ISLAMABAD: Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the Islamabad High Court on Wednesday expressed serious concern over the government’s failure to hold local government elections in the federal capital despite multiple court rulings, ARY News reported.During a hearing in a case related to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani remarked that under the law, all powers were to be transferred from the CDA to the Metropolitan Corporation. He noted that the functions currently being carried out by the CDA Board were in fact the responsibility of the local government.“Every single rupee of expenditure is the authority of the local government. The Constitution says that elected representatives of the people will exercise their powers,” Justice Kayani said. He recalled that the Islamabad High Court had issued four decisions and the Supreme Court one decision in this regard, yet the government had not allowed local body elections to take place.The judge questioned whether there was any institution left in Pakistan capable of handling its responsibilities. “Show me one institution, including the judiciary, that is doing the job it is meant to do. Have you seen the state of the subordinate courts?” he asked.Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani added that governance had collapsed, with no institution performing its role effectively, and lamented that there was little concern for how 250 million citizens were living. “The very spirit of governance is gone. The work that was meant to be done by elected representatives is being done by the courts,” Justice Kayani observed.He criticised the selective application of the law, saying that when it suited someone, they insisted the system should continue, but when the law did not suit them, it was set aside. “For the past five years, local government elections have not been allowed because it does not suit certain people,” he said.Justice Kayani further asked whether the people of Islamabad did not have the right to be represented by their elected local leaders. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani pointed out that the same hardships faced by ordinary citizens were also being experienced by judges.Calling the current situation deeply unfortunate, Justice Kayani stressed that every institution must fulfil its responsibilities. “Mistakes can happen, but there should not be mala fide intent,” he remarked, adding that what was happening in the country today was so troubling that one could only pray for betterment.Also Read: ECP warns govt over delay in Islamabad LG elections 

ÜRÜMQI, CHINA: President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari paid a visit to the Xinjiang Islamic Institute in Ürümqi, where he lauded the Institute’s contributions to religious scholarship and its reforms in boosting cultural and academic exchange between Pakistan and China, , ARY News reported.Asif Zardari highlighted the importance of such institutions in strengthening bilateral ties and promoting mutual understanding among diverse communities. Upon arrival, the Institute’s President, Mukhtirei Sifu, gave a warm welcome to President Asif Ali Zardari. Asif Zardari’s arrival at the Xinjiang Islamic Institute in Ürümqi is part of his official visit to China.During the visit, the Institute’s officials briefly described the academic offerings of the Institute, its infrastructure, and its role in promoting religious education and inclusive understanding in the region to President Asif Zardari.According to the descriptions, the Xinjiang Islamic Institute provides complete theological education, offering courses in Quranic studies, Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), Arabic language, and contemporary subjects such as history, ethics, computer literacy, and civil law.Mandarin Chinese and regional religious policies are also included in the curriculum, reflecting a blend of traditional and modern learning.The institute is equipped with modern education and residential facilities, accommodating up to 1,000 students at its main campus.Over 28,000 graduates have gone to serve across Xinjiang and other places in different religious, educational and administrative institutions.President Asif Zardari’s visit to China aims to foster bilateral relations between the two nations and assist each other in different sectors.Read More: President Zardari meets Chairman of Chery Automobile in ShanghaiEarlier, President Asif Ali Zardari met with Yin Tongyue, Chairman of the Board of Chery Holding Co., Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co., Ltd., during his visit to Shanghai, China on Tuesday.In the meeting, President Zardari assured the Chery Chairman of the Government of Pakistan’s full policy support for initiatives related to new energy vehicles, electric buses, and local production of automotive components.

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has decided to conduct the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2025 for admission to medical and dental colleges based on the candidate's domicile.According to the reports, students will only be allowed to sit the exam in their respective provinces and will not allow to take the exam in another province.Under the MDCAT decision, various universities across the country have been assigned the responsibility of conducting the exam, including IBA Sukkur, Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences Quetta, and Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University Islamabad.A test center will also be set up in Islamabad for candidates from Sindh and Balochistan, so that they could be facilitated.Students from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) will give the exam in their respective provinces, while candidates from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and all four provinces will have the opportunity to take the exam at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University Islamabad. However, seats for these candidates will be allocated according to their respective quotas.The PMDC has stated that for admission to medical and dental colleges, it is mandatory for candidates to hold the domicile of the relevant province.Special seats have also been allocated for students from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan in medical and dental colleges. Read More:MDCAT 2025 rescheduled amid Pakistan floods New Schedule for MDCAT 2025: Due to the recent rains and flood situation, the PMDC has also revised the Schedule for MDCAT. The exam, which was previously scheduled for 5th October 2025, will now be held on 26th October (Sunday).According to the council, the new date was decided after consultations with universities of the provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that this decision is in the best interest of the students, and the government is committed to provide equal educational opportunities to students across the country. 

