ISLAMABAD, JUL 30: /DNA/ – PNS SHAMSHEER and USS FITZGERALD conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the North Indian Ocean, underscoring the maritime cooperation between the two navies.
The exercise featured a series of professional naval engagements aimed at enhancing interoperability. These interactions reaffirm the shared commitment of both navies to maritime security and regional stability.
ISLAMABAD, JUL 30 /DNA/ – The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has agreed to immediately withdraw a controversial press release issued on 21 May 2025, following objections raised by United Insurance Company Pakistan Ltd (UIC). The assurance was conveyed to the Islamabad High Court by SECP’s Chief Prosecutor, Syed Asad Haider, during a hearing.
The development came as the court heard a contempt of court filed by the UIC against SECP Chairman Akif Saeed and others, represented by advocates Ahmad Hassan and Ch. Muhammad Atif. They argued that the press release had adversely impacted UIC’s business operations and reputation.
Additional Attorney General Rashid Hanif appeared on behalf of the federation, while Chief Prosecutor Asad Haider and Special Prosecutor Hasnain Raza represented SECP. The respondents assured the court that the SECP had decided to withdraw the press release without delay, an illegal stance that was reversed.
In response, the court noted that there was no need to proceed further. However, the petitioner’s counsel stated that a final decision should depend on whether SECP files a formal compliance report confirming the withdrawal. If such a report is submitted, the petition will not be pressed.
The court directed that the compliance report be submitted before the next hearing and adjourned the case to 12 August 2025.
It may be recalled that Assistant Attorney General Asia Batool, in a letter dated 21 July, warned the SECP about the contempt proceedings and conveyed the High Court’s displeasure over the non-compliance with earlier directives.
As previously reported, the SECP had barred UIC from the guarantee business illegally and issued a damaging press release without any defensible regulatory basis. The move triggered intense industry backlash, with stakeholders warning of increased uncertainty in the insurance sector.
The SECP has so far not publicly explained the rationale behind either the issuance or the withdrawal of the 21 May release. However, legal observers say the Commission’s latest decision reflects a retreat amid mounting judicial scrutiny and reputational loss.
ISLAMABAD, JUL 30 /DNA/ – The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has officially enforced the “Sports Funding Regulations 2025” aimed at ensuring the transparent and performance-based utilization of government funds and providing financial support to sports federations on merit.According to the regulations, submission of annual performance reports, action plans, and budget estimates is mandatory for availing funding. Moreover, the funds will only be spent on approved athletes and officials.
As per the regulations approved by PSB Director General Muhammad Yasir Pirzada, the Board reserves the right to conduct financial inspections or audits at any time, while the Auditor General of Pakistan may also audit grants-in-aid.Federations are required to operate their bank accounts under dual signatories and must declare all financial sources, including sponsorships and donations, to the Board.
DG PSB Muhammad Yasir Pirzada stated, “The aim of the Sports Funding Regulations 2025 is to ensure the transparent, efficient, and performance-driven use of public funds. Through these regulations, we seek to promote a culture of merit, accountability, and equitable distribution in sports.”
All payments under these regulations must be made via cross cheque or electronic transfer, and cash payments exceeding Rs. 25,000 are strictly prohibited. Any additional expenses due to extended stays must be personally borne by the individuals or institutions concerned.
Each federation must undergo an annual audit by a registered auditor and publish the audit report publicly. Additionally, procurement must follow competitive quotation processes to ensure transparency.
If any federation fails to utilize the full amount of funds after an event, it is obligated to return the remaining amount within 30 days, unless written approval is obtained from the Board.
The PSB has made it clear that misuse of funds, submission of inadequate or suspicious documentation, or violation of regulations may result in suspension of future funding, disciplinary action, or even blacklisting of the respective federation or individual.
As per the regulations, grant approval remains at the discretion of PSB and cannot be claimed as a right by any federation. The Board reserves the authority to modify, relax, or impose additional conditions based on national interest, equity, or sports representation.
It is also clarified that all previous notifications, policies, and instructions stand nullified with the implementation of the new regulations. However, financial assistance already provided under earlier rules shall remain valid.
LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that Pakistan’s decisive victory in the recent conflict with India had elevated the country’s global stature, asserting that the Armed Forces had dispelled the misconception that Pakistan relied solely on its nuclear capability.
Addressing a ceremony in Lahore, the premier praised the swift and effective response by Pakistan’s Armed Forces during the four-day war, calling it “short but highly dangerous.”
He said that in a very brief span of time, the military had demonstrated extraordinary preparedness, courage, and skill.
“India believed Pakistan could only rely on nuclear deterrence, but our conventional warfare supremacy has shattered that myth,” Shehbaz said. He credited the Army’s use of Al Fatah missiles, the Air Force’s technological innovation, and the Navy’s vigilance for the victory, which he described as a product of teamwork and national unity.
The prime minister also highlighted the diplomatic front, saying US President Donald Trump had repeatedly acknowledged that the ceasefire between Pakistan and India was achieved due to his intervention.
