ISLAMABAD, AUG 14: The nation is celebrating the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan today with patriotic fervour, heightened this year by the nation’s recent victory in Marka-e-Haq — a decisive military operation against India.

The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in each provincial headquarters. Special prayers were held in mosques across the country, seeking peace, solidarity, and prosperity for Pakistan.

Buildings, streets, and markets across the country have been adorned with national flags, buntings, and lights.

Vendors in cities and towns are selling flags, caps, and green-and-white clothing, while vehicles and rooftops proudly display the national emblem.

Special programmes have been lined up on Radio Pakistan, Pakistan Television and private media networks to mark the occasion.

Besides flag-hoisting by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a major highlight will be a grand defence exhibition at Shakarparian Parade Ground, showcasing the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force’s capabilities at 10am today.

The display will feature tanks, artillery, rocket launchers, radars, armoured carriers, and aircraft that played pivotal roles in Marka-e-Haq under Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.

Visitors will also witness a Pakistan Air Force flypast, para-jumping demonstrations, cultural programmes, and military band performances.

The exhibition is meant to give the public an up-close view of our defence capabilities and to celebrate Independence Day with national pride.

Cultural celebrations are also planned in Islamabad, organised by the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) in collaboration with cultural organisations.

Traditional dance troupes representing all provinces will perform at designated public venues in the evenings, with special arrangements for sound, lighting, and seating.

MCI officials said these performances will “entertain and showcase Pakistan’s cultural diversity.”

Additional festivities include art exhibitions, musical evenings, and children’s competitions, aiming to create a vibrant lead-up to the national holiday.

Adding to the festivities, Lok Virsa will host Islamabad’s largest Independence Day festival, offering music, culture, food and family entertainment.

The programme includes a Mili Naghma competition, an Azadi Concert, artisan workshops, folk theatre performances, Marka-e-Haq tribute exhibitions featuring photographs and paintings, a lantern countdown to midnight on Independence Day, ethnic food stalls, shopping, children’s play areas, and performances by brass bands and folk dance groups.

Entry is free for all visitors.

Meanwhile, Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control will mark Independence Day and the victory in Marka-e-Haq with renewed pledges to continue their struggle for self-determination.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir have described Pakistan as their “ultimate destination” and vowed to work for its safety, solidarity, and prosperity.

Independence Day is being observed nationwide with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, cultural shows, and prayers for the country’s progress and unity.

Security measures have been tightened across major cities to ensure peaceful celebrations.

President, PM, and military chiefs attended main event at Jinnah Stadium

By Saifullah Ansar / DNA

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan celebrated its Independence Day with full national fervour on Wednesday, as the main ceremony marking the 78th anniversary of independence and the “Marka-e-Haq” was held at Jinnah Sports Stadium in Islamabad. President Asif Ali Zardari graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the chiefs of the three armed forces, cabinet members, parliamentarians, and national and foreign dignitaries were in attendance.

The event featured a spectacular parade by the armed forces, an impressive air show, and a symbolic display of national unity. A special highlight was the participation of an Azerbaijani and Türkiye military contingent, underscoring the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. The two nations have long enjoyed exemplary diplomatic, defence, and economic ties, with Pakistan standing firmly by Azerbaijan during its 44-day Patriotic War against Armenia in 2020. Islamabad has consistently supported Baku’s stance on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, while Azerbaijan has voiced unwavering support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

The ceremony also witnessed the unveiling of the “Marka-e-Haq Monument” by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — a tribute to Pakistan’s military and strategic success against India during the conflict in May this year. The venue resounded with patriotic songs, chants of “Pakistan Zindabad,” and ceremonial gun salutes.

At Shakarparian Parade Ground, a static display showcased the country’s defence capabilities, including military aircraft, tanks, artillery, radars, and other weapon systems used in recent operations. Citizens thronged the venue to witness the hardware up close, reflecting pride in the nation’s defence forces.

Earlier in the day, the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution honouring the martyrs of the nation and reaffirming the resolve to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty and independence at all costs.

Across Pakistan, Independence Day celebrations painted the country in green and white. In Punjab, rallies and cultural programmes took place in Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Jhang, Narowal, and other cities. Sindh’s cities — including Sukkur, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Thatta, and Badin — hosted vibrant parades, while in Balochistan, processions and community gatherings were held in Naseerabad, Jaffarabad, Sibi, Bolan, Sohbatpur, Lehri, and Gwadar.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Mardan Commissioner’s Office arranged a special celebration for the minority community, while Karak saw enthusiastic public participation in its local programmes. Azad Jammu and Kashmir observed the day with fervour, with the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad hosting cultural performances and Mirpur organising a “Martyrs’ Honour March.”

