Turkiye will host an R-4 and an R-4+E-3 meeting of foreign ministers in Istanbul on October 23, the Turkish foreign ministry said on Thursday.
The R-4 group, which comprises Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye, emerged in March and has been focusing on regional security and mediation efforts between the United States and Iran.
The E-3 group is a trio of European powers — France, Britain and Germany — that was set up more than 20 years ago to advance diplomatic coordination over Iran’s nuclear programme.
The Foreign Office in Islamabad has yet to comment on the planned meetings and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s participation.
A Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters that the seven countries would meet in the R-4+E-3 format for the first time at Turkiye’s initiative as wars involving Iran, Yemen and Ukraine threaten shipping routes and regional security.
The ministers are expected to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the latest situation in the Strait of Hormuz, developments related to Yemen, efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, and opportunities for closer cooperation between the regional and European countries, the source added.
Fidan is expected to emphasise the need for a diplomatic solution to the war between the United States and Iran, the importance of freedom of navigation in the straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, and reiterate Turkiye’s support for Saudi Arabia’s security against attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Islamabad, Ankara, and Riyadh, they said.
Fidan will also tell counterparts that Turkiye has been working to stop the war in Ukraine from spreading to the Black Sea, pointing to the regional security risks posed by the conflict, the source said.
China is emerging as a major supplier of water technology to parched countries across Asia, the Middle East and Africa, as shrinking natural supplies at home push Beijing to invest heavily in manufactured freshwater, industry experts say.
Chinese firms are selling desalination membranes, filtration equipment and engineering services to Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, often through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which connects Chinese capital and infrastructure projects to developing markets.
Even Gulf states, long desalination pioneers, are turning to Chinese manufacturers to produce equipment at scale.
China exported more than $2 billion of water filtering and purifying machinery in 2025, up 25 per cent from $1.6bn in 2020, according to UN Comtrade.
Vontron Technology said it shipped more than 30,000 seawater desalination membranes to BRI countries last year, enough for more than 300,000 tons of daily capacity. In January, PowerChina said it was building a water supply project in Tanzania to serve more than 450,000 people.
At home, Beijing has made water security a strategic priority.
Spending on water conservancy has grown faster than military spending since 2015, according to China Water Risk (CWR), a Hong Kong-based think tank. It now exceeds 1.2 trillion yuan ($170bn) a year, which CWR says rivals China’s central military budget.
A crisis at home
The push is rooted in domestic risk. In August, a massive collapse of ice and rock near the border between Nepal and Tibet showed how volatile natural water sources are becoming.
Tibet’s “water towers” feed headwaters for nearly 2bn people across South, Southeast and East Asia, and climate change is eroding them. Meanwhile, severe over-extraction in northern China has depleted groundwater and left key farming regions with systemic deficits.
“We could see peak water by 2050 across 10 major river systems that provide water to one in two Asians as glacier melt peaks and river flows decline,” CWR said.
Peak water is the tipping point where flows from natural water sources reach a maximum and thereafter enter continual decline.
“This will put almost half the GDP of 16 countries at risk, including China, CWR said.
Benjamin Horton, dean of the School of Energy and Environment at City University of Hong Kong, said China’s ability to develop water technology at scale could cut costs for other water-stressed countries. He said Beijing could become Asia’s leading provider of practical water security solutions.
“Through the Belt and Road Initiative, there is likely to be continued demand for hydropower, desalination, flood forecasting, irrigation, wastewater treatment, and climate-resilient infrastructure,” he said.
Water as national security
In July, China rolled out new regulations under its Five-Year Plan that treat water as a pillar of national security and economic self-reliance, not just an environmental issue.
Surface water supplies about 80pc of China’s freshwater, while recycled water, desalinated seawater and harvested rainwater provide just 3pc to 4pc. Authorities have pledged to raise that share.
The South-North Water Transfer Project moves billions of cubic meters from the Yangtze to the dry north, but it is constrained by energy costs and shrinking surpluses in the warming Yangtze basin.
Saleh Al Khabti, China president of Saudi developer Acwa, said costs are rising and quality is deteriorating in some areas.
China operated 167 seawater desalination projects at the end of 2025, with total capacity of 3,076,805 tonnes a day, up 221,283 tonnes from 2024, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. State media put the average production cost at 4 to 8 yuan per cubic meter.
Industry reports expect the market to grow from $1.84bn in 2024 to $4.66bn in 2033, or about 11pc a year.
Hurdles remain, including the scale of investment and the central planning needed for multi-city conveyance grids, while public attitudes also pose a challenge.
Khabti said many Chinese still view drinking desalinated water as taboo, though local governments are keen to build capacity.
Foreign players buying in
Khabti said more than 90pc of the renewable equipment Acwa procures comes from Chinese manufacturers, and the company buys about 70pc of its global water equipment from Chinese suppliers.
Acwa has pledged to invest up to $30bn in China by 2030, working with firms including PowerChina and China Energy Engineering Corporation. It plans to spend at least $15bn a year on Chinese equipment over the next three years across renewables, green hydrogen and desalination.
Khabti expects Chinese membrane makers to catch up fast.
“It took us 15 years to reach where we are today with our partners,” he said.
He thinks Chinese original equipment manufacturers could match that level in two to three years, and he expects desalination to follow wind and solar as “a big area of exports.”
“We’re very bullish about China,” he said. “Once it’s there, China will be the leader.”
LAHORE – Car drivers and bikers involved in 21 serious traffic violations in Lahore will face criminal cases instead of routine challans, City Traffic Officer (CTO) Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi announced on Thursday, signalling stricter enforcement against offences that endanger public safety.
The stern measure covers range of violations, including the unauthorised use of police-style flasher lights, illegal blue lights and green number plates.
Drivers caught travelling against the flow of traffic will also face criminal proceedings. The policy further targets motorists who tamper with number plates by printing over them, altering registration details or concealing a vehicle’s identity.