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has released its latest Mark-to-Market (M2M) currency rates for September 18, 2025, providing critical insights for businesses, investors, and individuals navigating Pakistan’s financial landscape. Pakistan Currency Rates Today- Latest Updates These rates, compiled from brokerage houses and LSEG Workspace, reflect the weighted average of closing interbank exchange rates, with a focus on the US Dollar (USD) and key currencies such as the Saudi Riyal (SAR), UAE Dirham (AED), Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), and Qatari Riyal (QAR).  Key Currency Rates in Pakistan Today Below are the exchange rates for major currencies against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) as of September 18, 2025, from SBP’s M2M rates, with comparisons to September 17 rates: Saudi Riyal (SAR): Ready: 75.0463 (September 17: 75.0463, unchanged) 1-Month: 75.3561 (September 17: 75.3561, unchanged) 3-Month: 75.9752 (September 17: 75.9752, unchanged) 6-Month: 76.5433 (September 17: 76.5433, unchanged) 1-Year: 77.9288 (September 17: 77.9288, unchanged) The SAR’s stability may keep costs steady for remittances and Hajj/Umrah travel. UAE Dirham (AED): Ready: 76.6428 (September 17: 76.6428, unchanged) 1-Month: 77.0287 (September 17: 77.0287, unchanged) 3-Month: 77.7763 (September 17: 77.7763, unchanged) 6-Month: 78.4421 (September 17: 78.4421, unchanged) 1-Year: 80.1354 (September 17: 80.1354, unchanged) The AED’s steady rates could maintain expenses for trade and expatriate transactions. Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD): Ready: 922.4483 (September 17: 922.4483, unchanged) 1-Month: 927.6202 (September 17: 927.6202, unchanged) 3-Month: 937.2053 (September 17: 937.2053, unchanged) 6-Month: 945.6635 (September 17: 945.6635, unchanged) 1-Year: 966.7090 (September 17: 966.7090, unchanged) The KWD’s consistency may sustain costs for high-value transactions. Canadian Dollar (CAD): Ready: 204.4169 (September 17: 204.4169, unchanged) 1-Month: 205.7258 (September 17: 205.7258, unchanged) 3-Month: 208.2441 (September 17: 208.2441, unchanged) 6-Month: 210.5314 (September 17: 210.5314, unchanged) 1-Year: 216.4236 (September 17: 216.4236, unchanged) The CAD’s stability could keep costs steady for Pakistan’s trade and diaspora in Canada. Qatari Riyal (QAR): Ready: 77.2284 (September 17: 77.2284, unchanged) 1-Month: 77.6154 (September 17: 77.6154, unchanged) 3-Month: 78.3681 (September 17: 78.3681, unchanged) 6-Month: 79.0154 (September 17: 79.0154, unchanged) 1-Year: 80.6230 (September 17: 80.6230, unchanged) The QAR’s steady rates may keep expenses consistent for Pakistanis working in Qatar. US Dollar (USD): Ready: 281.5027 (September 17: 281.5037, down by PKR 0.0010) 1-Month: 282.8850 (September 17: 282.8874, down by PKR 0.0024) 3-Month: 285.5293 (September 17: 285.5311, down by PKR 0.0018) 6-Month: 287.8439 (September 17: 287.8439, unchanged) 1-Year: 294.0197 (September 17: 294.0197, unchanged) The USD’s negligible decline may offer minimal relief for import costs, with open market rates around 281.46 to 282.55 PKR per USD from sources like Wise and FOREX.pk. Other Notable Currencies Other major currencies also show changes compared to September 17: Euro (EUR): Ready: 333.3566 (September 17: 333.3566, unchanged), with 6-month at 345.5946. British Pound (GBP): Ready: 383.8162 (September 17: 383.8162, unchanged), with 6-month at 393.9241. Swiss Franc (CHF): Ready: 357.3969 (September 17: 357.3969, unchanged), with 6-month at 374.4235. Australian Dollar (AUD): Ready: 187.6926 (September 17: 187.6926, unchanged), with 6-month at 193.1033. Singapore Dollar (SGD): Ready: 220.2502 (September 17: 220.2502, unchanged), with 6-month at 230.5081. The rates are sourced from the State Bank of Pakistan’s official M2M release.

ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khanum, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, spoke to the media outside the Supreme Court on Thursday, addressing ongoing legal matters, ARY News reported.Aleema Khan said, “In the past, Chief Justices used to take suo motu notice of any injustice. The judiciary is the last resort; there is no other door to turn to.”Commenting on the Toshakhana case, she stated, “The case is still pending. Today, I went to the High Court along with my lawyers.”Regarding the Al-Qadir Trust case, she added, “The Chief Justice has scheduled the hearing for September 25.”She further mentioned that for the Toshakhana-II case, they plan to approach the High Court tomorrow to request an early hearing.Aleema Khan, the sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, arrived at the Supreme Court today to hand a letter to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi but was prevented from accessing the Chief Justice’s chambers by court security.Aleema Khan, accompanied by other sisters of Imran Khan and members of the PTI legal team, told reporters she had come to deliver a letter written by the PTI founder to the Chief Justice. The delegation was stopped by Supreme Court police before they could proceed to the Chief Justice’s chambers.Court security officials said no one could be allowed forward without prior permission from the Registrar’s Office and noted that proceedings in the Chief Justice’s court had already finished, so entry was not permitted.Aleema Khanum maintained that peaceful protest and petitioning public institutions are constitutional rights and cautioned against any attempt to curtail those rights. She added that denying citizens the ability to make representations to the judiciary undermines democratic norms.The incident drew attention to the tension between petitioners seeking direct access to judicial officials and the security and procedural rules that govern entry to judicial chambers. The PTI legal team remained at the Supreme Court following the incident.Further developments are awaited regarding whether the letter will be formally submitted through the court’s registrar or delivered by other authorised channels.Also Read: Sher Afzal Marwat must join another party: Aleema Khan 

GUJRANWALA: The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Gujranwala on Thursday announced the results of the Intermediate Part II (Class 12) Annual Examinations 2025, with a female student once again securing top position.According to the official result gazette released by BISE Gujranwala, a total of 135,810 students appeared in the Class 12 annual exams held earlier this year. Out of these, 85,696 students successfully passed the examinations.As per the list of position holders, Bushra Shabbir from the Pre-Medical Group secured the first position, scoring an impressive 1159 out of 1200 marks.The gazette includes gender-wise, subject-wise, and group-wise breakdowns of the results. It also serves as a helpful tool for students who may have lost or misplaced their roll number slips, enabling them to verify their results.Click Here to Check the Complete Class 12 Results Gazette

KARACHI: Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday said that the Ghotki-Kandhkot will be the Sindh's longest bridge over the Indus River.He was chairing a meeting on the under-construction project today."The bridge will be monumental for the economy and traffic mobility between Sindh-Punjab and Sindh-Baluchistan", he said."Sindh works department constructing the 12.15 KM long Ghotki-Kandhkot bridge over the Indus," the session was informed in a briefing."The road from Ghotki to the bridge has been 10.4 kilometers long and Kandhkot road's distance has been 8.1 KM long," the session briefed.The length of Thull link road along the bridge has been 4.548 kilometer."Construction of roads leading to Ghotki and Kandhkot as well as Thull link road have been completed," Sindh chief minister informed.The CM was further told that the work on the project has been currently suspended owing to flooding.Murad Ali Shah instructed the officials to resume the construction work of the bridge in November. "The construction work should be started in November after the floodwater recedes," chief minister said.The Ghotki-Kandhkot bridge has been crucial for the national economy, he further said.Chief Minister also directed the home minister to ensure robust security arrangements at the bridge from November.It is pertinent to mention here that a make-shift bridge on the site was recently swept away by the raging floodwater.