“That, too, is a great diplomatic success for Pakistan,” he said.
The prime minister was addressing the ceremony after inaugurating the Pak Business Express and newly-upgraded passenger facilities at the Lahore Railway Station.
He also vowed to make Pakistan Railways a modern, reliable, and affordable mode of transport for all citizens, not just the elite. PM Shehbaz said Pakistan Railways would soon see an overhaul through cooperation with China.
He added that modernising the railway system was a top priority for the government and would play a vital role in economic development and regional connectivity.
LONDON, JUL 29: Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday Britain was prepared to recognise a Palestinian state in September at the United Nations General Assembly unless Israel takes several steps to improve life for Palestinians.
Britain, if it acts, would become the second Western power on the U.N. Security Council to do so after France last week, reflecting Israel’s deepening isolation over its conduct in its war against Hamas in Gaza, where a humanitarian disaster has set in and the Palestinian death toll has risen above 60,000.
Starmer said Britain would make the move unless Israel took substantive steps to allow more aid to enter Gaza, made clear there will be no annexation of the West Bank and commits to a long-term peace process that delivers a “two-state solution” – a Palestinian state co-existing in peace alongside Israel.
“The Palestinian people have endured terrible suffering,” Starmer told reporters. “Now, in Gaza, because of a catastrophic failure of aid, we see starving babies, children too weak to stand, images that will stay with us for a lifetime. The suffering must end.”
Starmer said his government would make an assessment in September on “how far the parties have met these steps”, but that no one would have a veto over the decision.
He took the decision after recalling his cabinet during the summer holidays on Tuesday to discuss a new proposed peace plan being worked on with other European leaders and how to deliver more humanitarian aid for Gaza’s 2.2 million people.
Successive British governments have said they will formally recognise a Palestinian state when the time is right, without ever setting a timetable or specifying the necessary conditions.
With warnings from international aid agencies that people in Gaza are facing starvation, a growing number of lawmakers in Starmer’s Labour Party have been asking him to recognise a Palestinian state to raise pressure on Israel.
The issue came to the fore after President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday France would recognise Palestine as a state in territories Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war.
Israel and staunch supporter the United States blasted France’s move, branding it a reward for Palestinian Hamas militants who ran Gaza and whose attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 triggered the current war.
At the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, when Starmer was the opposition leader, he fully backed Israel’s right to defend itself. But his stance has shifted over the years to a tougher approach to Israel, especially since his election as prime minister just over a year ago.
His government dropped the previous government’s challenge over arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and has suspended some weapon sales to Israel.
Last month, Britain sanctioned two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, accusing them of repeatedly inciting violence against Palestinians.
ISLAMABAD, JUL 29: The PTI on Tuesday swiftly rubbished media reports that said party founder Imran Khan had barred his two sons from coming to Pakistan and participating in any activity for his release.
Imran’s sons — Sulaiman Khan, 28, and Kasim Khan, 26 — called attention to their father’s incarceration for the first time publicly in May. Earlier this month, Imran’s sister Aleema Khan said Sulaiman and Kasim will go to the US before coming to Pakistan as part of a movement calling for the ex-premier’s release.
Imran, imprisoned since August 2023, is serving a sentence at the Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case and also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the protests of May 9, 2023.
Earlier in the day, media reports said that the incarcerated former prime minister told reporters at Adiala Jail that his sons would not be coming to Pakistan and taking part in or leading any protest.
Responding swiftly to the reports, PTI Central Information Secretary Waqas Akram said: “The news circulating in the media regarding Imran Khan Sahib’s children is completely false. Imran Khan sahib has absolutely not stopped his children from coming to Pakistan. I would request those media friends who report from Adiala to only broadcast exactly what Khan sahib says. It is inappropriate to take things out of context, selectively, or to present conversations according to their own wishes.”
In a follow-up post, he said: “There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that Imran Khan’s children will come to Pakistan. So far, only the date for this has yet to be determined. And everyone should remember that when they decided to come, they clearly told their father that we are not seeking your permission but informing you. So, avoid these propagandas because they are of no use.”
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif termed the entire matter “one drama among many dramas”, adding that “the purpose was not the meeting of father and child but political gain. No move by the founder happens without political or financial gain.”
Although the government has not officially commented on the matter of Imran’s son, Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry previously questioned what, if any, role they would be able to play, adding that they were welcome to visit Pakistan and there would be no obstacle for them and visas would be issued “in less than 24 hours”, provided they stayed within the law.
Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik had told Dawn.com that Article 16 of the Constitution, which grants the right to gather, was applicable to citizens and foreigners are not allowed to assemble in Pakistan.
Malik also said that the two brothers could not legally participate in local political activity as they were British nationals, and that if they “violate the visa conditions, the visa can be cancelled”.
There were conflicting statements from PML-N leaders as well on whether the duo would be allowed entry into Pakistan, with Senator Irfan Siddiqui saying they should be allowed to come and “carry out their activities”, but within the limitations of the law.