Other offences falling under the crackdown include blocking roads, reckless and negligent driving, over-speeding, dangerous zigzag manoeuvres and drifting. Disorderly conduct and extremely careless driving have also been included among the violations that can lead to the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs).
CTO Shirazi said the decision was aimed at curbing dangerous driving practices and addressing violations that pose a serious threat to human life. He made it clear that offenders involved in these categories of violations would no longer be let off with a fine alone.
Punjab Police already issued more than 6.5 million traffic challans across region by August this year, generating over Rs12.19 billion in fines. Lahore traffic police took action against more than 42,000 vehicles and motorcyclists on designated model roads. The violations included 10,114 helmet-related offences, 3,819 cases of driving without a valid licence, 2,289 one-way traffic violations and 616 signal violations.
QUETTA – Social media posts circulated by banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and propaganda networks after Gwadar incident show the episode as major operational success against Pakistan’s armed forces.
In reality, the site targeted was a construction company camp that had already been vacated, while several trucks parked along a road were set on fire. No casualties were reported, and claims that security forces or intelligence installations had been targeted were baseless.
Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) subsequently also shared video showing a fighter driving a vehicle and detonating explosives at the gate of a Pakistani military camp. The group identified the alleged attacker as Jindar Sarmaachar, also referred to as Mujahid Mehr, alias Sigar Zamrani, and claimed he belonged to Sadu Operational Battalion.
PROPAGANDA VIDEO
گوادر، جسے پاکستان کی معیشت کیلئے ایک بڑا موڑ ثابت ہونا تھا، آج دہشتگردی کی آگ میں جل رہا ہے۔ https://t.co/T23U5wNyu8
The incident caused no casualties and that no security personnel or security installations were affected. It stated that the principal damage involved trucks belonging to the transport sector, showing impact of the incident on civilian property and livelihoods.
The release of attack footage and claims of operational success are part of propaganda campaign surrounding the incident. Sharing such material as definitive proof of successful attack on a military installation is nothing but misleading.
Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) are banned outfits involved in attacks against the Pakistani state, security forces and civilian targets. Their use of attack footage and social media campaigns to project operational victories underscores how militant groups seek to amplify the impact of violence through propaganda.
LAKKI MARWAT: Four policemen, including two officials, were martyred and two terrorists were killed during an exchange of fire in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district on Thursday, police said.
A statement by the KP police said law enforcers had initiated a search and strike operation in the Charpara area at noon, where terrorists had set up a blockade on Wednesday night.
Banda Daud Shah and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) deputy superintendents of police (DSP) led the operation, in which bomb disposal unit (BDU) personnel, a drone team, Rescue 15 personnel and Rapid Response Force personnel also participated, the statement said.
“During the operation, the law enforcers raided the hideout of a terrorist commander, Qaiser Iqbal, where an exchange of fire took place,” the police said, adding that two terrorists were killed in the encounter.
CTD DSP Imranuddin Khan, Latambar Station House Officer (SHO) Sub-Inspector (SI) Afzal Awan, Constable Kazim and Head Constable Amjad from the BDU were martyred in the exchange of fire.
The statement said the operation was ongoing.
It added, “The brave martyred personnel of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have set a shining example of dedication to duty, courage, and a commitment to public safety by sacrificing their lives in the fight against terrorism.”
The statement said the sacrifices of the martyred policemen reflected the police force’s “unwavering resolve” to continue making every possible effort to eradicate terrorism and establish lasting peace in the region.
Later, the funeral prayers for the martyred police personnel were offered with full official honours.
According to the KP police, the funeral was attended by KP Inspector General of Police (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed, CTD Additional IG Jawad Qamar, Kohat Regional Police Officer Shakir Hussain Dawar, Kohat Commissioner Parvez Khan Sabt Khel, CTD Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Najamul Hasnain, Karak Deputy Commissioner Hamid Iqbal and Karak District Police Officer Niaz Muhammad, among other high-ranking civil and military and police officers, the families of the martyred personnel, and others.
A police contingent presented a final salute to the martyrs, while high-ranking officers paid tribute to them by laying floral wreaths on their coffins.
“The attendees honoured the supreme sacrifices offered by the martyrs, prayed for the elevation of their ranks, and sought patience for the bereaved families,” the police statement added.
Police officers pay tribute to the martyred police personnel during funeral prayers in KP’s Karak on Oct 22. — photo courtesy KP police
KP IGP Hameed paid tributes to the bravery, sense of duty, and professional commitment of the martyrs. He stressed the great courage of the KP police personnel in laying down their lives while confronting terrorists.
“The martyrs’ bravery, unwavering dedication to duty, and unparalleled sacrifices for the protection of the public serve as a guiding light for the entire police force,” he added.
Earlier, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the incident and expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of four police personnel.
“The sacrifices of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police in the fight against terrorism are unforgettable. The blood of our martyrs will not go to waste; our resolve against terrorism will be further strengthened, and the struggle for the establishment of peace will continue,” he said in an X post.
KP has been witnessing terrorist attacks and security challenges for a long time, including attacks on police personnel.
Thursday’s operation comes around 20 days after several terrorist hideouts were destroyed during a joint search and strike operation in Karak.
In September, two terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Lakki Marwat, and in August, a police constable was martyred and six officials were injured when an improvised explosive device was used to attack a police patrol van.
According to a recent report from the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan recorded a sharp 83 per cent increase in violence-linked fatalities during the third quarter of 2026, reversing a declining trend reported in the first and second quarters as terrorism and counter-terrorism deaths surged nationwide.
Balochistan and KP remained the epicentres of violence, jointly accounting for 98pc of all fatalities during the period. Balochistan recorded 829 deaths, nearly 59pc of the national total, while KP reported 556 fatalities, accounting for more than 39pc.
Cars prices in Pakistan are touching the roof and of you’ve been holding off on buying a new car in Pakistan, the government’s proposed Auto Policy 2026–31 might finally give your wallet some much-needed breathing room.
