ISLAMABAD, AUG 27 /DNA/ – In its latest edition of the Thought Leaders Forum (TLF), the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal (R) Sohail Aman as the Distinguished Speaker. The session was titled “Marka-e-Haq and Beyond.”

DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his remarks on the occasion, described “Marka-e-Haq” as the latest manifestation of Pakistan’s resolute defence against Indian aggression, where the armed forces, with the united backing of the whole nation, thwarted India’s reprehensible designs and successfully defended the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He noted that the crisis was triggered by the BJP regime driven by the toxic mix of Hindutva ideology, electoral calculations, presumptions of military and technological superiority, misguided war- fighting doctrines, quest for regional hegemony, and incalculable hubris and arrogance.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood underlined that throughout the crisis period and actual conflict in May 2025, Pakistan prevailed across all key domains — diplomatic, military, and informational — with the Pakistan Air Force demonstrating its prowess in what has been termed the largest air battle in history, downing at least six Indian fighter jets. He added that Pakistan’s calibrated military response, ‘Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,’ represented a decisive shift towards integrated, multi-domain warfare by combining drone operations, precision strikes, cyber disruption, and joint command and control. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood cautioned, however, that the situation remains fragile as India insists that there is only a pause and that ‘Operation Sindoor’ continues in different forms. He also underscored the dangers of India’s belief in space for a limited conventional war under the nuclear threshold and stressed that for the sake of strategic stability India needs to be disabused of this false notion. Emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and high preparedness, he underlined the imperative of military modernization, indigenization, and proactive diplomacy to deter future aggression and advance the cause of sustainable peace in South Asia.

Air Chief Marshal (R) Sohail Aman, in his comprehensive talk, underlined that there remains a dangerous disconnect between the global quest for peace and India’s active pursuit of conflict with Pakistan. He also underlined that it was fundamentally wrong on the part of anyone to think that Pakistan would not respond in the face of the provocation and military aggression undertaken by India. He added that “Marka-e-Haq” and Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos represented a fundamental transformation towards multi-domain warfare, where Pakistan innovatively employed air power alongside precision strikes and cyber disruption. He specifically stressed that India’s misperception — that Pakistan would not respond — was a reckless notion, firmly dispelled by Pakistan’s robust military and national response. He also challenged India’s false narrative of having confronted a joint China-Pakistan force, calling it a face-saving measure. He asserted that a technologically advanced and operationally superior Pakistan Air Force decisively outperformed its numerically larger Indian counterpart. While noting that nuclear deterrence held during the crisis, Air Chief Marshal Aman warned against India’s misguided belief that there is space for a limited conventional war under the nuclear threshold. He cautioned that although a nuclear exchange remains unlikely, uncontrolled escalation could not be ruled out. Therefore, it was essential to ensure that Pakistan’s clearly defined red-lines are not crossed. He concluded that the region’s future peace rests on dialogue and diplomacy and resolving disputes such as Kashmir. He also stressed prioritising economic development, stability, and trade and connectivity. 

Earlier, in his introductory remarks, Director China-Pakistan Study Centre, Dr. Talat Shabbir, highlighted the timeliness of the discussion. He emphasised that during “Marka-e-Haq,” all elements of Pakistan’s national power, backed by strong political leadership and public support, successfully safeguarded the country’s sovereignty and restored balance in the region.

The address was followed by a thought-provoking question and answer session, where participants engaged deeply with the speaker on evolving regional dynamics, multi-domain warfare, and the future of deterrence stability in South Asia.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood presented a memento to Air Chief Marshal (R) Sohail Aman.

The session brought together scholars, diplomats, and policy experts for an insightful discussion on strategic stability, evolving conflict dynamics, and pathways to enduring peace in South Asia and beyond.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 27 /DNA/ – In line with the direction of Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Member Finance CDA Tahir Naeem inaugurated a three-day Swift Water Rescue Training Program as the chief guest at a local hotel in Islamabad, organized in collaboration with a team of International Chinese experts from Blue Sky Rescue International. The event was attended by senior officers and staff from Emergency and Disaster Management, Fire Brigade and Rescue 1122.