KARACHI: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has announced the opening of new mega centers in Karachi to facilitate citizens.According to media reports, three new mega centers will be established in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulberg, and Surjani Town by March 2026.The announcement was made by NADRA Sindh Director General Amir Ali Khan during a ceremony at Karachi University.Amir Ali Khan stated that the initiative aims to provide maximum facilities to the public. He added that NADRA has consistently sought to resolve public issues through technology while ensuring greater convenience for citizens.He further highlighted that citizens can now access most of NADRA’s services via mobile phones through the Pak-ID application, enabling them to avail services from home while saving both time and effort.The Sindh DG also asserted that students and youth can play an important role in raising awareness about NADRA’s new services.In the last month of August, the NADRA made it significantly easier for citizens to obtain Succession Certificates, allowing legal heirs to submit applications for succession certificates at any NADRA centre across the country, regardless of where the inherited property is located.Read more: NADRA's Succession Certificate Services now available at all centers across PakistanBefore this, applicants were required to file for a succession certificate only in the province where the inherited property was situated. This restriction caused difficulties for heirs residing in other provinces.Fee for NADRA Successions Certificate from September 2025There are two categories for the fees for succession certificate depending on properties worth.1-Property valued over Rs 100,00NADRA charges Rs20,000 in wake of fee for succession certificate if the properties are valued over Rs100,000.2-Property valued below Rs 100,00The NADRA fee will be Rs10,000 if the properties are valued below Rs100,000.

LAHORE: Pakistan Railways (PR) has announced the cancellation of three trains due to a decline in passenger traffic.According to details, three trains including the Karakoram Express, Shah Hussain Express and Khushhal Khan Khattak Express have been suspended, with passengers being accommodated in the Business Express.In addition to the cancellations, several trains are facing significant delays.The Pakistan Express, scheduled to depart for Rawalpindi at 2:00 pm, will now leave at 3:45 pm. The Allama Iqbal Express bound for Sialkot will depart at 6:15 pm, nearly two hours and 45 minutes behind schedule.Meanwhile, the Tezgam train for Rawalpindi will depart at 7:30 pm, a delay of two hours.Railway officials stated that passengers of affected trains are being provided alternative arrangements.Read more: Pakistan Railways announces reforms for women and special personsIn a separate development, Pakistan Railways (PR) decided to enhance facilities and ensure safety for passengers.The decision was made during a meeting, chaired by Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, held at the Ministry of Railways.The meeting placed special emphasis on the welfare of women and differently-abled persons.The Minister announced that gender-responsive protocols will be implemented across railway stations and trains to ensure a safe, dignified, and peaceful travel environment for women passengers.He further stated that to implement these protocols, awareness posters will be displayed inside railway stations and trains, regular announcements and awareness messages will be broadcast at stations, railway staff will be provided with gender sensitization and specialized training as well as a comprehensive awareness campaign will be launched for women’s safety.

Islamabad Traffic Police have launched a special campaign to facilitate government employees in obtaining driving licences, ARY News reported on Thursday.According to details, the move has been taken to facilitate govt employees. The campaign, which began on September 16, will continue till 26, with all facilities available at traffic offices and mobile licensing vans.According to the spokesperson, strict action will be taken against unlicensed driving after September 26 without any discrimination.Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (R) Hamza Humayun revealed that a large number of government employees currently do not possess valid driving licences.He said that as government servants, accountability must begin with themselves.The CTO further stated that violators will face strict measures, including impounding of vehicles and initiation of departmental action.Read more: Punjab issues over 23,000 driving licences in 24 hoursEarlier, on September 4 it was reported that Punjab traffic police issued over 23,000 driving licences in the past 24 hours.According to a spokesperson, Punjab police are actively ensuring the strict implementation of traffic laws across the province.In the last 24 hours alone, 23,779 individuals were issued driving licences, while 37,236 challans were issued for traffic violations.The penalties collectively generated fines amounting to Rs21 million.Additionally, 343 smoke-emitting vehicles were fined, with 29 of them impounded at police stations.