By planning to scrap the 2.5% Federal Excise Duty (FED) on locally assembled and imported cars under 1,000cc, the market could soon see some noticeable price drops.
For everyday buyers, the Suzuki Alto is the biggest story. Depending on the variant, the Alto could see a price cut of Rs 70,000 to Rs 81,000, bringing the base VXR model down to around Rs 2.92 million. If you’re eyeing a Suzuki Cultus, you might save over Rs 106,000, while the Suzuki Every could drop by about Rs 72,000. For a slightly more premium ride, the Kia Stonic stands to shed the biggest chunk of its price tag, potentially dropping anywhere from Rs 1.30 lakh to Rs 1.45 lakh.
Import enthusiasts also have a reason to be optimistic. Popular Japanese models like the Daihatsu Mira, Toyota Passo, and Honda N-One could become more affordable if they meet the specific engine and customs criteria. To sweeten the deal for local manufacturers, the policy also plans to slash duties on imported parts for these smaller cars from 46% down to 30%.
Just don’t head to the dealership quite yet. While the Prime Minister has approved the draft in principle, it still has to clear final bureaucratic hurdles and IMF-related reviews. Most importantly, it will ultimately be up to automakers like Pak Suzuki and Lucky Motor Corporation to actually pass these tax savings down to the consumer once the final legal notifications are issued.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced that he had issued instructions for direct flights between Pakistan and the Maldives.
The premier was addressing the Pakistan-Maldives Business Forum, attended by visiting Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day trip at the invitation of PM Shehbaz.
The visit marks the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years, and comes as the two countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, established in 1966.
PM Shehbaz said, “I want to say that connectivity is very important. We don’t have direct flights from Malé to Islamabad or Karachi, so this air link is very important.
“I have already given instructions to our ministry of civil aviation to prepare a quick feasibility [study], be it Pakistan International Airlines, or any other airline in Pakistan, to find the ways and means to take the first flight comprising tourists [and the] business community to Malé,” he announced.
The premier said he had been informed by President Muizzu that he gave instructions “to his airline to work out a quick plan to start flights from [the] Maldives to Pakistan”.
“I have given instructions to our civil aviation department to immediately invite a delegation from [the] Maldives and work out a plan whereby we can start these air flights between the two countries as early as possible,” PM Shehbaz added.
Moreover, the premier highlighted the importance of maritime connectivity, noting that unless there is a reliable direct shipping schedule from Karachi or Gwadar to Malé, “we will not be able to meet our targets efficiently and effectively.”
He added that once Muizzu returned to his country, a delegation of Pakistani government officials and businessmen would be sent to Malé. He said that the delegation would arrive within the next week or so.
Calling Muizzu a “very sincere friend of Pakistan”, the premier hailed his visit as a “turning point in further strengthening our bilateral, brotherly relations” and a “game-changer in terms of promoting our bilateral trade and investment portfolios”.
“I would like to convey this message to our great entrepreneurs, traders, investors and businessmen from both [the] Maldives and Pakistan,” he added. “Here is an opportunity we can really convert into … a concrete action plan.”
Citing figures provided by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, PM Shehbaz said that the trade volume between Islamabad and Malé is approximately $13 million.
“My brother, President Dr Muizzu, on my request, readily agreed to make a firm understanding to increase our bilateral trade from $13m to $200m in the next two years, and now it’s all up to us to make use of this opportunity, do our homework and make full preparation to achieve these targets through joint efforts and very close coordination,” the prime minister stated.
Taking the podium, President Muizzu echoed PM Shehbaz and urged the establishment of an air corridor between Pakistan and the Maldives.
“In this regard, I am pleased to announce that Maldivian, our national airline, aims to establish [a] direct air link between Malé and Karachi soon,” he announced. “This service will make travel easier for the people of our two countries, creating new opportunities for trade and tourism.”
He thanked PM Shehbaz for taking the time to attend the forum and said that his presence was “a testament to the close friendship and our shared commitment to strengthening economic cooperation”.
“It is such a great pleasure for me to be with you today in Islamabad. And particularly to address a gathering of those who drive enterprise, investment, and economic opportunity in our two countries,” he added.
“As we mark 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the relationship between the Maldives and Pakistan is rooted in deep fraternal affection, and above all, in the enduring bond of our Islamic faith.”
Muizzu noted that while Islamabad and Malé had strong political solidarity and diplomatic trust, their economic relationship had yet to reach its full potential.
“We must now define the ambition of our future,” the Maldivian president said. “The time has come to transform the strength of our friendship into a new era of trade, investment, and shared prosperity, which is why yesterday Prime Minister Sharif and I agreed to enhance our bilateral trade to $200m over the next two years.”
He added, “Beyond the numbers, this ambitious target is investing in our people. We are not only creating new opportunities for businesses on both sides, but also fostering greater regional prosperity and long-term stability.”
Muizzu said Pakistan possessed tremendous potential and that the economies of both nations had “important complementarities”.
“For the Maldives, food security is not merely a commercial consideration. As an island nation, resilient supply chains are a matter of national security, and the scale of our market should not be underestimated,” he explained.
Noting that Pakistan’s agricultural sector already serves the island nation, Muizzu emphasised the need to move beyond a typical buyer and seller relationship into partnerships in cold chain logistics, temperature-controlled storage, modern food processing and climate-adaptive agricultural technology.
“But trade requires connectivity. For an island nation, maritime connectivity is an economic lifeline. We must create more efficient corridors through which that trade can move,” he highlighted. “Therefore, I encourage shipping, port and logistics companies from both countries to explore direct and commercially viable connections between Pakistan and the Maldives.”
Stressing the importance of healthcare infrastructure, the Maldivian president highlighted that the country is making significant investments to move from regional tertiary hospitals to modern island-level facilities.
“Our demand for reliable, high-quality and certified medical supplies will therefore continue to grow. We welcome Pakistani pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers,” Muizzu said.