The Swift Water Rescue Training Program featured a seven-member team of Chinese experts, led by Commander Zhong Yang of the Blue Sky Rescue Team, imparting training to enhance the rescue operational capabilities of local personnel. This training program reflects the commitment to making the capital city Islamabad safer and more responsive through international cooperation and professional capacity building.

The three-day training session, from August 27 to 29, will focus specifically on rapid response techniques in light of the monsoon season and potential urban flooding and emergency like situations.

During the inauguration ceremony, Member Finance CDA Tahir Naeem welcomed the Chinese team to Pakistan. Addressing the event, he said that Pakistan and China share historical, friendly, and strategic relations. Such training programs will further strengthen mutual cooperation and ties between the two countries. He emphasized that given the impacts of climate change, training rescue and emergency personnel is critically important for protecting human lives.

Director General of Capital Emergency Services, Dr. Abdul Rahman, addressed the inauguration ceremony and thanked the Blue Sky Rescue Team for their visit to Pakistan. He mentioned that unprecedented monsoon rains in this year, natural disasters, and various emergency incidents in Islamabad demand greater preparedness and enhanced response capabilities from rescue teams making this training highly beneficial.

Commander of the Blue Sky Rescue Team, Zhong Yang, said that the two countries share a long-standing friendship and that their team had previously participated in rescue training in Lahore last year. He mentioned that his team has trained rescue and emergency services personnel not only in Pakistan but also in several other countries and they are deeply committed to enhancing the capacity and capabilities of Pakistani personnel.

It is important to note that the purpose of this training program is to elevate the capacity and capabilities of CDA personnel to ensure prompt and effective responses in any emergency situation, particularly during floods and swift water emergencies. The CDA administration affirmed that such training programs will continue to ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 27 /DNA/ – In a significant move to deepen bilateral relations, the Federal Minister for Interior of Pakistan, Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, warmly welcomed the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Mr. Ivan Kubrakov, at the Ministry of Interior today.

The meeting, followed by delegation-level talks between the two sides, focused on enhancing mutual cooperation in areas of common interest. Both ministers agreed to strengthen collaboration in counter-terrorism, anti-narcotics operations, border security, and police training.

A major milestone was achieved as the two nations finalized an Extradition Treaty. A protocol for its implementation was signed, paving the way for its formal enactment.

To ensure continuous engagement, the ministries agreed to establish a Joint Working Group (JWG). Minister Naqvi stated that “the formation of this Joint Working Group will prove highly beneficial in promoting relations between the two countries.”

Further solidifying their partnership, the ministers decided to soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the critical field of anti-narcotics. An agreement was also reached on a Police Training Exchange Program to share expertise and best practices.

Minister Naqvi emphasized the importance Pakistan places on its relationship with Belarus, saying, “Pakistan values its relations with Belarus and desires to advance these ties in every sector.” He particularly welcomed a recently signed MoU between the Belarusian government and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, noting that “under this agreement, several thousand Pakistanis will go to Belarus for employment.” He assured that “we will make every effort to send the best possible workforce to Belarus after a complete screening process.”

Echoing these sentiments, Belarusian Interior Minister Ivan Kubrakov said, “We wish to promote mutual cooperation with Pakistan in all fields.” He extended a formal invitation to Minister Mohsin Naqvi to visit Belarus, adding that “your visit will help strengthen relations between our two countries.” Minister Kubrakov also acknowledged the hard-working nature of the Pakistani people and thanked the Government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Interior for their hospitality.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Mr. Talal Chaudhry, the Secretary of Interior, Special Secretary, Additional Secretaries, the Commandant of the National Police Academy, the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (Cyber Crime Wing), the Director of the Anti-Narcotics Force, and other senior officials.

ISLAMABAD, Aug 27 (APP):President, Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the passing of senior journalist and former Secretary General of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Aamir Mehmood.

Extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, President Zardari paid rich tribute to the late journalist, describing him as a respected and distinguished name in the world of journalism and publishing, a condolence message from the Presidency said.