TEHRAN: Iran will send a delegation to Pakistan to finalise arrangements for importing corn from Pakistani corn.It was agreed during a meeting of Pakistan's Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan with Iran's Agriculture Minister Gholamreza Nouri Ghezeljeh.The ministers agreed to deepen bilateral agricultural cooperation between the two countries.During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to implement decisions taken by the Joint Committee on Agriculture Cooperation.The Iranian Ministry of Agriculture will dispatch a high-level delegation to Pakistan within the next two weeks to finalise arrangements for the export of Pakistani corn to Iran.Jam Kamal Khan thanked the Iranian side for enhancing imports of Pakistani rice and meat, according to the statement.Iran expressed keen interest in undertaking joint studies with Pakistan’s Seed Councils on seed development and production of disease-resistant varieties, to strengthen food security and agricultural innovation in both countries.A session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC) concluded in Tehran on September 15-16 with the reaffirmation to achieve $10 billion bilateral trade target.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday reinstated Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, Major General (R) Hafeez-ur-Rehman, ARY News reported.The PTA Chairman has requested the court to annul the decision of the single bench and suspend its order until the final verdict on the appeal.According to reports, a division bench comprising Justice Muhammad Asif and Justice Inam Amin Minhas presided over the hearing.PTA Chairman’s counsel, Qasim Wadood, appeared before the court and argued that the writ petition was based on the claim that his client could not be appointed as a PTA member and that the position had been advertised incorrectly.The lawyer maintained that the relevant rules had been amended with the cabinet’s approval, following which the appointment was made.He further noted that the rules had already been changed on March 25, prior to the filing of the petition.The court, after hearing the arguments, reinstated the PTA chairman to his office.It may be recalled that Justice Babar Sattar, presiding over a single bench, had accepted a petition against the PTA Chairman yesterday.the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered the immediate removal of Major General (R) Hafeez-ur-Rehman from the post of Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), declaring his appointment illegal.Also read: IHC orders removal of PTA chairman Major General (R) Hafeez-ur-RehmanJustice Babar Sattar announced the verdict and issued a comprehensive 99-page judgment.The court found that the process leading to the PTA chairman’s appointment as Member (Administration) and subsequently as Chairman PTA was unconstitutional and unlawful, describing it as the result of malice in law.The IHC observed that the creation of the post of member administration and the tailoring of its qualifications to accommodate Hafeez-ur-Rehman amounted to a mala fide exercise of power.The court ordered that Major General (R) Hafeez-ur-Rehman must immediately relinquish his position and cease to hold any office within the PTA.

RAWALPINDI: Pakistani security forces have killed 4 more terrorists in Khuzdar district of Balochistan, bringing the total number of terrorists eliminated in the past two days to 9, ARY News reported on Thursday.According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Khuzdar District of Balochistan on 17 September 2025, based on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy, Fitna al Hindustan.During the conduct of operation, security forces effectively engaged the terrorists’ location. After an intense fire exchange, four Indian sponsored terrorists were killed, the military’s media wing said.Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.“Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrrorist found in the area, as the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipeout the menace of Indian sponsored terrorism from the country, and reaffirm the nation’s unwavering resolve to bring the perpetrators of terrorism to justice,” the ISPR concluded.Read More: 5 terrorists killed in Khuzdar, Balochistan: ISPREarlier on Wednesday, security forces killed 5 Indian sponsored terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in Khuzdar District of Balochistan.

ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) seized fake medicines in a nationwide crackdown, ARY News reported on Thursday.As per details, countrywide operations against counterfeit medicines are underway, with several batches of fake drugs seized from medical markets across Pakistan.According to DRAP, the confiscated medicines include treatments for fever, body pain, bacterial infections, ulcers, and anxiety disorders.Provincial Drug Control Departments carried out the raids, during which 10 counterfeit medicines were recovered from various markets.DRAP, acting on requests from provincial health departments, has issued rapid alerts warning the public and healthcare providers.The seized products include counterfeit antibiotics, nasal sprays, anti-allergy drugs, gastrointestinal medicines, and diuretics.Read more: DRAP issues warning on sale of counterfeit medicines' batchesDrug testing laboratories confirmed the samples as fake, declaring that the formulations lacked authentic raw materials and had no verified efficacy, making their use potentially life-threatening.DRAP revealed that these counterfeit medicines were illegally produced and supplied to markets under the names of well-known national and multinational brands. Labels falsely displayed company addresses from Karachi and Kasur.Authorities have urged citizens to immediately report the presence of such fake drugs in markets. Provincial drug control directorates and regulatory forces have been instructed to intensify surveillance and enforcement measures to protect public health.

