ISLAMABAD, DEC 21 /DNA/ – The commissioning ceremony of 2nd Pakistan Navy MILGEM class ship PNS KHAIBAR was held at Istanbul Naval Shipyard, Türkiye. The President of Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf also attended the ceremony.

While addressing on the occasion, President  Recep Tayyip Erdoğan termed the brotherly relations between Pakistan-Türkiye as exemplary.  The President further emphasized the need for enhanced mutual collaboration in the field of defence production in future as well.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf acknowledged the commitment of M/s ASFAT, Istanbul Naval Shipyard and the OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) involved in planning, design and construction of PN MILGEM ships. Naval Chief also appreciated the deepening defence partnership between Pakistan and Türkiye. He highlighted that bilateral engagements between Pakistan Navy and Turkish Naval Forces not only contribute immensely towards strengthening Pakistan-Türkiye defence collaboration but also reflect our enduring and deepening partnership.

Following the ceremony, Turkish President visited the ship, where he was presented Guard of Honour and interacted with ship’s crew. During the visit Turkish President and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf exchanged views on maritime security in the region and discussed avenues for future PN-TNF joint initiatives. 

PN MILGEM ships are the most technologically advanced surface platforms. These vessels are equipped with latest Command and Control Systems integrated with  modern weapons and advanced sensors.

The contract for construction of 4 MILGEM class ships for Pakistan was signed between Ministry of Defence Production, Pakistan and M/s ASFAT, Türkiye in 2018, wherein two Ships planned to be constructed at Türkiye and remaining two ships in Pakistan. Commissioning of PNS KHAIBAR marks the completion of construction of both Ships at Türkiye.

LAHORE, DEC 21 (APP/DNA): Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Sunday stressed that Pakistan urgently needs a “charter of politics” to ensure political maturity, stability and national progress.

He was addressing a seminar held at Aiwan-e-Iqbal on the 53rd martyrdom anniversary of Khawaja Muhammad Rafique Shaheed.

The law minister said the proposed charter was not for any individual or political party, but solely for the beloved homeland. He remarked that those who had played with the fate of the country were no longer hidden from the public.

The minister emphasized the need to adopt a positive attitude towards criticism, promote tolerance, and listen to political opponents.

He said such events highlight the personality and sacrifices of great leaders, adding that Pakistani politics has produced many illustrious names, with Khawaja Muhammad Rafique Shaheed shining as a bright star among them.

Paying tribute, he said Khawaja Rafique Shaheed always raised his voice for truth and followed a path rooted in love for the homeland, politics, and the common citizen. “He left this world like a brave man,” he added, noting that politics is a continuous process that demands wisdom and patience.

The minister observed that Pakistan had witnessed extremism in politics and said it was the responsibility of politicians to address issues with prudence. He warned that extremism and violence should not be allowed to chart their own course in political affairs.

Stressing the present challenges, Azam Nazeer Tarar said Pakistan today needs dialogue, political stability and economic stability. “Without these, progress is not possible,” he said, adding that Khawaja Rafique Shaheed sacrificed his blood in the struggle to eliminate fascism from the country.

RAWALPINDI, DEC 21: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir said terrorism backed by the Afghan Taliban is targeting innocent civilians and children.

Addressing the National Ulema and Mashaikh Conference, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said he witnessed divine help during Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos. He said no authority except the state can issue an order or fatwa for jihad in any Islamic state.

He said nations that abandon the scholarly and intellectual legacy of their forebears, and the power of the pen, fall into decline. Field Marshal Asim Munir said Allah granted Pakistan the honour of being the guardians of the holy sanctuaries among Islamic countries. He said there is a deep connection and resemblance between the State of Madinah and the State of Pakistan.

The CDF said both the State of Madinah and the State of Pakistan were founded on the Kalima Tayyaba during the blessed month of Ramadan.

He said this resemblance exists because the Lord of the universe destined one to be the custodians of the sanctuaries and the other to be their protectors.

The Field Marshal said 70 per cent of the formations of Fitna al-Khawarij operating from Afghanistan consist of Afghans.

He said Afghanistan must choose between Fitna al-Khawarij and Pakistan. The Field Marshal added that terrorism backed by the Afghan Taliban is targeting innocent civilians and children.

It is pertinent to note that the conference was held in Islamabad on December 10. Religious scholars and mashaikh from all schools of thought across the country attended the conference.

BAGHDAD, DEC 21 /DNA/ – President Asif Ali Zardari met Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, President of the Republic of Iraq at Baghdad Palace today.

Upon arrival at the Palace, President Asif Ali Zardari was accorded a guard of honour. An official welcoming ceremony was held, followed by a one-on-one meeting between the two Presidents and delegation-level talks. President Rashid also hosted a lunch in honour of President Asif Ali Zardari and his accompanying delegation.