Furthermore, he invited Pakistan’s construction companies, developers, manufacturers and engineering firms to partner with the Maldives in housing, land reclamation and connectivity projects, as part of Malé’s endeavours in infrastructure and urban development.
“Renewable energy is another area of enormous potential. The Maldives spends hundreds of millions of dollars each year importing diesel. For us, therefore, the transition to clean energy is not only a climate imperative, it is an economic and fiscal necessity,” he added.
“My administration has set a target of producing 33 per cent of our national electricity requirement from renewable sources by 2028. That means more than quadrupling more than the amount generated in a five-year period.”
Additionally, the Maldivian president highlighted opportunities in both nations, unlocking the power of the global Islamic economy through Sharia-compliant finance, and halal tourism and products.
“The Maldives is strengthening its financial landscape and institutional frameworks for Islamic finance,” he said. “Together, our financial institutions, regulators, and businesses can explore Sharia-compliant investment instruments, sukuk, Islamic financial services and halal value chains. And these areas are by no means exhaustive.”
Muizzu also highlighted opportunities in tourism and hospitality, IT, education and other sectors and invited Pakistani businesses to “not look at the Maldives merely as a market to sell to, [but] look at the Maldives as a partner to build with”.
Later, the Maldivian president expressed his gratitude to PM Shehbaz for his presence at the business forum and for “highlighting the key priorities that will guide our economic partnership into a new chapter”.
In a post on X, he said that the forum marked an important first step towards realising the ambition of increasing bilateral trade over the next two years.
“I warmly invite Pakistani businesses and investors to explore the wealth of opportunities the Maldives has to offer,” Muizzu said, stating his confidence that the renewed commitment would “forge meaningful partnerships, attract investment, and deliver tangible benefits” to both Pakistan and the Maldives.
“Let us build an economic partnership that reflects the strength of our enduring friendship, one that creates opportunities for our peoples, advances shared prosperity, and translates our common aspirations into lasting progress,” he added.
RAWALPINDI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday cancelled the appointment of state counsel Taimoor Janjua in a security breach case against lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, after the accused objected to his past conduct in another case.
Imaan and her husband, Hadi, are facing a jail trial in a 2024 case pertaining to the alleged disruption of an international cricket team’s security route and incitement to public unrest.
The couple, accused of removing barriers from the route, was indicted on Oct 7. ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra presides over the proceedings at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.
Hearing the case on Thursday, Judge Sipra named Atif Mehmood as the replacement for Janjua, who was appointed as the state counsel just a day ago to conduct cross-examination of prosecution witnesses after the lawyer couple’s counsel failed to do so during proceedings.
During the proceedings, Imaan told the court that Janjua had previously been appointed as state counsel in another case involving her, referring to the controversial social media posts case in which they were sentenced in January.
Hadi also raised objections to his conduct, alleging that the lawyer had told people that he had received Rs500,000 and completed cross-examination in a single day.
In response, Janjua challenged the allegation and retorted that the accused should accompany him to a private case outside the court to see whether he performed his professional duties properly.
The exchange prompted defence counsel Advocate Aimal Khan Mandokhail to question the state counsel’s role, asking him whether he was representing the accused or working against them.
The judge also expressed displeasure over Janjua’s conduct and questioned his manner of appearing before the court.
“Has no one ever taught you how to appear in court?” the judge asked the state counsel.
Then, Imaan informed the court that she and Hadi did not need a state counsel as they already had their own lawyers.
Hadi explained that their lawyers were frequently occupied with other cases at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), while the trial court had scheduled daily hearings at Adiala, making it difficult for them to attend every proceeding.
Meanwhile, no prosecution witness could be cross-examined during Thursday’s hearing amid the dispute over the state counsel’s appointment.
The court directed the prosecution witnesses to appear again on Friday and warned the accused that the cross-examination would proceed without further delay.
Addressing Imaan and Hadi, the judge directed them to ensure that their respective lawyers conducted the cross-examination at the next hearing. He added that if their lawyers failed to do so, newly appointed state counsel Mehmood would undertake the exercise.
The court adjourned further proceedings until 9am tomorrow (Friday).
Advocate Janjua had previously been appointed to represent Imaan and Hadi in a controversial social media posts case — a development to which the couple had objected.
He had shown up in an Islamabad district and sessions court during a November hearing after state-appointed Advocate Shakeel Jatt refused to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses in the case, saying that he could not “ask questions dictated” to him.
At a December hearing, Hadi had informed the court that a no-confidence application had been filed against Advocate Janjua.
Imaan and Hadi’s rearrest
The lawyer couple has been in jail since their arrest on Jan 23 in a case registered against them for protesting outside the IHC and allegedly manhandling the IHC Bar Association president. The arrest prompted criticism by rights bodies, politicians and journalists, who stressed the couple’s right to a fair trial.
Just a day later, a sessions court sentenced them to 17 years on multiple charges under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) in the controversial social media posts case.
On Sept 17, following months of litigation before the courts, the Supreme Court suspended their sentences in the case. The SC ordered their release pending the Islamabad High Court’s final verdict on their appeals against the trial court’s decision.
However, the reprieve was short-lived as hours later, Islamabad police arrested the couple again in connection with another case and produced them before an ATC, which sent them to jail on judicial remand.
The fresh case in which the two were arrested was registered at the federal capital’s Kohsar police station on March 22 last year on the complaint of City Magistrate Ghulam Murtaza Chandio.
Imaan and Hadi were accused of chanting anti-government slogans and blocking roads and were nominated by name in the FIR. However, at the time of registration of the case, no section of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) had been added.
The FIR included sections 188 (disobedience of an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant), 341 (wrongful restraint), 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), 353 (assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging their official duty) and 186 (obstructing a public servant in the performance of official duties).