RIYADH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for London on Thursday after concluding his official visit to Saudi Arabia.He was seen off at Riyadh Airport by Prince Muhammad bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh. The visit was made at the invitation of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement between the two countries.The agreement underscores the shared commitment of both countries to enhance their security and promote peace in the region and globally. It aims to deepen defense cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا دورہ سعودی عرب وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف دورہ سعودی عرب مکمل کر کے ریاض سے لندن روانہریاض کے نائب گورنر عزت مآب محمد بن عبد الرحمن بن عبد العزیز نے ائیرپورٹ پر وزیراعظم کو الوداع کیاوزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے ولی عہد و وزیر اعظم سعودی عرب شہزادہ… pic.twitter.com/Uspv9M7I4o— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 18, 2025 The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.Read More: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan 'one front' against any aggressor: Saudi Defense MinisterMeanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman, on Thursday reaffirmed the strong alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, declaring the two nations as one united front against any aggressor.On social media platform X, Prince Khalid bin Salman stated: “KSA and Pakistan. One front against any aggressor. Always and forever.”The announcement follows the signing of a “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” between Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on Wednesday. The agreement explicitly states that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”

UNITED NATIONS: Terrorism originating from Afghanistan remains the “gravest threat” to Pakistan’s national security, a senior Pakistani diplomat told the UN Security Council on Wednesday, urging the Afghan Taliban authorities to fulfill their international counterterrorism obligations.“The TTP (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan), with nearly 6,000 fighters, is the largest UN-designated terrorist group operating from Afghan soil,” said Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during a debate on the situation in Afghanistan.Ambassador Ahmad stated that Pakistan had thwarted numerous infiltration attempts by TTP and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists from across the Afghan border. He noted that these militants were equipped with advanced military-grade weapons — much of it left behind by departing U.S. forces.“These efforts come at a heavy price – huge sacrifices by our valiant security forces and civilians,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said, referring to the martyrdom of 12 Pakistani soldiers in a single incident just this month while they were defending the borders.“This situation is intolerable,” the Pakistani envoy told the 15-member Council.Terrorist entities, including ISIL-K/Da’esh, Al-Qaeda, TTP, BLA, and its Majeed Brigade, he said, operate from Afghan sanctuaries, with more than 60 such terrorist camps serving as hubs for enabling cross-border infiltration and attacks.“We have credible evidence of collaboration among these terrorist groups through joint training, illicit weapons trade, refuge to terrorists, and coordinated attacks – all aimed at targeting civilian and law enforcement agencies and disrupting and sabotaging infrastructure and development projects in Pakistan.”Read More: Pakistan, US reaffirm resolve against BLA, TTPAmbassador Ahmad called for swift action on the joint proposal by China and Pakistan in the UN Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to designate the BLA and Majeed Brigade as terrorist organizations — both already listed by the United States.Recalling that Pakistan has “consistently advocated sustained engagement with Afghanistan”, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stressed that the Taliban sanctions regime must not “fall prey to political considerations of Council members”.Specifically, travel-ban-exemption requests for Taliban officials remain crucial for meaningful engagement, he said, recalling the recent quadrilateral meeting between Pakistan, China, Iran, and the Russian Federation in Dushanbe, “where we agreed on result-oriented engagement” with Afghanistan’s interim authorities.Urging international engagement with clear objectives, reciprocal steps and a “realistic road map guided by dialogue and diplomacy”, he underscored: “Isolation and disengagement serves no one’s interest.”

KARACHI: Senior politician and former Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed has described the recently signed Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as a “historic and timely” development, marking a significant realignment in Middle Eastern security dynamics.In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Mushahid outlined three key reasons why he considers the pact historic, emphasizing its strategic relevance in the current geopolitical context.“This Strategic Defense Pact, the first of its kind between two major Muslim states, is historic and timely for three reasons,” Mushahid stated.Firstly, he said the agreement comes in the wake of what he termed the “betrayal” of Arab interests by the United States, citing Washington’s silence on Israeli military actions—even against its ostensible ally, Qatar.Secondly, Mushahid pointed to Israel’s unchecked expansionist agenda, which he described as the “Greater Israel” project, targeting countries including Palestine, Qatar, Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen.Thirdly, he referred to Pakistan’s military victory over Israel’s closest ally India in May 2025, stating that Pakistan demonstrated the "will, skill, and military capability" to deliver a "bloody nose" to what he called the "regional bully".Mushahid concluded that Pakistan has “quietly displaced the West as the primary guarantor of Middle East security.”The Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement includes a critical clause: “Any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.” This clause underscores a deepening of military and strategic ties between the two nations amid growing regional tensions.Read More: Pakistan-Saudi Arabia strategic alliance: Aggressors warned ‘strike one, face both’