The President expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended by the Iraqi leadership and people, and described Baghdad as a historic city symbolising civilisation and resilience.

President Zardari congratulated the Iraqi leadership and people on the successful conduct of the parliamentary elections and expressed best wishes for the smooth formation of the new government. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for Iraq’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity, and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to Iraq’s stability, prosperity and democratic progress.

Both leaders reviewed the state of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum generated by recent high-level exchanges, including the 9th session of the Pakistan-Iraq Joint Ministerial Commission and parliamentary interactions.

The President noted that current levels of bilateral trade do not reflect the true potential of Pakistan-Iraq economic, cultural and security relations. He highlighted opportunities for expanding trade, investment, agriculture and defence production sectors besides information technology, construction, pharmaceuticals and related industries. He also underscored the importance of business-to-business engagement, reciprocal business delegations and the establishment of direct banking channels to facilitate trade and commercial activity.

President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to support Iraq’s reconstruction and development efforts through the provision of skilled and semi-skilled manpower under the existing Memorandum of Understanding on manpower transmission. He also highlighted Pakistan’s capacity in medical services, financial expertise and digital governance, and expressed readiness to share technical experience, including in secure data management, to support institutional capacity-building in Iraq.

The President also requested for improved facilitation for Pakistani pilgrims visiting Iraq and expressed hope for early finalisation and implementation of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding on Zaireen Management, aimed at ensuring orderly travel and addressing longstanding issues related to religious visits. The President also expressed his firm resolve to work with Iraqi government to stop illegal entry and overstay of those Pakistanis who violate Iraqi law.

Both Presidents expressed their resolve to fight extremism, terrorism and narco trade and enhance bilateral cooperation.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation across political, economic and social domains, and agreed to maintain close coordination at regional and multilateral fora, including the United Nations and the OIC, on issues of mutual interest.
Iraqi President appreciated Pakistan’s role in uniting Islamic Ummah and the historical support to the people of Palestine.

Senator Sherry Rehman; Senator Saleem Mandviwala; Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Governor Punjab; Mr. Sharjeel Inam Memon, Sr Provincial Minister Govt of Sindh; Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Provincial Minister of Sindh; Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, Ex-Chairman Senate and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iraq, accompanied the President.

ISLAMABAD: Fauji Fertiliser Company Ltd, earlier viewed as a leading contender for a 75% stake in Pakistan International Airlines, has formally withdrawn from the privatisation bidding and notified the Privatisation Commission, even as sealed bids are due on December 23, The News reported.

The move came on Saturday, the last day for depositing earnest money. Three other prequalified bidders submitted the required amount and are set to file sealed bids, while Fauji Fertiliser did not, a senior Privatisation Commission official told The News.

Officials said the company’s decision to stay out of the bidding means it can later join any winning consortium, noting that if it had submitted a bid, rules would have prevented it from teaming up with the successful bidder afterwards.

Earlier, the Privatisation Commission Board had prequalified four bidders: Fauji Fertiliser Company Ltd; Airblue (Pvt) Ltd; a consortium led by Lucky Cement with Hub Power Holdings, Kohat Cement and Metro Ventures; and a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation with Fatima Fertiliser, City Schools and Lake City Holdings. On November 7, AKD Group Holdings (Pvt) Ltd was added to the Arif Habib-led consortium.

Under the privatisation plan, bids will be invited for a 75% stake in PIA. The winning bidder must decide whether to buy the remaining 25% stake, for which the government has offered a 90-day option period.

The bidding process will begin with sealed bids. The Privatisation Commission Board will first approve the reserve price, followed by approval from the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation. Bids will then be opened publicly in the presence of the media. If bids exceed the reserve price, open bidding will follow. If bids fall below it, the highest bidder will be given the first right to match the price.

Of the amount paid for the 75% stake, 92.5% will be invested in PIA, while 7.5% will go to the government. The remaining 25% stake retained by the government is considered valuable, and bidders will have the option to acquire it later or leave it with the state.

Officials said the structure was designed to accommodate bidders interested in either 75% or full ownership. Those who do not participate in the bidding cannot later join the winning consortium, a restriction that no longer applies to Fauji Fertiliser now that it has formally withdrawn.

Under the payment terms, the winning bidder must pay two-thirds of the bid amount within 90 days, while the remaining one-third can be paid within 12 months.

The government has assured 12 months of job security for PIA employees. Pension liabilities, medical benefits and other post-retirement perks will be handled by the holding company, while current salaries and benefits will be paid by the new owners.

PIA currently have rights to 78 destinations and holds about 170 landing slots worldwide. Officials said the airline urgently needs fresh investment and professional management to turn around its operations.