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Business Recorder
a day ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Conflict with India: Tarar praises Pakistani media's role
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Ataullah Tarar on Wednesday said that Pakistan has responded to Indian aggression with responsibility and composure, exposing New Delhi's state-sponsored terrorism on multiple international forums with credible evidence, including video proof. Addressing a press conference, Tarar said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly presented Pakistan's stance on the diplomatic front, while Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar led a dedicated team that worked tirelessly in this regard. He credited the Pakistani media, journalists, and anchorpersons for playing a key role in the 'battle of narratives' by presenting facts and demonstrating responsible journalism—unlike Indian media which, he said, resorted to lies and fake news. Tarar revealed that video evidence was shared with the media, showing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing support for the Mukti Bahini in 1971, along with clips of inflammatory speeches by Indian leaders and footage proving Indian involvement in terrorism in Balochistan. He emphasised that India is involved in terrorism not only in Pakistan but also in countries like Canada, the United States, and Australia. 'India's state policy revolves around exporting terror,' Tarar alleged, citing the example of Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav who was caught operating in Balochistan. He added that Indian-sponsored terrorism has targeted even innocent children, referencing the recent Khuzdar incident, and accused Indian media of celebrating the Jaffer Express tragedy while glorifying terrorists. 'Pakistan's armed forces are fully committed to eliminating all forms of terrorism,' Tarar stated, reiterating that 'Fitna-e-Hindustan' (India's disruptive elements) will be rooted out of Balochistan at all costs. He also welcomed Pakistan's offer for transparent international investigations into the Pahalgam attack, showcasing Islamabad's commitment to justice. 'Like conventional wars, India's proxies will also be defeated,' Tarar concluded, affirming national unity and resilience. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Hyderabad honours Armed Forces on ‘Thanksgiving Day'
HYDERABAD: A grand ceremony titled 'Thanksgiving Day for the Struggle for Justice' was held today at the Circuit House Lawn in Hyderabad, organized by the district administration to honour the bravery and sacrifice of Pakistan's armed forces in response to recent Indian aggression. The event was attended by a large number of dignitaries, including Member of National Assembly (MNA) Syed Tariq Shah Jamot, Hyderabad Mayor Kashif Shoro, Divisional Commissioner Bilal Ahmed Memon, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Tariq Razak Dharejo, Deputy Commissioner Zainul Abideen Memon, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Adeel Chandio, along with government officials, civil society members, teachers, students, and citizens from various walks of life. In his address, MNA Tariq Shah Jamot strongly condemned the Pahalgam incident and reiterated Pakistan's openness to an impartial international investigation. We have consistently conveyed this message, if you wish, an independent probe from any global forum can be initiated, he said. He added, Even if you have a bigger army, know this, if you cast an evil eye on Pakistan, our 250 million citizens will rise as one army. Our political ideologies may differ, but when it comes to the integrity of Pakistan, we are united. Hyderabad Mayor Kashif Shoro praised Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, particularly by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. On international platforms, he effectively highlighted how India falsely accused Pakistan, leaving India isolated while the global community stood by Pakistan, he said. The Pakistani nation is united and, God willing will remain so till the end of time. The Divisional Commissioner Hyderabad Bilal Ahmed Memon emphasized Pakistan's peaceful nature and rejected allegations of terrorism. Pakistan is a land of peace-loving and pure-hearted people. We have never harboured ambitions of war, he said. He recalled past tragedies such as the APS attack, the Jaffer Express bombing, and India's involvement in the 1971 war, asserting that Operation Sindoor was based on fabricated news. He credited the armed forces for their exemplary defense, stating, we triumphed diplomatically, militarily, and morally. Our air force neutralized modern Rafale jets and exposed the vulnerabilities of India's S-400 air defense system. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
United News of India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Pakistan terms India's cross-border strikes on terror camps an act of war, authorises armed forces to retaliate
