COAS visits Warminster, Larkhill garrisons
COAS Gen Syed Asim Munir is being briefed by British army officers during his visit to Warminster and Larkhill garrisons. Photo: PPI
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir had a field visit to Warminster and Larkhill Garrisons on the invitation of General Roland Walker, CGS UK Army.
The COAS was briefed on the modernisation plan of the British Army and Deep Recce Strike Brigade, said an ISPR news release.
The British Army also showcased niche technologies including AI and uncrewed systems during the visit.
The army chief during his visit to the UK had marked his attendance at the 7th Regional Stabilisation Conference at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
PM, president extend Eid-ul-Adha greetings, call for unity and sacrifice
Listen to article Eid-ul-Adha is being celebrated across Pakistan today with religious zeal and fervour to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS) and calls for compassion and national unity. On unity and sacrifice Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Field Marshal General Asim Munir extended felicitations to the country and the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. They called for national unity, compassion and collective sacrifice to overcome challenges at home and abroad. PM Shehbaz congratulated Muslims across the globe and paid tribute to the spirit of devotion and selflessness demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS). Photo: APP 'These blessed days remind us of the exemplary faithfulness and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS),' he said, adding that their submission to the will of Allah had been elevated to an act of worship. READ: Severe heatwave expected during Eid The essence of Eidul Adha goes beyond animal sacrifice, he said. 'The message of Eidul Adha teaches us to sacrifice our self, our wishes and our interests for greater objectives." Shehbaz observed that the qualities of patience, courage and altruism are essential for a nation's progress. 'Today our beloved country Pakistan is on the path of progress and at this moment we have to embrace the spirit of solidarity and sacrifice." He urged the people to show unity, when confronting internal economic and social challenges, as they did when the nation stood firm in face of external threats. Referring to Pakistan's response to recent Indian aggression, he recalled that the country had shown unwavering resolve when defending its and sovereign dignity. 'We must pool our resources to make our country strong, prosperous and self-sufficient,' he said. 'We must prioritize national interest over personal interest.' Read More: Animal sacrifice hits hard amid skyrocketing prices this Eid Shehbaz expressed deep concern for the suffering of the people of Palestine and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for their right to self-determination. 'We will always be their voice and will support their momentous struggle.' The premier prayed for national strength, real happiness and the ability to act in accordance with the true spirit of sacrifice and selflessness. Similarly, President Zardari also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the nation and the wider Muslim community, calling Eidul Adha a reminder of obedience, devotion and brotherhood. 'This day revives in us the spirit of faith, sacrifice, selflessness, and unity. May this Eid be a source of blessings, peace, and prosperity for our country and the Muslim Ummah, Ameen.' READ: Heat, power cuts risk Eid meat storage The president highlighted the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismail (AS) as timeless lessons of loyalty and submission to the divine will. Photo: APP He emphasized the importance of integrating these values into daily life. 'Eid calls upon us to make a solemn pledge to always care for those in need—whether they are poor, sick, or destitute." Zardari urged the nation to support each other, especially the underprivileged, and to foster love and brotherhood while eliminating hatred and prejudice. READ: Eid exodus overwhelms bus, train stations 'As a nation, we must share in each other's sorrows and work together to build a prosperous and great Pakistan. Let us reaffirm our commitment to national harmony and the collective good," he said, praying for unity and strength for the country and Muslims across the world. The military's top brass also extended Eid greetings to the people. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the armed forces offered prayers for enduring peace, prosperity and national cohesion in the country. COAS and Field Marshal General Munir, chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, chief of naval staff and chief of airstaff all extended their fecilitations to the people. They praised the resilience of the Pakistani people and saluted the bravery of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and citizens who continue to defend the nation's security and stability. The military leadership recognized Eidul Adha as a time of reflection, sacrifice, and unity, and called on all Pakistanis to use this occasion to promote harmony and strengthen the fabric of the nation. "Eid-ul-Azha is a sacred time of reflection, sacrifice, and unity. May this blessed occasion foster harmony across our society and reinforce the spirit of solidarity that binds us as one indomitable nation. The Pakistan Armed Forces stand resolutely with the people, united in purpose and steadfast in their sacred duty to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country," read