KARACHI: The water level in Indus River is receding at Guddu Barrage, according to the water data of barrages released by the Sindh Information Department and Flood Emergency Monitoring Cell on Thursday morning.The water inflow reading at Guddu Barrage has been 5,87,983 cusecs, while the outflow of water has been 5,09,074 cusecs pointing out a constant trend of receding floodwater at the barrage in Indus River.The water inflow at Sukkur Barrage recorded 5,69,890 cusecs while water discharge remained 5,18,120 cusecs, information department said.The river flood has passed its peak at Sukkur and now going down slowly, experts opined.The river has been in medium flood in Naushahro Feroz breaking several minor dykes (Zamindari Bund) on agriculture lands. The floodwater has entered in villages along the Indus River and submerged standing crops.Several feet water standing in farmlands in villages and disrupting land link.The water inflow in Indus at Kotri Barrage in downstream is gradually increasing as 3,04,388 cusecs infow recorded today, while the outflow downward recorded 2,89,098 cusecs.The water level in upstream at Punjnad headworks drastically dropped to 1,38,050 cusecs, according to the river water data.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, on Thursday emphasized that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, as two friendly nations, are united in confronting their "common enemy."Khawaja Muhammad Asif shared the post of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defence, Prince Khalid bin Salman, on the social media platform X.He further stated: "Two brotherly nations stand united and shoulder to shoulder against the enemy. The fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reached a significant turning point. Together, under the blessings of the Almighty Allah, InshaAllah (God willing), the entire Muslim Ummah will unite against the common enemy. Long live Pakistan, Long live the Muslim Ummah." پاکستان اور سعودی عرب کے برادرانہ تعلقات کی تاریخ ایک اہم موڑ۔ دو برادر ملک دشمن کے سامنے صف آرا اور شانہ بہ شانہ ۔ رب العزت کے سائے میں مشترک دشمن کے مقابل انشاء اللہ ساری امت متحد ھوگی۔ پاکستان زندہ باد مسلم امہ پائندہ باد https://t.co/1kQxh4KWDk — Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) September 18, 2025 Read More: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan 'one front' against any aggressor: Saudi Defense MinisterMeanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman, on Thursday reaffirmed the strong alliance between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, declaring the two nations as one united front against any aggressor.On social media platform X, Prince Khalid bin Salman stated: “KSA and Pakistan. One front against any aggressor. Always and forever.”The announcement follows the signing of a “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” between Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on Wednesday. The agreement explicitly states that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”

RIYADH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was deeply moved by the warm welcome extended to him by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman during his official visit to Riyadh.The Prime Minister’s aircraft was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force jets, while a ceremonial guard of honour by the Saudi Armed Forces marked his arrival. He described the unprecedented reception as a reflection of the enduring love and mutual respect between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.In his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including regional challenges and opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation.PM Shehbaz Sharif in his post on X, praised the Crown Prince’s vision and leadership in guiding the Muslim world and reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to deepening ties with the Kingdom.He also underlined the importance of expanding Saudi investments, trade, and business relations, expressing appreciation for the Crown Prince’s continued support. Deeply touched by the heart warming welcome, accorded to me by my dear brother HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, on my official visit to Riyadh.From the unprecedented escort provided to my aircraft by the Royal Saudi airforce jets… pic.twitter.com/RZvkOSQbF1 — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) September 18, 2025 The Prime Minister prayed for the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia partnership to grow stronger and reach new heights in the years ahead.Read more: Pakistan-Saudi Arabia strategic alliance: Aggressors warned ‘strike one, face both’“The agreement, which reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance their security and to achieving security and peace in the region and the world, aims to develop aspects of defense cooperation between the two countries and strengthen joint deterrence against any aggression. The agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both,” a joint statement shared by PM Office Media Wing said.The statement said that an agreement was reached while building on the historic partnership extending for nearly eight decades between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and based on the bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity, as well as shared strategic interests and close defense cooperation between the two countries.