Islamabad, May 7 (UNI) Pakistan's National Security Committee (NSC), which met under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressed deep concern over the situation arising from India's cross-border strikes and termed it as an 'act of war'. It also authorised the Pakistani armed forces to take retaliatory action. The NSC offered prayers for the civilians killed in the Indian cross-border strikes and prayed for early recovery of the injured. According to a communique issued after the meeting, it termed the Indian action 'as a blatant violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and integrity.' 'India's actions clearly fall under acts of war as defined by international law,' it said. The NSC condemned India for 'targeting civilian areas on false accusations and damaging mosques and other infrastructure', it said. Notably, India targeted mosques that were acting as the headquarters of banned terror organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahedin -- all of which have been involved in multiple cross-border terror attacks in India. 'India carried out attacks in Sialkot, Shakargarh, Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, on the pretext of targeting imaginary terrorist camps. Innocent men, women and children were martyred in the attacks,' the communique said. Addressing the National Assembly session on Wednesday, PM Shehbaz Sharif claimed that the Pakistani armed forces 'gave a befitting reply to Indian aggression'. He also peddled the fake narrative that Pakistan has proof that India was involved in Jaffer Express incident of Balochistan earlier this year. 'Pakistan had no link with the Pahalgam incident. We even proposed an international commission to investigate,' he said. He claimed that '80 Indian aircraft were involved in the attack on six Pakistani cities'. UNI RN
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
General's Jottings: Key to crafting a strategy in response to Pahalgam horror
1 2 3 4 Just when it appeared that the trajectory of Kashmir's economy had gathered traction with more tourists coming in, Baisaran Valley in Pahalgham was jolted by the April 22 terrorist attack. The attack, though denied by Pakistan, has unmistakable links to deep state across the border. Consequently, the whole nation is angry and making demands for revenge. PM Narendra Modi has assured of stringent action against the perpetrators and securing justice for victims. Both sides have initiated a slew of politico-diplomatic measures. This build-up of war hysteria building is now having a cascading effect on the Indian public. Pakistan Army is scrambling to take up positions and people across are nervous. The obvious questions are: when and how much of kinetics is likely? Unfortunately, ill-informed TV experts have sensed a TRP opportunity and converted it into a somewhat comical sideshow. Missed Warnings Lots has been written about the build-up to the attack and possible motivations of its initiators. It will be appropriate to accept that there has been failure on part of intelligence agencies, despite clearly articulated intransigence by Pakistan, coupled with gaps in our inter-agency coordination. However, post-mortem and correctives can be done discreetly and shared at an appropriate time, if we ensure that accountability is non-negotiable. The first signal of the attack was generated by Pakistan's Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Choudhary, DG (inter-services public relations) in the aftermath of the hijacking of the Pakistani train Jaffer Express in March. He vowed 'badla' (revenge) and blamed elements from India for the hijacking. His calls for revenge were accentuated by a highly provocative statement on the two-nation theory by Pakistan Army chief Gen Asim Munir. It may be appropriate to recount that diabolic drift in Pakistan Army was initiated by Gen Zia-ul-Haq. He gave theological twist to its motto with 'Jihad-fi-Sabilillah' and added the defence of ideological frontiers in its role. This was sustained by the likes of Gen Pervez Musharraf. Gen Munir is sort of an outlier and dark horse, a rare OTS product, with an ordinary track record. After 2.5 years at the helm, there is no point in getting surprised at his orientation. Born to an imam, he had madrasa education that was supplemented with Hafiz (formal theological course) in Saudi Arabia, when he was on military diplomatic assignment. He went to the extent of calling Kashmir Pakistan's jugular. In the long list of Pakistan Army chiefs, somewhat moderate ones were Generals Jehangir Karamat and Qamar Javed Bajwa. The timing of Munir's uncalled for diatribe was triggered by his yearning for extension. He is unsettled by growing dissent in junior ranks, coupled with a recent statement by Gen Karamat and other senior veterans, calling for review of ongoing mismanaged operations, in KPK and Baluchistan. Attack: Objectives and challenges In brief, the Pahalgam attack was designed to derail tourism, economy and the process of normalisation in Kashmir. The targeting is also to exploit festering fault lines in our society. Most regrettably, irresponsible politicians are only adding fuel to fire. It will be appropriate if we don't fall prey to this diabolic plot. The angst in Kashmiri 'awaam' (populace) is unprecedented. Notwithstanding it being driven by loss of livelihood, the angst is credible, and has a possibility of strategic pay-offs. The bigger challenge now is to revive tourism with assured security and incentives. Govt has initiated first tranche of measures in politico-diplomatic domain. However, people are demanding actions more lethal than surgical raids and Balakot strike, along with verifiable evidence. Due to various factors, earlier measures resulted in sort of temporary stalemate, with limited deterrence value, which seems to have eroded. Unfortunately, expectations