“Aamir Mehmood rendered invaluable professional services and played a prominent role in the fields of journalism and literature,” the President said. He added that his significant contributions to media would always be remembered.

The president prayed for the departed soul, supplicating Allah Almighty to grant the deceased a high place in His mercy and to bestow patience upon the family to bear the irreparable loss.

MUZAFFARGARH, AUG 27 (DNA): Deputy Commissioner Usman Tahir Jappa said that a record flood of 900,000 cusecs was passing

through the Chenab River at Marala, marking the largest flow in the river’s history.

He informed that this flood wave would enter Muzaffargarh district at Rangpur on August 30,

describing it as the most severe flood since 2014.

Chairing a meeting on flood preparedness, the DC directed all departments to remain on high alert and prepare for any emergency. He said that officers’ leaves had been cancelled, and no official would be allowed to leave the district without permission. He stressed that every officer must remain present at duty stations, fully briefed and ready, as VVIP visits were also expected.

The DC urged the elected representatives to convey evacuation messages in riverine areas, urging immediate relocation of residents. “Nothing is more valuable than human life. Protection of people’s lives and property is our foremost duty,” he added.

He directed the Livestock Department to vaccinate all animals being moved from flood-hit areas and ensure fodder arrangements, with counters set up at each relief camp. Rescue 1122 teams were instructed to be stationed at sensitive points with boats, skilled staff, and life jackets. He ordered closure of all commercial boat services at river crossings, restricting boats only for free evacuation services under police supervision. The PDMA was tasked with supplying tents to all tehsils as required, while announcements and force assistance would be used for evacuation campaigns.

The agriculture department was asked to deploy ten bulldozers to support the Irrigation Department. NGOs working in the district would also be engaged systematically to strengthen relief efforts.

MPA Muhammad Ajmal Khan Chandia urged immediate repair of cracks at the Tillery embankment caused by rains, stressing lessons from the 2014 flood.

MPA Rana Abdul Manan warned that sewerage lines discharging into the Chenab at Shehr Sultan could allow river water to flow back into the city and demanded urgent closure of the lines. He also called for coordination with Multan administration to evacuate people from eastern areas of the district.

MPA Aun Hameed Dogar pressed for closure of cracks in embankments caused by rainfall and animal burrows, removal of camps on riverbanks, and vaccination of livestock.

District Police Officer Syed Ghazanfar Ali Shah assured that police deployment plans had been finalized, with personnel ready wherever needed. He stressed the need for coordination among departments and maximum public awareness through mosque announcements. He reiterated that the protection of people’s lives and property was the top priority and said all Punjab Police resources would be used in consultation with district administration.

The meeting was also attended by MPAs, Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Owaid Irshad Bhatti, PDMA representative Irfan Sial, and officials of relevant departments.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 27 (DNA): Pakistan recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over Uzbekistan to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the ATF 12 & under Team Competition Finals, at Singapore.

In the first singles match, Rashid Ali Bachani defeated Zinatulin Milan 6-4, 6-2.

In the second singles, Shayan Afridi outclassed Ziyatov Azamjon 6-1, 6-1, said a press release.

In the doubles encounter, the pair of Shayan Afridi and M. Ibraheem Gill sealed the win by beating Umedov Alimkhan, Zinatulin Milan 6-4, 6-4.

Pakistan were placed in Group D along with Thailand and Uzbekistan. Yesterday, Pakistan lost tough three-set matches against Thailand, the No. 3 seed in the tournament. Rashid Ali won the first set 7-6(4) but unfortunately lost the match, while Shayan also won the first set 6-4 before losing his match.

Pakistan bounced back strongly, defeating Uzbekistan 3-0 to qualify for the quarterfinals. Pakistan will face south Korea in the quarterfinals.

The tournament features strong teams from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China, Korea, and Chinese Taipei.

Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President PTF, extended his congratulations to the young team for their outstanding performance and expressed hope that they will continue their winning momentum in the upcoming stages.

Col. (R) Zia-ud-din Tufail, Secretary General PTF, also lauded the players and team management for their dedication and teamwork, which led to this important victory.