly demonstrated by its measured yet resolute response to India’s reckless incursion in February 2019.”
Sharif’s comment was a reference to the downing of an Indian fighter jet in 2019 in response to Indian airstrikes in Pakistan, following a militant attack in Pulwama in Indian-administered Kashmir in which at least 40 Indian paramilitary police were killed. India had also blamed the Pulwama attack on Pakistan, Islamabad had denied any complicity.
Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947, with both claiming the territory in full but governing separate portions of it.
Rebel groups have waged an insurgency in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989, demanding independence or a merger with Pakistan.
Tuesday’s assault happened as tourists enjoyed tranquil mountain views at the popular site at Pahalgam, when gunmen burst out of forests and raked crowds with automatic weapons. Survivors told Indian media the gunmen targeted men and spared those who could give the Islamic declaration of faith.
Modi on Thursday said his country would “track and punish every terrorist and their backer,” vowing to “pursue them to the ends of the Earth.” There has been growing concern since Tuesday’s attack that India could conduct a military strike in Pakistani territory as it did in 2019.
The United Nations has urged the nuclear-armed neighbors to show “maximum restraint,” while US President Donald Trump has downplayed the tensions, saying that the dispute will get “figured out, one way or another.”
Rapidly deteriorating relations between India and Pakistan over the deadly shooting in Indian-administered Kashmir are starting to have small but prickly economic consequences for both nations.
While India unveiled a series of mostly symbolic diplomatic measures against Pakistan, Islamabad responded on Thursday with similar tit-for-tat measures but upped the ante by halting trade with New Delhi and closing its airspace to Indian airlines.
Experts say that while the retaliatory moves will not have an immediate or far-reaching impact, it will likely result in longer and more expensive flights for Indians, while forcing Pakistan to increase pharmaceutical imports from other countries.
PM Sharif says prepared to defend sovereignty, calls for ‘neutral’ probe into Kashmir attack
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PM Sharif says prepared to defend sovereignty, calls for ‘neutral’ probe into Kashmir attack
- Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks came as Indian, Pakistani troops exchanged gunfire for a second straight day on Saturday
- Ties have plummeted between the nuclear-armed neighbors over this week’s attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists
Pakistan eyes ‘multibillion-dollar benefits’ as it plans direct ferry link to Oman
- Pakistani minister says Oman can boost regional ties via maritime corridor to South and Central Asia
- He proposes boosting bilateral trade through improved port infrastructure and closer cooperation
KARACHI: Pakistan and Oman have agreed to deepen maritime cooperation, including launching a direct ferry service between Gwadar and the Sultanate, in a move that Islamabad says could unlock billions of dollars in trade, investment and transit revenue.
The development follows a high-level meeting on Thursday between Pakistan’s Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Oman’s Ambassador Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi.
Both officials emphasized the need to boost maritime connectivity and capitalize on their long-standing economic and cultural ties.
“Minister Junaid Chaudhry underscored the economic potential of launching a direct ferry service from Gwadar to Oman, projecting multi-billion-dollar benefits in trade expansion, investment inflows and transit revenue,” said an official statement issued after the meeting.
“He stated that Pakistan stands to earn an estimated $10–15 billion annually through Gwadar’s maritime operations, while Oman could establish a maritime corridor to South and Central Asia, significantly enhancing its regional connectivity,” it added.
Earlier this week, the government announced its plan to launch a ferry service connecting Gwadar Port, a centerpiece of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, aiming to strengthen regional ties, improve passenger movement and access new markets across the Middle East.
Pakistan’s minister of maritime affairs said his country’s exports to Oman stood at $224 million in 2024, and stressed the need to scale this up through improved port infrastructure and bilateral collaboration.
As part of long-term cooperation, he also offered maritime training and education opportunities for Omani students at the Pakistan Marine Academy.
The Omani ambassador welcomed the proposals and emphasized the importance of expanding cultural and commercial ties.
He acknowledged the positive contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to Oman’s development and noted that Urdu was widely understood in his country, reflecting strong social bonds between the two nations.
Tensions rise for Imran Khan’s party as Punjab speaker signals opposition disqualifications
- Malik Ahmad Khan says lawmakers violating constitution have no place in the provincial assembly
- KP Governor Faisal Kundi has also hinted at a no-trust move against PTI-backed CM Gandapur
ISLAMABAD: Political temperatures rose on Thursday as Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan, suggested opposition lawmakers backed by Pakistan’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan could be disqualified from the provincial legislature.