ISPR's statement. "On this day of reverence, we also honour the noble families of Shuhada-e-Pakistan—whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace and the nation." Celebrations in fervour Eidul Adha is being celebrated across today with religious fervour and reverence, as millions of Muslims gather for prayers and perform sacrifices in remembrance of the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Photo: Reuters Large congregations were held for Eid prayers at mosques, Eidgahs, Imambargahs, and open spaces nationwide. In Islamabad, worshippers offered Eid prayers at the Shah Faisal Mosque and other major sites, where special prayers were also made for the armed forces, national unity, and the country's progress and prosperity. In Lahore, Eid prayers were led by Council of Islamic Ideology Chairperson Raghib Naeemi at Darul Uloom Jamia Naeemi. A large-scale collective sacrifice has been arranged at the seminary, where 180 animals were sacrificed on the first day. A total of 300 sacrifices are planned over three days. Similar arrangements were made in other parts of the city. READ: Punjab gears up for safe, clean Eid Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar said special police and Quick Response Force (QRF) teams had been deployed across the province. In Lahore alone, over 6,000 officers were assigned to secure more than 5,000 prayer gatherings. Photo: Reuters In Rawalpindi, 604 mosques, 72 Imambargahs and 62 open spaces hosted Eid congregations, with 2,700 police personnel providing security. In Karachi, Eid prayers were offered at different mosques in the city. Clerics across the country delivered sermons on the spiritual and philosophical significance of Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) sacrifice. Special prayers were also offered for the unity of the Muslim Ummah, national development, and the well-being of Palestinians and Kashmiris. In Hyderabad and surrounding areas, more than 1,000 small and large prayer gatherings were organised. Many residents visited graveyards after Eid prayers to offer fateha for deceased loved ones, before commencing animal sacrifices. In Peshawar, major congregations took place at the central Eidgah and various neighbourhoods, reflecting the same spirit of solemnity and unity. READ: Parks decked out for Eid festivities Strict security measures were in place nationwide, with police, Rangers, and other law enforcement agencies on high alert to ensure safety during prayers and sacrifice activities. Photo: Reuters Millions of citizens will continue offering sacrifices over the next two days, fulfilling the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and sharing meat with the underprivileged. Municipal authorities have deployed special teams for sanitation and waste disposal, working to ensure prompt removal of offal and solid waste to maintain cleanliness in urban and rural areas.
Express Tribune
14 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Govt releases detail of Rs17tr Uraan Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal inaugurate the logo, website and a book on Uraan Pakistan. The event was also attended by Sindh, Balochistan and K-P governors and federal and provincial ministers. Photo: PPI The federal government has released details of a five-year development plan — the Uraan Pakistan — estimated at Rs17 trillion, whose objective, according to Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, is to make Pakistan economically self-sufficient. Under the plan, the federal share will be Rs7 trillion, while the provinces will contribute Rs10 trillion. Ahsan Iqbal said the target is to transform Pakistan into a $3 trillion economy by 2047. For this, the development budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26 has been set at Rs4.2 trillion. Under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), the government has allocated Rs1 trillion in federal funding. The government has allocated Rs33 billion for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam; Rs35 billion for the Mohmand Dam; Rs100 billion for the Quetta-Karachi Highway; Rs25 billion for the Indus Highway; Rs15 billion for the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway and Rs10 billion for Karachi's K-IV water project. In the education sector, the government has earmarked Rs9 billion for Danish Schools and Rs4.3 billion for the Prime Minister's Skills Programme. It has allocated Rs1 billion for the treatment of Hepatitis C and Rs800 million for diabetes. The government has reduced the number of federal projects for the next five years from 1,071 to 800, eliminating low-priority and inactive projects. This reduction is expected to save the national exchequer Rs2.73 trillion. The federal development portfolio has now been limited to Rs12.8 trillion. The government has also established national centers for nanotechnology, quantum computing, and new industries, laying the foundation for the creation of a 'Quantum Valley' in Pakistan. According to the report, inflation dropped from 11.8% to 3.5% by May 2025 while the current account surplus reached $1.9 billion. Remittances also increased by 31%, reaching a total of $31.2 billion and the fiscal deficit decreased from 3.7% to 2.6% By eliminating unnecessary projects, the government saved Rs5.4 billion in April alone and 27 projects were approved or proposed in May 2025. The planning minister said 210 out of 240 PSDP projects have been thoroughly evaluated. Consultations regarding development partnerships were held with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and the World Bank.