This year’s celebrations not only reinforced the spirit of patriotism but also highlighted Pakistan’s enduring friendships abroad — with Azerbaijan’s presence symbolising the strength of bilateral bonds rooted in history, mutual respect, and shared strategic interests.

UNHCR says there have been 675 migrant deaths on the central Mediterranean route so far this year

At least 20 migrants died after a boat overturned in the Mediterranean on Wednesday, with many more still missing, the UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR) said.

“Deep anguish for the umpteenth shipwreck off the coast of Lampedusa, where UNHCR is now assisting the survivors. It looks to be 20 bodies found and as many missing,” wrote the agency’s spokesman, Filippo Ungaro, on social media.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi confirmed the disaster, saying the shipwreck had occurred 14 nautical miles from Lampedusa.

The boat had been carrying 97 people when it turned over, Radio Radicale reported.

Details remained limited, but Save the Children Italy said that a baby girl, aged one-and-a-half, appeared to be lost in the shipwreck.

RaiRadio1 reported between 12 and 17 migrants missing, and said that 60 survivors had been transported to safety on the island.

The boat, which had already overturned, was spotted from the air by a plane from Italy’s financial police, it said.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 13: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been granted sweeping new powers to access citizens’ internet usage data and phone call records during tax fraud investigations.

Internet service providers, telecom companies, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will now be legally bound to share customer information upon request.

Internet and call data now within FBR’s reach
According to the FBR, the newly amended law empowers tax commissioners to obtain subscriber and user information from any internet or telecom operator during the investigation and audit of tax fraud cases. This data can include call records, subscriber details, technical usage reports, and even import and export information linked to the case under investigation.

The FBR says the move aims to strengthen its ability to detect and investigate tax fraud, particularly in complex cases where financial trails may be hidden in digital transactions or communication records.

Private auditors to assist in investigations
Under the new framework, the FBR will also appoint independent experts and private auditors to conduct audits and assist in investigations. These professionals will be bound by strict confidentiality rules, similar to those that already apply to government employees, prohibiting the disclosure of any taxpayer-related information.

Officials say the inclusion of private sector expertise will help improve the quality of investigations, valuations, and technical analysis in tax cases.

Safeguards on data confidentiality
The FBR emphasised that while the scope of accessible data has widened, safeguards are in place to ensure it is used solely for legal purposes. All appointed experts, whether from the public or private sector, will be held accountable for maintaining strict secrecy over any taxpayer information they handle.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 13: The National Assembly on Wednesday passed an amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997, which reinserted powers granted to law enforcement authorities and the armed forces to detain “suspicious” individuals for up to three months.

Section 11EEEE (preventive detention for inquiry) of the ATA was amended in 2014, providing the government and authorised armed forces and civil armed forces with the authority to conduct preventive detention of individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism-related activities. However, this amendment was subject to a sunset clause, limiting its validity to two years, which expired in 2016.

In November 2024, the government quietly introduced the bill in the NA, seeking to grant military and civil armed forces the authority to keep individuals facing terrorism charges in ‘preventive’ detention for up to three months.

The bill to amend the act was moved in parliament by Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Tallal Chaudhry.

In its statement of objectives and reasons, the bill read that Section 11EEEE was amended in 2014, and was designed to empower law enforcement agencies to pre-emptively address security threats by detaining suspects for a period not exceeding three months to conduct thorough inquiries

“However, this amendment was subject to a sunset clause, limiting its validity to a period of two years, which expired in 2016,” the bill read.

“Further, the current security situation requires a robust response that goes beyond the existing legal framework. The erstwhile amendment of Section 11EEEE of the act, ibid, are required to be re-inserted to empower the government, armed forces, and civil armed forces with the necessary authority to detain individuals who pose a significant threat to national security,” it added.

“This provision would allow for the preventive detention of suspects based on credible information or reasonable suspicion, thereby disrupting terrorist plots before they can be executed. This will also provide law enforcement agencies with the legal backing to conduct more effective operations against terrorism,” the bill read. “It would facilitate the use of Joint Interrogation Teams (JITs), composed of members from various law enforcement and intelligence agencies, to conduct comprehensive inquiries and gather actionable intelligence.”

According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, the House passed the bill through a clause-by-clause read. Earlier, the House adopted a motion to consider the bill with 125 votes in its favour and 59 against it.

A copy of the bill available with Dawn.com stated that in sub-section (1), the detention of a person arrested under Section 11EEEE, including detention exceeding three months, would be subject to the provisions of Article 10 (safeguards as to arrest and detention) of the Constitution.