Earlier, the speaker had suspended the membership of 26 lawmakers supported by the former premier’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for 15 sessions following chaotic scenes during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s speech during budget proceedings last month.
However, the issue of their disqualification gained traction a day after PTI announced a nationwide protest movement against the government in response to a Supreme Court ruling that denied the party reserved seats for women and minorities in national and provincial legislatures.
“Lawmakers violating the Constitution have no right to remain part of the provincial assembly,” the speaker told reporters on Thursday.
He maintained creating disruption in an assembly was wrong for any political party.
“I will fight this case to uphold the Constitution,” he continued. “I have exercised restraint for over a year and a half as speaker … I now have to fulfill my responsibilities as speaker.”
Last month, Pakistan’s top court upheld a verdict by the Peshawar High Court, ruling that the PTI was not entitled to reserved seats for women and minorities in national or provincial assemblies. The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench ruled that since PTI candidates had contested the February 8 general elections as independents after losing their electoral symbol, they could not claim reserved seats under proportional representation.
The fallout from the Supreme Court verdict has also rattled the PTI’s traditional power base in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province where the party managed to form its government.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who represents the federal government, has warned that a no-confidence motion could be tabled against PTI-backed Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, a close aide of the jailed former prime minister.
Gandapur, however, has dismissed concerns about his government’s stability, saying there is no constitutional way to remove him from office.
European climbers complete rare alpine-style ascent of Nanga Parbat’s deadly Rupal face
- German climber David Göttler paraglided from near the summit in a daring solo descent
- Nanga Parbat is infamous for its high fatality rate, earning it the nickname ‘Killer Mountain’
ISLAMABAD: Three European climbers achieved a rare feat on one of the world’s most dangerous peaks, scaling the treacherous Rupal face of Nanga Parbat in alpine style, with one of them paragliding down from near the summit in a daring solo descent earlier this week.
German climber David Göttler was joined by French mountaineers Tiphaine Duperier and Boris Langenstein for the climb via the Schell route, a steep and rarely successful line up the mountain’s massive southern wall. The Rupal face, rising nearly 4,600 meters from base to summit, is considered the world’s highest mountain face and among the most technically demanding.
“Sometimes you need to be patient … It’s taken five attempts, but now that I’ve achieved it, I know it’s all been worthwhile,” Göttler wrote in a social media post on Tuesday, describing his 12-year pursuit of the route.
He said summiting with his teammates in alpine style was “incredible,” and added that being able to fly down from around 7,700 meters to base camp in the same day took his joy “to the next level.”
Unlike traditional expedition climbing, alpine style involves climbing in a single push without establishing fixed ropes or pre-stocked camps, requiring climbers to carry all their gear. The approach demands speed, efficiency and a high degree of skill, especially at high altitude.
“It’s been a long time since an expedition has successfully summited from the Rupal side,” Naiknam Karim, CEO of Adventure Tours Pakistan, which facilitated the expedition’s logistics, told Arab News over the phone. “Normally, people climb from the Diamir face.”
“What makes this climb special is that they did it in alpine style ,” he continued. “What’s even more remarkable is that Göttler paraglided down from the summit. So, that’s his special achievement.”
Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest peak at 8,126 meters, is infamous for its difficulty and high fatality rate, earning it the nickname “Killer Mountain.”
Over 100 climbers and porters have died on its slopes, with the Rupal face considered particularly unforgiving due to avalanche risk and exposure to extreme weather.
Pakistan pushes ahead with agri bank privatization under IMF-backed reform plan
- The Privatization Commission Board appoints financial advisers for the sale of Zarai Taraqiati Bank
- An official statement mentions ZTBL among the priority transactions in the privatization pipeline
KARACHI: The government on Thursday appointed a consortium of financial advisers for the sale of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), a state-owned agricultural lender, according to an official statement.
The decision, made during a meeting of the Privatization Commission (PC) Board chaired by Muhammad Ali, Adviser to the Prime Minister, signals the government’s intent to fast-track key transactions under its broader economic reform program.
The board approved the selection of a consortium led by Next Capital Limited, which ranked highest among six qualified bidders.
“ZTBL is among the priority transactions in the current privatization pipeline. The appointment of a top-tier consortium of FAs [financial advisers] reflects the government’s strong commitment to executing the process in a professional, transparent and timely manner,” the Privatization Commission said in a statement.