ISLAMABAD – The Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued a travel advisory for Pakistani pilgrims travelling by air to Iran and Iraq, urging them and Ziyarat Group Organisers (ZGOs) to verify flight schedules before departure.
According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs, pilgrims have been advised to confirm flights operating to Iran and Iraq in advance, avoid relying on uncertain flight schedules and ensure alternative travel arrangements are in place.
The spokesperson particularly urged pilgrims travelling between Tehran, Mashhad and Najaf to verify their flights before departure.
In case of flight cancellations, pilgrims have also been advised to carry additional funds to cover alternative air or land travel arrangements, as well as accommodation expenses.
The ministry has directed registered Ziyarat Group Organisers to avoid relying on unconfirmed Iranian flights and ensure that all pilgrims are fully informed about the travel advisory.
The measures aim to help Pakistani pilgrims travel safely and avoid disruptions during their journeys to religious destinations in Iran and Iraq.
PESHAWAR – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced key decisions to accelerate development and strengthen security in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, pledging Rs160 billion in federal funding for development projects and all necessary resources for the fight against terrorism.
The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting in Peshawar with a development council comprising representatives from the tribal districts and tribal elders. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, tribal elders thanked the prime minister for paying special attention to the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They said the province’s people had been facing difficulties for the past 13 years and pledged their full cooperation in resolving public issues.
The elders also said people in the province had welcomed the recent developments and celebrated by distributing sweets.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Shehbaz said tribal elders had always stood firmly with Pakistan and that tribal communities had made extraordinary sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
He said the government highly valued their sacrifices, adding that despite suffering deep wounds and hardships, the tribal people’s commitment to Pakistan had never weakened.
The prime minister said that if peace had prevailed in the tribal districts, emergency measures might not have been necessary. He added that important decisions had been taken to accelerate development and make security arrangements in the province more effective.
Federal Government to Support Development and Food Security
Shehbaz Sharif said the federal government would provide Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with all the wheat it required and stressed that hoarding must not be allowed.
He said instructions had been issued to complete Safe City projects and accelerate development schemes where progress had been slow.
The prime minister reiterated that the federal government would provide all necessary resources to combat terrorism. He said steps would be taken to improve police training and operational capacity, while instructions had also been issued to strengthen the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).
PM Calls for Improved Policing and Accountability
The prime minister said shortcomings had emerged in security operations and police performance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past 13 years.
He directed the relevant authorities to ensure prompt action in cases of theft and robbery and the immediate arrest of suspects.
Shehbaz Sharif also raised concerns over alleged corruption in the province, claiming that a Rs100 billion scandal had emerged in drinking water projects, while alleged fraud worth Rs37 billion had been reported in the Kohistan scandal.
He further alleged that widespread corruption had affected numerous development projects and that provincial resources had been misappropriated.
The prime minister said every rupee of public money would be spent on development and prosperity, adding that the government would work to prevent the alleged misuse of provincial resources.
Tribal Council to Be Empowered
Shehbaz Sharif said the 40 elected members of the tribal council carried a significant responsibility towards their communities.
He pledged that the council would be fully empowered and that the federal government would provide comprehensive support for development initiatives and access to justice in the tribal districts.
The prime minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving security, accelerating development and addressing the longstanding challenges faced by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
ISLAMABAD – President Asif Ali Zardari departed for Germany on Thursday for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, with Pakistan and Germany set to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties this year.
According to the Foreign Office (FO), the president’s visit, scheduled for October 22 to 24, is part of ongoing high-level exchanges between the two countries.
The President’s Office confirmed Zardari’s departure from Lahore in a post on social media on Thursday.
The Foreign Office said the visit carries particular significance as Pakistan and Germany mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, reflecting their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
During the visit, President Zardari is scheduled to meet his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, along with senior German officials and business leaders. Discussions are expected to focus particularly on expanding economic and trade cooperation.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah is also expected to accompany the president. His possible participation was discussed during a meeting with German Consul General Thomas E. Schultze.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements
In September, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to Germany’s Foreign Office, the German side appreciated Pakistan’s mediation efforts in regional conflicts, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.
The two sides also agreed to support renewed peace negotiations on Ukraine, according to the German Foreign Office.
President Zardari’s visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both countries to review their longstanding partnership and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment and other areas of mutual interest.
ISLAMABAD – The federal government has decided to seek details of foreign citizenship held by government employees and directed them to submit declarations within 90 days.
The government has also issued a prescribed pro forma regarding foreign citizenship, instructing ministries and divisions to collect and submit details about their subordinate officers.
In addition to employees’ own citizenship status, the government has sought information about the foreign citizenship held by their dependants and details of their dependants’ travel documents.
Government employees will also be required to disclose details of marriages to foreign nationals as part of the declaration process.
ISLAMABAD – The World Bank has released its Pakistan Development Update 2026 economic report, outlining the country’s economic performance, inflation trends and recent changes in fuel and transport costs.
According to the report, Pakistan’s economic growth rate stood at 3.7 per cent in 2026. During the fiscal year 2025-26, average core inflation in urban areas was recorded at 7.4 per cent, while the overall fiscal deficit declined to 2.6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).
The report stated that petrol prices increased by approximately 36 per cent between February and June 2026. High-speed diesel prices rose by 31 per cent, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices recorded an increase of around 46 per cent during the same period.
Transport fares also increased by approximately 30 per cent, according to the report.
The World Bank further noted that international credit rating agencies S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s had upgraded Pakistan’s credit ratings, reflecting improvements in the country’s credit assessment.
PESHAWAR – A meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has agreed on the complete elimination of terrorism, with the premier saying the federal government cannot remain a silent spectator while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to suffer from violence.
“We cannot leave Khyber Pakhtunkhwa burning and remain silent spectators,” the prime minister said, adding that emergency measures and governor’s rule had to be imposed in the province under compelling circumstances.