have gotten hyped-up due to masochist declarations. It will be appropriate to recall that hysteria, whipped up after Kandahar hijack, forced the govt to release terrorists like Masood Azhar. The seminal wisdom is that govts and armed forces don't act in anger and haste. Retribution, unlike revenge, will have to be timed and calibrated to retain control on the escalation matrix. The other pivot of matrix is not only nuclear nation but, interestingly, with self-proclaimed and cultivated irrationality in dealing with us. Suspension of Indus Water Treaty The most significant non-kinetic measure is holding IWT in abeyance. The notice on review was given in Jan 2023 and reiterated in Oct 2024. Holding a treaty in abeyance is a well thought-out escalation. After commissioning of Shahpur Kandi project (with balancing reservoir) and repairs of Hussainiwala barrage, we have established effective control on waters of the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas and Satluj. Even for western rivers, stopping of sharing of hydrological data itself would accentuate psychological fear and uncertainty amongst Punjabi 'waderas' (large landholders), who are an extension of military establishment. Run-of-the-river projects like Kishanganga (on Jhelum), and Salal and Baglihar (on Chenab) have limited storage that can be leveraged to upset crop-cycles in Pak Punjab. When Baglihar was filled in 2011, there was huge outcry in Pakistan, with reports of 30%-40% drop in crop output. We have an urgent need to flush and desilt Kishenganga and Salal reservoirs, this is an appropriate time to do it. We should expedite on-going projects on the Chenab and Wullar-Barrage on the Jhelum. More importantly, Kashmir's water flowing across is diverted through link canals to Punjab. It is time Kashmiris take ownership and draw benefits. Way Ahead There are many more possibilities in the cyber, maritime and aerospace domains, besides conventional air-land options. Every action is likely to invite seemingly equal and immediate response by Pakistan. Their sequencing and de-risking will have to be considered in detail to ensure that it doesn't derail our journey to Viksit Bharat. In the long term, we need to establish effective punitive deterrence. (Author is former GOC-in-C of the Western Command, Indian Army)
Business Recorder
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan to thwart every enemy plot, says Punjab minister
LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that the recent Pahalgam incident in Occupied Kashmir, despite the presence of 700,000 Indian troops, is a glaring testament to the Modi government's failure. She added that from Afzal Guru to Pahalgam, every Indian allegation against Pakistan has been debunked, and India has consistently failed to provide credible evidence. Speaking at a press conference at DG ISPR, Azma maintained that India has repeatedly tried to build a false narrative against Pakistan, from the Samjhauta Express bombing to Pathankot and Pulwama attacks, without presenting substantiating proof. She also highlighted that Pakistan's DG ISPR recently exposed India's planted terrorist operatives with concrete evidence. Azma Bokhari noted that even Indian military generals have admitted that several Indian attacks were staged and fabricated. The Pakistani nation and its armed forces remain resolute. The public will soon be informed about issues like the Jaffer Express incident, she said. Referring to recent military tensions, she remarked that the enemy cancelled its planned exercises after Pakistani jets took to the skies, demonstrating Pakistan's readiness. 'Our military doesn't wear the uniform just for a pay check—it stands ever-ready to sacrifice for the nation,' she affirmed. 'Pakistan will thwart every enemy plot and protect every inch of its territory.' She also said Lahore recently achieved global recognition as one of the safest cities in the world. It is now being rated cleaner than New York and Sydney, and by June, with the completion of Safe City projects, all major cities in Punjab will be secured. According to the Number Crime and Safety Index, Lahore has recorded a 50% reduction in crime, with serious crimes like robbery and murder decreasing by 64%. These figures are not government claims but internationally recognized data, she emphasized. Azma said the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has commended Lahore Police for this achievement and reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining law and order. She pointed out that unlike in the past, when depoliticizing the police was just a slogan, the current government has taken practical steps. The success of the Safe Cities Project is evidence of that progress, and by June 2025, the initiative will be implemented across all major cities of Punjab, she added. She further noted that modern safety equipment has been provided to police in South Punjab and border areas—resources they previously lacked. Over the past year, more than 400 police personnel have been held accountable, with disciplinary action and penalties for corruption and negligence. The Minister also announced that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz would be distributing laptops among students under the Laptop Scheme. She hailed the 'Saaf Chali, Shafaf Chali' initiative as the largest good governance campaign in Pakistan's history. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