Pakistan’s privatization program, long encouraged by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under various loan arrangements, is aimed at reducing fiscal losses from poorly performing state-owned enterprises (SOEs), improving governance and boosting private sector participation.
The IMF has repeatedly called for structural reforms, including divestment from commercial entities, to ease pressure on public finances and strengthen the country’s economic outlook.
Alongside the appointment, the PC Board also approved the formation of a Negotiation Committee to finalize the Financial Advisory Services Agreement (FASA) with the selected consortium.
Other shortlisted bidders included major consortiums led by Arif Habib Limited, A.F. Ferguson, AKD Securities, Bridge Factor and JS Bank.
ZTBL provides agricultural credit and rural banking services across Pakistan.
Its privatization is seen as part of a broader effort to reform the financial sector and reduce the state’s commercial footprint.
Utility Stores employees vow resistance as government plans shutdown from July 10
- Workers’ union says closure will affect over 11,000 direct and 5,500 indirect employees
- A committee will discuss Voluntary Separation Scheme with union members on Friday
ISLAMABAD: The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) employees’ union on Thursday vowed to resist the government’s decision to shut down retail operations by July 10, saying it would fight for the rights of over 11,000 workers by initiating protests, sit-ins and legal action.
Established by the government in 1971, the corporation has a nationwide chain of retail outlets that provide essential commodities to the general public at prices lower than those in the open market.
The corporation took over 20 retail outlets at the beginning but now operates 6,000 stores across the country. The government allocated Rs65 billion ($229.7 million) to subsidize the products sold by the retail chain in the last fiscal year.
One of its spokespersons confirmed to Arab News the corporation’s public retail stores will be closed by July 10, adding that all operations will shut down by the end of the month.
“We have received instructions from the Ministry of Industries and Production to close down all the stores by July 10, shift remaining goods to warehouses and completely shut down operations by July 31, 2025,” Sajid Marwat, USC Public Relations Officer, said.
Meanwhile, Arif Shah, Secretary General of the All Pakistan Workers Alliance of Utility Stores, said the union will use all available avenues to protect the corporation and its employees.
“We will pursue both options, challenging the decision in court and staging on-ground protests including a sit-in at the [USC] headquarters,” he told Arab News.
“In total, around 17,000 people — including 11,500 direct employees of Utility Stores, 2,000 to 2,500 vendor staff and 3,000 franchise store workers from 1,000 to 1,200 outlets — will be affected by the closure,” Shah said, adding the authorities had already terminated around 4,100 employees.
He maintained the institution has remained in existence for 55 years, and shutting it down was not the government’s sole prerogative.
“If it is truly necessary to close this institution, the decision should be approved by parliament,” he said.
Shah noted that during emergencies and disasters, the corporation stood at the forefront to provide relief items and ensure food security due to its big presence all over the country.
He pointed out if the government was determined to shut it down, then at the very least, the employees should be given a fair and respectable voluntary separation scheme (VSS) package to help absorb the financial shock.
Asked about the possibility of offering such a proposal, USC spokesperson Marwat said a human resource committee would convene on Friday to review the issue in consultation with union representatives and the management.
“The union is not accepting the current terms as they are demanding compensation packages for everyone, including daily wage laborers and contractual staff, as all categories of workers are being affected,” he informed, adding that the government was considering a financial deal for regular employees.
Under the package for regular staff, the government is planning to offer two or three month of basic salary.
“But based on mutual consultations, the committee will prepare a comprehensive package for the outgoing employees,” he added.
Raja Miskeen, a USC employee for over two decades, termed it completely wrong to shut down Utility Stores, saying it would put the livelihood of thousands of employees like him and their families at risk.
“We are waiting for the official written order, after which we will challenge this move in court,” he told Arab News.
“We are also in contact with our unions, urging them to develop a joint strategy that includes protests, sit-ins in the federal capital and legal action,” he added.
Miskeen said the employees have dedicated many years to the corporation, adding that it had been functioning well.
“We are not against restructuring or improving its operations, but a complete shutdown is simply unacceptable,” he added.
Ayesha Anwar, a regular customer at the USC in Islamabad’s G-6 sector, said she had been shopping at Utility Stores for years, as their quality goods and subsidized rates had always helped stretch her household budget.
“Sugar at the store costs Rs164 per kilogram [$0.58], while in the open market it is around Rs200 [$0.71]. Similarly, price differences exist for other essential items as well,” she said, adding that closure of these stores would deeply affect the public, especially low-income families.