ISLAMABAD, JUL 29 /DNA/ – President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed grief over the loss of precious human lives caused by the recent heavy rains in China.
In his message of condolence to the people and leadership of China, President Zardari conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with those affected by the natural calamity.
He stated that Pakistan stands firmly with China in this hour of grief. Pakistan and China are united in every moment of adversity,” the President said, adding that the people of Pakistan consider the sorrow of their Chinese brothers as their own.
President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s complete solidarity with China during this difficult time and shared the grief of the affected families.
ISLAMABAD, JUL 29 /DNA/ – The Government and people of Pakistan are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and widespread displacement caused by the recent torrential rains and landslides in China.
On behalf of the people of Pakistan and in a personal capacity, heartfelt condolences are extended to the bereaved families and all those affected by this natural calamity.
Having recently faced similar challenges due to heavy rains and flooding in various parts of Pakistan, the Pakistani nation fully understands and empathizes with the hardship and suffering endured by the Chinese people during this difficult time.
We are confident that the resilience and unity of the people of China, under the resolute leadership of President Xi Jinping, will enable them to overcome this tragedy with strength and determination.
The people of Pakistan stand in full solidarity with their Chinese brothers and sisters, bound together in the spirit of iron-clad friendship and mutual support through all adversities.
KARACHI, JUL 29 /DNA/ – Atif Ikram Sheikh, President FPCCI; President ECO-CCI and VP CACCI, has welcomed the high-profile Kyrgyz trade delegation in Pakistan – comprising of senior parliamentarians, diplomats, businessmen and other prominent stakeholders. It is pertinent to note that FPCCI organized Pakistan – Kyrgyzstan Trade & Investment Forum at its Head Office, Federation, Karachi, on Tuesday amidst increasing interest of trade & industry.
Mr. Atif Ikram Sheikh expressed his satisfaction that the recently held inter-governmental commission between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan has decided to enhance bilateral trade from the current $16 million to $100 million; as the current level is way below the true potential.
The chief guest of the forum was H.E. Mr. Edil Baisalove, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyz Republic. He apprised the Pakistani businessmen and industrialists that Kyrgyz Republic is undergoing rapid industrialization – and, it is opening up enormous avenues for joint ventures, investments, trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
H.E. Mr. Kylychbek Sultan, Ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic in Pakistan, informed that Pakistan and Kyrgyz Republic are working on establishing new trade routes to create a feasible and enabling environment for the bilateral trade to grow.
Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, SVP FPCCI, stressed that the shortest route from Chinese city of Kashgar to Kyrgyzstan is about 200 km; and, Pakistan is also linked with this province through CPEC; whereas, two Kyrgyz passes of Torugart and Erkeshtam should be utilized for establishing linkages to the warm waters of Gwadar port.
SVP FPCCI maintained that single country exhibitions on reciprocal basis must be arranged to showcase the goods and services for trade along with frequent exchange of trade delegations. He called upon immediate removal of all trade barriers NTMs / NTBs to boost trade and commerce. Additionally, close coordination between national chambers i.e. FPCCI and CCI-KG is vital.
Mr. Abdul Mohamin Khan, VP FPCCI & Regional Chairman for Sindh Region, presented Pakistan’s case for ease of doing business in the country as the government has introduced several business-friendly reforms: (i) streamlined company registration and digital tax filing system (ii) 100% foreign ownership allowed in many sectors of Pakistan’s economy (iii) Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with tax holidays, duty-free imports and simplified regulations have been set up.
Mr. Aman Paracha, VP FPCCI, that the apex will endeavor to materialize the points of discussion taken up in the trade & investment forum through follow-up with our counterpart chamber and stakeholders in the business community.
Mr. Asif Sakhi, VP FPCCI, emphasized the need for safe and efficient trade routes; which should be time-saving, cost-effective and offer scalability – as, given the opportunity, Pakistan can rapidly increase its exports to Kyrgyzstan.
RAWALPINDI, JUL 29: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has barred his sons from visiting Pakistan, emphasising that they will not participate in any protests.
The former prime minister’s sons were in the United States meeting the country’s lawmakers, reportedly to lobby for their father’s release, ahead of their expected visit to Pakistan before the August 5 protest.
Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, had claimed that his sons — Suleman Khan (28) and Kasim Khan (26) — would be taking part in the protest, which would be staged for the ex-premier’s release.
“My sons will not be coming to Pakistan. They will neither be part of any protest nor will they lead any protest,” Khan, who was ousted as the prime minister in April 2022, told reporters in Adiala jail.
In response to a question that his sister claimed that his sons would take part in the protests, he said: “I am telling you, they aren’t coming to Pakistan and they will not take part in any protest.”
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also said that the party is not in contact with the sons, but it is their right to meet their father.
The 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been behind bars since August 2023 after he was booked in multiple cases ranging from corruption to terrorism since his ouster from power via the opposition’s no-trust motion in April 2022.