The bill outlined an amendment to sub-section (1) of Clause 2 of Section 11EEEE, which reads as follows:

“The Government or, where the provisions of section 4 have been invoked, the armed forces or civil armed forces, as the case may be subject to the specific or general order of the Government in this regard, for a period not exceeding three months and after recording reasons thereof, issue order for the preventive detention of any person who has been concerned in any offence under this act relating to the security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, or public order relating to target killing, kidnapping for ransom, and extortion, bhatta, or the maintenance of supplies or services, or against whom a reasonable complaint has been made or credible information has been received, or a reasonable suspicion exists of his having been so concerned, for purpose of inquiry.”

Meanwhile, in sub-section 2, the following amendments were proposed:

“In sub-section (2), for the proviso, the following shall be substituted, namely: provided that where the detention order has been issued by the armed forces or civil armed forces under sub-section (1), the inquiry shall be conducted by the JIT comprising of a police officer not below the rank of superintendent of police, intelligence agencies, civil armed forces, armed forces, and other law enforcing agencies and for sub-section (2A), the following shall be substituted, namely: (2A) The provisions of sub-sections (1) and (2) shall remain in force for a period of three years from the commencement of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act, 2025.”

The bill also incorporated an amendment to sub-section 2 Section 11EEEE (preventive detention for inquiry) of the ATA — which is available with Dawn.com — which would grant the armed forces or civil armed forces the power to arrest a “suspicious person” for three months. The amendment was moved by PPP MNA Naveed Qamar.

“In clause 2, in paragraph (a), in section 11EEEE, in proposed sub-section (1), for the expression ‘a reasonable complaint has been made or credible information has been received, or a reasonable suspicion exists’, the expression ‘sufficient grounds exist’ shall be substituted,” Qamar’s amendment read.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said in the House that this law would only be used in specific situations.

“A clause is being added to the bill stating that there are solid reasons for arrest,” Tarar stated. “The arrested person will have to be presented before a magistrate within 24 hours [and] a clause has also been included to be enforceable for a specific period.”

Reacting to the passage of the motion to amend the ATA, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan noted that a similar law was brought previously and branded it a violation of “fundamental human rights”.

“The Supreme Court said these laws were contrary to fundamental rights,” Gohar said. “You cannot touch a single person in the world without a solid reason.”

PTI senior leader and former NA speaker Asad Qaiser assailed the bill and rejected it in his address.

“A new legislation has been passed, where you can be kept in prison for months without permission,” he stated. “These laws can be misused and will target political opponents.”

Qaiser stated that he only wanted peace and commerce in the country, warning that the Constitution was being “destroyed”.

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman lamented that Pakistan’s anti-terrorism legislation against corruption and mismanagement made every citizen “inherently criminals”.

“A person is first arrested and then later proven guilty. There is no room for such legislation in the world,” he said.

“Terrorism has not stopped. I cannot even return to my village now,” he added.

“A guest in our area was told that extremists are in control outside. Legislation has made no difference, as this parliament has no importance. They create laws based on signals.”

Addressing NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Fazl told him that “parliament should not be taken hostage” in his presence.

He also called the National Action Plan a piece of “discriminatory legislation”, stating that he rejected it in the past and continued to do so.

Aseefa slams Utility Stores Corporation closure
Separately, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari assailed the countrywide closure of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) despite the government’s assurance last year that it would not be.

Established in 1971, USC was a state-owned enterprise (SOE) tasked with supplying essential commodities at subsidised rates, primarily targeting low-income households. It operated over 4,000 retail outlets nationwide. The closure last month of the SOE not only left thousands of employees in a state of shock, but has also triggered deep concern among low-income consumers who depended on the network for essential goods at subsidised rates.

Aseefa recalled the PPP submitting a calling-to-attention notice on the issue of USC outlets’ closure.

“Despite the assurances from the honourable minister sitting here today, we have unfortunately found out that utility stores are being closed and hundreds of thousands of people are now unemployed,” she said.

“As a result, their families are facing severe hardship. This is a clear injustice and we demand a clear answer from the government. I request the government to give attention to this again.”

Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer acknowledged that he said on the NA floor that utility stores would not be shut down. “This was done in a phased manner; loss-making stores were closed first, and some people on daily wages were fired,” he outlined.

“But there was a separate formula for those on contract and regular [employment] — a package for their future safety was made in not less than Rs20 billion, which we will give them.

“Although I have no involvement in this process, from my understanding, the permanent employees will be adjusted and for those willing to take the package, monetary compensation will be given to them.”

Recalling this year’s Rs20bn Ramazan Package, Tanveer quoted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as saying that it was better to distribute cash rather than have leakages in the utility stores and have people lining up in the summer.