The Federal Apex Committee of the National Action Plan met at Governor House in Peshawar under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attaullah Tarar, Amir Muqam, Rana Sanaullah, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, the chief secretary, inspector general of police and Peshawar corps commander also attended the meeting.
According to sources, the meeting reviewed the province’s political situation and recent developments, with participants agreeing on the need to eradicate terrorism completely.
Addressing the participants, the prime minister vowed that the government would not rest until the last terrorist was eliminated. He said the sacrifices made by the country’s soldiers and officers would not go in vain.
Shehbaz Sharif assured the participants that the federal government would provide whatever support was required for the provincial police, Safe City projects and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).
PM Says KP Cannot Be Left to Suffer
The prime minister described Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a beautiful province inhabited by courageous and resilient people, saying the province had been severely affected by circumstances that had developed over the past several years.
He said Pakistan’s armed forces and security institutions had made immense sacrifices to eliminate terrorism and that complete peace had been restored in the province by 2018.
However, he alleged that terrorists were brought back during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government after peace had been established, undermining the sacrifices made by security personnel and the public.
He said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had paid the price for what he described as a failure to respect those sacrifices. He further alleged that education, healthcare, security and other public welfare matters had been neglected during the PTI government, contributing to a resurgence in terrorism in recent years.
PM Criticises Previous Provincial Government
Shehbaz Sharif said 5,000 police vacancies had not been filled during the previous provincial government’s tenure and that the Safe City project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained incomplete.
He also criticised what he described as a lack of attention to counterterrorism institutions, police training and modern equipment for security forces.
According to the prime minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had received Rs800 billion under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award for counterterrorism-related purposes.
He expressed concern that terrorism had resurged despite the funding, saying security forces had not been adequately equipped with modern weapons, training and other necessary resources.
The prime minister said the federal government had repeatedly assured PTI chief ministers that it was prepared to support the province in combating terrorism.
PM Says Tough Decisions Followed Consultations
The prime minister said the government had worked tirelessly over the past two and a half years to revive the national economy, adding that sustained efforts by the political and military leadership had helped stabilise the economy.
He questioned how long the government could continue to witness bloodshed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa without taking action.
According to Shehbaz Sharif, a political committee had been formed and its members worked hard during 48 hours of negotiations. He said he had consulted the president twice over the deteriorating situation in the province, adding that these circumstances had led to difficult decisions.
The prime minister said an advisory council had also been established, comprising experts from various fields and individuals he described as capable and honest.
He said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been waiting for 13 years for their problems to be resolved and stressed that the recent changes must produce positive results.
Shehbaz Sharif also levelled corruption allegations against the PTI-led provincial administration, claiming that corruption cases involving public projects had come to light.
He alleged that Rs100 billion had been embezzled in a clean drinking water project and that corruption worth Rs37 billion had been uncovered in the Kohistan mega scandal. He also claimed that contracts under the placer gold project had been awarded to favoured individuals.
These allegations were presented by the prime minister during his address.
PM Says Decisions Are Within Constitutional and Legal Authority
Shehbaz Sharif maintained that the steps taken in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were authorised by the Constitution and the law.
He thanked the coalition partners for their support regarding the decisions concerning the province and expressed particular gratitude to President Asif Ali Zardari and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
The prime minister pledged to restore peace, prosperity and development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying he would work with the support of Field Marshal Asim Munir to bring stability and happiness back to the province.
He also promised that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would receive development opportunities comparable to those available in other provinces.
Governor KP Calls for Joint Efforts Against Terrorism
Addressing the meeting, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said establishing peace in the province was a shared priority.
He said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wanted peace and development, emphasising that the federal government had a crucial role in achieving stability.
The governor said progress towards peace and development could not be halted if all institutions worked together with a common objective.
He added that eliminating terrorists and their facilitators from the province remained a key priority.
Faisal Karim Kundi said the government wanted to create an environment in which every citizen felt safe and had the opportunity to participate in the development process.
He stressed that cooperation between the federal and provincial governments was essential to ensuring public safety and prosperity, adding that the ultimate goal was to transform Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into a model province of peace, stability, development and prosperity.
JACKSON – Toyota announced major safety recall involving more than 105,000 Land Cruiser SUVs in US after discovering potentially dangerous fuel system defect that could cause petrol leakage and increase the risk of vehicle fires.
Japanese automobile giant is recalling over one hundred thousand Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid SUVs from 2024 to 2027 model years, raising fresh safety concerns among owners of one of the world’s most popular luxury off-road vehicles.
According to documents submitted to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall was officially reported on October 14, 2026, under campaign number 26V673. Toyota has assigned internal recall numbers 26TB23 and 26TA23 to the safety campaign.
The potentially hazardous component in Land Cruiser’s fuel delivery system spaked concerns as Toyota’s investigation found that the connector joining a resin fuel tube near the fuel tank to the main metal fuel line could separate if its retaining clip becomes raised. Such a disconnection could allow petrol to escape from the fuel system until the hybrid vehicle’s combustion engine shuts down. If the leaking fuel comes into contact with an ignition source, it could potentially trigger a fire.
More concerning is that Toyota has not yet established the exact circumstances responsible for the retaining clip becoming displaced. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the underlying cause, the company has decided to initiate a large-scale preventive recall. The recall targets selected Toyota Land Cruiser Hybrid SUVs manufactured between November 29, 2023, and October 1, 2026.
According to Toyota’s regulatory filing, the affected population includes 25,041 vehicles from the 2024 model year, 41,955 from 2025, 21,274 from 2026 and another 17,524 from 2027. 2025 Land Cruiser accounts for the largest number of potentially affected vehicles, representing nearly 40% of the total recall population.
All current-generation Land Cruisers sold in the United States feature Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. However, not every vehicle manufactured during the specified period is included in the recall, making individual VIN verification essential.
Toyota’s documentation includes estimated defect rate of approximately 1%, although the actual number of vehicles containing the problem has not been conclusively established. The recall follows more than two years of investigations into fuel leakage concerns involving the Land Cruiser.
