
PM reiterates talk offer to India
The prime minister stated this during his meeting with British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott, the PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
The prime minister expressed his appreciation for the UK's role in de-escalation of tensions during the Pakistan-India stand-off.
He welcomed the UK government's recent decision to resume PIA flights to and from the UK, which he said, would go a long way in alleviating the hardships faced by the British Pakistani community as well as enhancing people-to-people exchanges.
He particularly appreciated the role of the high commissioner in this regard.
The regional situation in South Asia and the Middle East was also discussed.
The UK high commissioner thanked the prime minister for receiving her and briefed him about her recent visit to London, where she had extensive consultations on enhancing Pakistan-UK bilateral ties.
She lauded the government's economic performance in the last year and a half, under the vision and leadership of the prime minister, which had brought about a significant improvement in all key macro-economic indicators.
She also shared with the prime minister, the UK's perspective on regional developments in South Asia and the Middle East.
Privatization Commission
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the authorities to ensure that the Privatization Commission would be given full autonomy as per the law to eliminate red tape and unnecessary elements during the denationalisation process of the state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
The prime minister chaired a review meeting on the progress of privatization of SOEs here at the Prime Minister's Office, a PM Office news release said.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
India's proxy web: Afghan general's revelation validates Pakistan's stance
Listen to article The recent confession by former Afghan General Sami Sadat regarding Indian money being channeled through the Taliban to arm anti-Pakistan militant groups once again validates Pakistan's long-held concerns about India using Afghan soil for terrorism. He further disclosed that terrorist leaders have been openly operating from Afghan territory, enjoying safe havens and logistical support provided by elements within the Taliban. Over the past few years, three key factors have emerged as a persistent threat to Pakistan's stability: ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan, the advanced weaponry left behind following the 2021 withdrawal of US troops, and the growing cooperation between the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). As the rise in terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan demonstrates, the Afghan government has failed to manage its security situation. The Taliban's tacit approval — also acknowledged by the United Nations in 2024 — has enabled terrorists to use Afghan territory for training, weapons storage, and cross-border operations. A 2024 West Point analysis revealed that terrorist digital command structures rely on encrypted servers traced back to Indian intelligence. Airfields in Kandahar and Herat, now controlled by proxy groups, have reportedly become key transit points for arms, with NATO documents confirming their use in transporting drones and weapons to the Fitna-al-Khawarij (FAK). Hawala networks are also being exploited to conceal foreign state support for terrorism, with RAW and GDI operating behind tribal fronts. In addition, Afghanistan's weak oversight has allowed it to become a thriving narco-terror hub — a crucial supply line for FAK, supporting terrorist operations in K-P and Punjab. According to the Danish Institute (2024), the manipulation of transit routes — underwritten by foreign actors — is not about trade but about fuelling instability in Balochistan. Pakistan has repeatedly pointed to the Afghan government's full patronage and India's involvement in state-sponsored terrorism, particularly along the border. Indian state-sponsored terrorism is not covert — it is being implemented as official policy. Since January 2024, 5,436 Indian-sponsored terrorist incidents have been recorded, with 1,987 terrorists killed by Pakistani security forces. Pakistan is not alone in facing this threat. Other regional neighbours have also suffered due to India's use of state-sponsored terrorism to advance its Hindutva-driven agenda. For the first time in South Asia's history, India's infamous intelligence agency, RAW, executed suicide bombings in Sri Lanka via its proxy, the Tamil Tigers. Today, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NSA Ajit Doval continue to spread terror in Pakistan through proxies like the TTP and BLA. India has historically been, and remains, a hub of terrorism in South Asia and beyond. It funded 70 militants through Sarfraz Bangalzai, who exploited Baloch women for subversive purposes. BLA spokesperson Bahot Baloch, speaking on an Indian news channel, openly claimed responsibility for attacks in Khuzdar, on the Jaffar Express, and in other areas. The rise of terrorism in Pakistan is not the product of internal insurgency alone. It is a carefully orchestrated proxy war — funded, directed, and supported by hostile intelligence agencies across the border. Pakistan must take decisive and comprehensive action against Indian-sponsored proxies, as pledged by its military leadership. Terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory pose a serious threat not only to Pakistan, but to regional and global stability. The continued inaction of the international community risks emboldening countries engaged in state-sponsored terrorism — and may set a dangerous precedent for others to follow. The writer is a freelance columnist and contributes regularly on issues concerning national security.


Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PM to continue remittance scheme for overseas Pakistanis amid record inflows
Increase in manpower export should improve workers' remittances to around $32 billion in current fiscal year, compared to the record high of $31 billion in previous year. photo: file Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to continue Pakistan's facilitation scheme aimed at encouraging overseas Pakistanis to send remittances through formal channels, the Prime Minister's Office said Saturday. According to the official statement, the prime minister directed the Ministry of Finance to immediately release funds on a priority basis under the Workers' Remittances Incentive Scheme. 'Overseas Pakistanis are a vital asset and strength of the country,' said Prime Minister Shehbaz. 'The hard-earned remittances sent by them play a significant role in Pakistan's development — a contribution valued by the entire nation, including myself.' وزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف کا بیرون ملک مقیم پاکستانیوں کی ترسیلات زر پاکستان بھیجنے کی سہولت اسکیم کو جاری رکھنے کا فیصلہ@CMShehbaz — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 26, 2025 The premier highlighted that in the fiscal year 2025, overseas Pakistanis sent a record-high $38.3 billion in remittances. He noted this was instrumental in securing a current account surplus — Pakistan's first in 14 years — and helped meet the import bill while boosting foreign exchange reserves. Shehbaz Sharif also emphasised that contributions come from all sectors of the diaspora — from labourers to business professionals — and underscored the need to remove barriers to remittance flows. 'Efforts are ongoing to make the remittance system more efficient, effective, and user-friendly for our hardworking overseas community,' he added. The incentive scheme aims to channel more remittances through formal banking channels, a crucial factor for Pakistan's economic stability.


Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Pakistan govt decides to continue remittance incentive scheme
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided on Saturday to continue the remittance incentive scheme, directing the Ministry of Finance to immediately release funds on a priority basis for the Workers' Remittances Incentive Scheme, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) read. The development comes a few weeks after State Bank of Pakistan's (SBP) Dr Inayat Hussain reportedly cautioned that the government's decision to curtail subsidies for promoting foreign remittances, which hit a record $38 billion in F2024-25, might reduce the flow through banking channels. 'Overseas Pakistanis are our strength and a valuable asset of the country,' PM Shehbaz was quoted as saying the PMO statement on Saturday. SBP revises Telegraphic Transfer charges scheme, raises limit to $200, includes ECs 'The hard-earned remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis play a vital role in Pakistan's development, and I, along with the entire nation, deeply value their contribution. 'These remittances not only helped in covering the rising import bill but also contributed to the increase in foreign exchange reserves,' he said. 'We are removing obstacles in the way of remittances sent by hardworking overseas Pakistanis and making the system more effective, efficient, and user-friendly.' The inflow of overseas workers' remittances into Pakistan stood at $38.3 billion in fiscal year 2024-25, the highest-ever in the country's history, the SBP data showed. Remittances increased by 27% year over year, compared to $30.25 billion recorded in the previous fiscal. Home remittances play a significant role in supporting the country's external account, stimulating Pakistan's economic activity as well as supplementing the disposable incomes of remittance-dependent households.