“Cash payments were transferred directly through a digital wallet, which was of benefit to the recipients as there were no deductions by banks,” he stated.

“I think that this time as well, the recipients of utility stores who used to take items from there will be given cash based on the same formula.

“There is no doubt that utility stores have been closed and people have been protesting,” Tanveer noted, adding that a team comprising Special Assistant to PM Haroon Akhtar, Adviser to the PM on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah and other officials held talks and resolved the issue.

Responding to the minister, Aseefa said, “I would urge the minister that he had promised his coalition partners in this House that he was not going to close these utility stores.”

She added that the issue had been taken up by the Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue as well, which was told the same.

“I urge the cabinet, I urge the government at this time to please reconsider and please revisit this. And to the downsizing committee: we need to be strengthening our utility stores, not downsizing them and not closing them down.”

NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq then asked Tanveer to arrange a meeting, to which the minister agreed and asked the finance committee to nominate their representative for it.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 13 (DNA) —  Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday urged the enrolled members of the ‘Uraan YPDC Skills Fellowship Program 2025’ to consistently pursue excellence in their respective fields, contribute to national development and help transform Pakistan into a $1 trillion economy by 2035 and a $3 trillion economy by 2047.

“Never settle for less or mediocrity, as no country can progress with it. You must strive for excellence in your respective fields, which comes through discipline and hard work,” he said while addressing the launching ceremony of the ‘Uraan YPDC (Young Peace and Development Corps Skills Fellowship Program 2025).’

He said the launch of Uraan YPDC coincided with the nation’s celebration of its 78th Independence Day and the Marka-e-Haq success, making it an appropriate occasion to pledge a renewed commitment to transforming Pakistan into a progressive and developed nation in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal.

The minister shared the historical struggle of Pakistan’s founders in securing a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent, and the numerous challenges faced in running the affairs of a newly born state that was even deprived of its due share in the distribution of assets. He said there was no doubt that Pakistan, despite starting out with minimal resources, without even basic office supplies, had made tremendous progress in various fields since its inception in 1947.

“But if we look at the international level, a number of countries that were once behind Pakistan have made significant progress. This is because they had a conducive ecosystem built on four key principles: peace, political stability for at least 10 years, consistency in policies, and a continuous reform agenda – principles that we have lacked,” he remarked.

Countries that achieved developed-nation status in the past 30–40 years, he added, followed those very principles including peace, political stability, policy consistency and continued reforms. The minister said in 1999, Pakistan’s economy was considered the strongest in South Asia, with a robust currency. At that time, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had introduced Vision 2010 and Vision 2025, but unfortunately both were derailed by political instability.

He said this instability and wrong policies of past governments undermined national development and damaged Pakistan’s international standing, ultimately bringing the country to the brink of financial collapse. But now, Ahsan Iqbal said, the PML-N government has once again embarked on the unfinished agenda of national and economic development after returning to power in 2024.

Thanks to prudent policies, he noted, investor confidence has been restored, and key macroeconomic indicators such as exports, inflation, current account balance, remittances, and international credit ratings, have begun to show historic improvement and stability. “Now the challenge before us is how to sustain this progress and take it forward,” the minister said, urging the youth to always remain positive and to play a constructive role in promoting a culture of patience and tolerance.

He called on them to pair that mindset with professional excellence in order to help achieve the nation’s development and prosperity goals. — DNA

ISLAMABAD, AUG 13 /DNA/ – The Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE), M/o Federal Education and Professional Training has brought pride to the nation by fostering the talents of its students. Fawad Khan, a gifted Rubab maestro from the Visually Handicapped Children Centre, G-7, has been honoured as an International Youth Icon by the Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Director General Special Education, Capt (R) Asif Iqbal Asif, congratulated Fawad Khan on this remarkable achievement, calling it a shining example of the limitless potential of persons with disabilities when provided with the right opportunities and encouragement.

“This is not just Fawad’s personal victory but also a testament to DGSE’s dedication to nurturing, guiding, and empowering every child to excel on national and international stages,” he said.

The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training remains committed to creating an inclusive environment where the abilities of students with disabilities are recognised, celebrated, and promoted.

Meanwhhile, the Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE), under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (FE&PT), will mark the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan — themed Marka-e-Haq — with a vibrant showcase of talents by special students.

The event will feature performances in sign language, thematic tableaux, speeches, national songs, and other patriotic presentations highlighting the skills and spirit of children with disabilities.

Minister of State for FE&PT, Ms. Wajiha Qamar, will attend as the Chief Guest, while Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for FE&PT, will grace the occasion as Guest of Honor.