Toyota startes getting field reports related to issue in July 2024. By early October 2026, the company had documented 23 Field Technical Reports and 64 related warranty claims in the United States. These complaints prompted further examination of the fuel line connection and the possible consequences of a separation.
Although the reviewed regulatory documents did not highlight specific cases of fires or injuries linked to the defect, Toyota determined that the potential danger justified immediate preventive action. The manufacturer decided to proceed with the voluntary recall after assessing the volume of possible fuel leakage and the number of reported cases, even though investigators had not fully identified the root cause.
Toyota has assured affected customers that all necessary inspections and repairs will be carried out without any charges. Authorised Toyota dealerships will inspect the connection between the resin fuel tube and the main metal fuel line before deciding on the appropriate corrective procedure.
If the existing fuel tube remains suitable, technicians will install an additional securing clamp to prevent the connector from separating. However, if the component requires replacement, dealerships will fit a new resin fuel tube along with the supplemental clamp. The repair procedure is intended to eliminate the risk of the affected fuel connection becoming detached during vehicle operation.
Toyota plans to begin mailing official recall notification letters to affected vehicle owners on November 29, 2026. The company has also indicated that the notification process is expected to continue into December, with owners anticipated to receive recall information around mid-December.
However, owners concerned about their vehicles can check their recall status immediately rather than waiting for official correspondence.
Owners can enter their vehicle identification number (VIN) to check for outstanding safety recalls associated with their particular SUV. The fuel system safety concern has also prompted a separate recall campaign in Canada, where approximately 6,721 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs from the 2024 through 2027 model years are potentially affected.
Canadian recall addresses the same fuel line connection problem and the associated risk of petrol leakage and fire. Combined, the US and Canadian campaigns involve approximately 112,515 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles, making the safety action significant across the North American market.
Punjab lawmaker Hina Parvez Butt on Thursday defended herself after a social media post by her regarding an alleged encounter by Punjab’s Crime Control Department prompted outrage and criticism.
On Wednesday, a suspect accused of running over a teenage boy who worked for him with his car in a private housing society in Multan, was killed in an alleged encounter in Bahawalpur. The killing of the teenager, Waseem, had sparked anger among the public, with a police officer saying the he had been “subjected to barbarity”.
“This is [Punjab Chief Minister] Maryam Nawaz sahiba’s government; justice is served immediately,” Butt subsequently wrote on X, sharing screengrabs of a TV report regarding the alleged encounter. She later deleted the post after it was widely panned for “celebrating extrajudicial killings”.
In a video statement posted on X on Thursday, Butt said: “I posted a tweet in which I said, ‘This is Maryam Nawaz Sharif sahiba’s government; justice is served immediately’. This was my personal opinion and creating propaganda on this was uncalled for.”
She said that the post was meant to express the “feelings of an ordinary citizen”. She asserted that she did not “blame” the chief minister, the Punjab government or talk about any institution. She said that criticising her for this was “uncalled for”.
She also took exception to remarks by Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari, saying that she “respectfully disagreed”.
On Wednesday night, Bokhari had appeared on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Ke Saath’, where she was asked about Butt’s post.
The Punjab minister said that Butt had a habit of saying things without thinking them through, which caused problems for her and become a “source of embarrassment for the government”.
Referring to the remarks, Butt said: “None of my actions or words have ever harmed or embarrassed the Punjab chief minister or the government. If Azma Bokhari sahiba is feeling embarrassed, that is her personal choice.
“I don’t feel that anyone should be embarrassed [at] anything I tweeted on my social media account. Azma Bokhari is the [Punjab] government’s official spokesperson, so obviously she clarified the government’s policy, which is good. But, I think her remarks on me were unnecessary and uncalled for,” she said.
“So I would again, respectfully, disagree with her,” she said.
Referring to recent incidents involving minors and the youth in the country, she said that their parents should be called on shows and asked how those who subjected their offspring to “savagery” should be treated.
“I believe I have stated public sentiment and what is the people’s voice. Those coming forward to defend the culprits do not meet the families whose children’s bodies are recovered in a bad state. I meet such parents,” he said.
“So any person who has even a bit of humanity in their heart, what will they have felt when they heard about Waseem from Multan?” she asked.
The CCD, established last year, has been criticised by human rights advocates and civil society members for a high number of casualties.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) alleged earlier this year that the CCD has adopted a “deliberate policy of staged police encounters leading to extrajudicial killings”.
In response, the department termed the claims as unfounded and contrary to the department’s operational framework.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said on Thursday that a joint investigation team (JIT) would be formed as per the recommendations of the judicial commission formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder of Mir Raza Ali.
The 25-year-old businessman and Institute of Business Administration graduate had gone missing on July 28 after leaving his home in PECHS, and his body with gunshot wounds was found a day later in bushes in Gulistan-i-Jauhar’s locality.
A judicial commission, formed on the Sindh government’s directives after the family accused police of burying the facts, has declared that Ali’s death was a murder and pointed out lapses by the police during the probe.
Speaking to the media in Karachi on Thursday, Lanjar said: “The JIT will be formed under the West Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Irfan Baloch, and the summary has been sent to the chief minister.”
The decision to form a JIT under DIG Baloch was in accordance with the judicial commission’s report, which suggested his appointment.
Submitted to the government on Oct 15, the report by Sindh High Court judge Justice Omar Sial had recommended forming a JIT under the leadership of DIG Baloch to “balance the need for public accountability with preserving Sindh Police morale and reputation”.
The commission had termed the formation of a JIT the “most viable path” to mitigate ongoing reputational damage to the Sindh government.
Lanjar further said that in his recommendations to CM Murad Ali Shah, he has suggested the JIT’s terms of reference (TORs) include presenting a charge sheet after completing the investigation.
However, he added. “It is the prerogative of the court to accept it or not under the circumstances; either it is a murder or suicide.”