Express Tribune
15 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Manufactured fears: how bias is hijacking India's public policy
Listen to article The history of South Asia is marked by a series of sweeping transitions — from the final days of the Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526) to the zenith and decline of the Mughal Empire (1526-1857), and eventually the onset of British colonial rule, which lasted until independence in 1947. Each phase in this complex history unfolded from the ashes of the former, interweaving legacies of power, cultural identity, religious interaction and imperial ambition. What began as fragmented rule matured into imperial dominance, and later succumbed to foreign colonization, culminating in one of the most significant geopolitical reconfigurations of the modern era: the birth of sovereign India and Pakistan. Post-independence, India has witnessed a dramatic transformation. It emerged as a pluralistic democracy, achieved considerable economic success and developed strong institutions. However, despite these national achievements, recent years have seen an unsettling shift. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India appears to be entering an era where public policy is increasingly shaped by a distorted perception of "risk" — a perception rooted in historical animosity and fueled by political ambition. The Reinvention of Risk: A Political Tool In an effort to assert unchallenged political supremacy, Modi has crafted a new, subjective narrative of risk that leans heavily on centuries-old communal tensions — particularly those tied to the Muslim rule between 1206 and 1857. Rather than addressing the multifaceted challenges of a modernising India, Modi's regime appears fixated on defining "risk" through a lens of cultural grievance and identity politics. This redefinition is not objective. It emerges from deep-seated biases and historical resentment, most notably against India's Muslim minority. By presenting Muslims — as well as ideas associated with them — as inherent threats to Indian identity, Modi has orchestrated a national discourse steeped in suspicion and fear. The goal is not merely to govern, but to dominate the public mind and emotional imagination of the people. This approach helps the regime create a fabricated consensus: that certain communities, and by extension certain values and ideas, pose existential threats to national unity and progress. It is a classic tactic in authoritarian playbooks — construct an enemy, shape the narrative and justify sweeping political control in the name of national security. Biased Risk Perception and Public Policy Distortion Public policy in a democracy should be informed by rational assessments of danger, grounded in evidence and proportional response. But when leaders allow personal or ideological biases to guide their perception of risk, the result is a distortion of public priorities. Resources that should be devoted to infrastructure, healthcare, education or regional diplomacy are instead diverted to managing imagined or exaggerated threats. This warped risk perception becomes particularly dangerous when it is disseminated through emotionally charged and repetitive rhetoric. The more fluently an idea is expressed — especially when it carries emotional weight — the more likely the public is to believe in its importance. In this context, Modi's anti-Muslim narratives have become dangerously fluent: echoed across rallies, institutional policies, social media and, most prominently, the Indian mainstream media. Media Amplification and Manufactured Fear A critical cog in this machinery is India's media landscape, which under Modi's tenure has increasingly functioned as an arm of state propaganda. Stories of imagined or exaggerated risks tied to Muslims or Pakistan are given disproportionate coverage. Even when fabricated or misleading, these stories generate public panic and resentment, creating a loop of fear that sustains itself. The more these stories are repeated, the more they dominate public consciousness. Eventually, they become self-fulfilling prophecies: the fear becomes the justification for more authoritarian policies. Those who challenge the narrative — who argue that the risks are overstated or manufactured -— are treated with suspicion, sometimes branded as traitors or "anti-national". This vicious cycle results in a public policy environment where actual national challenges — such as poverty, unemployment, climate change, education reform and regional peace — are relegated to the background. A fictitious war against "Kashmiris" "Muslims (inside)" and "Pakistan" is waged in headlines and policies, allowing the regime to deflect accountability and consolidate power. A Call for Reset: Reclaiming Public Purpose India stands today at a crossroads. While its economic and technological strides should position, it is increasingly being seen as a nation consumed by its internal divisions and insecurities. It is time for India's policymakers and citizens alike to reclaim their priorities. This requires recognising that the path to greatness does not lie in exclusion, hate or historical score-settling. It lies in inclusion, cooperation and evidence-based governance. It requires accepting that the obsession with defining and amplifying subjective risks only serves to distract from the real tasks of nation-building. Instead of letting fear define its future, India must now embrace the promise of its pluralistic past and its shared future with its neighbours. Conclusion It's time we befriended once again — as neighbours, as partners and as people with intertwined histories and shared destinies. We must explore mutual benefits — in trade, education, cultural exchange and regional peace. We must grow out of the subjective definition of risk — and replace it with a rational, inclusive vision of national security. We must ensure harmonious regional stability — by placing people's welfare, peace and prosperity at the heart of public policy. India's greatness lies not in stoking the embers of its past, but in lighting the path to a more inclusive, stable and forward-looking future.