In its report, the judicial commission had also recommended integrating senior representatives from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Pakistan Rangers (Sindh), and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in the JIT to “ensure an impartial, comprehensive, and credible resolution”.
The notification of the JIT’s formation and composition is yet to be issued.
Furthermore, in line with another recommendation of the judicial commission, the home minister said a committee has been formed under the chairmanship of DIG Zulfiqar Ali Larik to take action against any police officers involved in negligence.
‘Epic failure’
The 62-page judicial commission report, authored by Justice Sial, had declared: “This case demonstrates an epic failure by the police in their investigation.”
The commission, which examined 49 witnesses and the available record, determined that police investigation “failed in its most basic duty: to establish the truth”.
Besides making several recommendations regarding the case and police training, it had also listed its observations for certain police officials involved in the investigation, finding “criminal negligence” by three.
Initially, the police built the case around suicide on the basis of the first autopsy, which indicated a bullet entry wound on the chest, and by pointing out business losses and money borrowed by the victim.
Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed had disputed the findings of the first post-mortem conducted by medico-legal officer Dr Osama Sheikh.
The second post-mortem report termed the findings of the first report “inconsistent” with suicide as the manner of Mir Raza’s death. It said the Exhumation Board was of the unanimous opinion that the death was caused by a gunshot wound to the back.
In August, the provincial government formed the commission, which was tasked with making recommendations for further investigation and forensic analysis or legal/departmental action, and it was required to submit its findings and recommendations to the Sindh government within 30 days.
However, the commission had struggled to meet its deadline and sent an application last month to the Sindh government for an extension of its tenure till Oct 15. Therefore, the provincial cabinet granted an extension.
England’s Harry Brook smashed the fastest double-century in One-Day International (ODI) history and became the first Englishman to score 200 in the format but Sri Lanka sealed a two-wicket win in their tri-series clash with one ball to spare in Rawalpindi on Thursday.
The 27-year-old captain rewrote the record books by racing to his double hundred in 114 balls, surpassing the previous mark of 117 deliveries set by India’s Shubman Gill.
In the process, Brook also eclipsed England’s highest individual ODI score of 182, held by all-rounder Ben Stokes.
Brook’s scintillating performance ended with the final ball of England’s innings when he was caught by Sahan Arachchige off the bowling of Janith Liyanage.
England’s captain Harry Brook celebrates after scoring a double century (200 runs) during the one-day international (ODI) tri-series cricket match between England and Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on October 22, 2026. — AFP
He made 202 from 116 deliveries, peppering the Sri Lanka attack with 21 fours and 10 sixes before departing to warm applause from the crowd.
The defeat leaves England bottom of the standings after losing both their matches, with Brook saying they need to win their next two games to reach the final in Lahore.
“Unfortunately, it (the record) doesn’t matter now. I thought we were going to be in a good position but, unfortunately, it doesn’t even count,” Brook said.
“Heart-breaking. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head there. It’s very disappointing that we haven’t been able to defend 430, but that’s life, that’s cricket,” he added.
“You don’t see many teams chase down 430 and hats off to Sri Lanka. They’ve played exceptionally well. We couldn’t execute our skills enough with the ball and, again, they’ve just played an absolute blinder there.
“We’ll have a good chat about it now and over the next couple of days. We’ve got a good opportunity in the next couple of games to really try and get to that final in Lahore.”
Joe Root provided strong support with 69 off 66 balls as England piled up 429-4.
But the total proved insufficient as Sri Lanka completed the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history.
Pavan Rathnayake top-scored with 130 from 106 deliveries, while opener Avishka Fernando and Dasun Shanaka both fell three runs short of centuries.
Sri Lanka’s Pavan Rathnayake in action in the one-day international (ODI) tri-series cricket match between England and Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on October 22, 2026. — Reuters
Needing six runs from the final two deliveries, Sri Lanka sealed victory when Liyanage launched Josh Tongue over long-off for six, leaving Brook’s record-breaking innings all in vain.
Tongue was England’s most successful bowler with 3-79.
England lost by 87 runs at the same venue in Rawalpindi on Tuesday to Pakistan, who lead the table with two wins from two.
IT appears that the PML-N, echoing the PPP’s recent offer, is also willing to re-engage with the opposition, at least on counterterrorism policy. Though that may seem like a narrow scope for dialogue, in our vitiated political environment, it does offer an opening. Whether the opposition is interested in taking it up is a different question.
The anger over the dismissal of the elected PTI government in KP is still far from subsiding, and the ruling coalition in Islamabad deserves much of the blame for making a negotiated settlement more difficult than it seemed two weeks ago. That said, the opposition also needs to introspect. From the murmurings of resentment within its ranks, it appears that the outcome of its last round of discussions with the government was not what many were hoping for.
Yet, its street agitation has delivered even less. An offer for dialogue, even if focused on counterterrorism strategy, is still an opportunity to return to the negotiating table and continue from where the last round of talks left off. Complete disengagement will achieve nothing.
Regrettably, the two sides still fail to see the country’s economic, security, and governance crises as challenges that must be solved politically. A nation of 260m can hardly afford such paralysis. The greater onus lies with the government. It is difficult to see how a credible counterterrorism strategy can be framed when the province on the front line of the fight has just been deprived of its elected government.
If Islamabad wants its offer to be taken seriously, it should pair it with a real gesture of good faith, starting with a meaningful voice for KP’s elected representatives in any talks. Yet the government seems consumed by the hubris of unchecked power, while the opposition, particularly the PTI, continues to act as if agitation alone can yield results.
Instead of evading Pakistan’s challenges through constant jousting and whataboutery, the political leadership needs to confront its failings. Counterterrorism, where the stakes for KP are the highest and broad-based consensus is urgently needed, is as good a place as any to begin. But it must lead to a much wider conversation on national issues. If the two sides cannot find common ground even on the fight against terrorism, the public would be justified in wondering what, if anything, they are capable of agreeing on.
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