PM praises performance of Bilawal-led team
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said 'Congratulations to all of you for representing Pakistan's stance strongly and effectively on the global stage,' praising a diplomatic delegation led by Pakistan People's Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for what he called a 'victorious' international mission.
'You fought Pakistan's case with national spirit and returned victorious,' Sharif added, speaking at a dinner held in honour of the delegation, which had recently concluded diplomatic visits to the US, the UK, and Europe.
The delegation, which included senior political figures such as Sherry Rehman, Hina Rabbani Khar, Dr Musadik Malik, and Jalil Abbas Jilani, was tasked with countering what officials described as 'recent Indian propaganda' and presenting Pakistan's position on key regional issues.
Sharif credited the delegation for effectively highlighting matters ranging from Kashmir's Pahalgam incident to the Indus Waters Treaty, saying their efforts had drawn international recognition. 'Bilawal articulated Pakistan's position in an excellent manner,' he said.
The prime minister also attributed Pakistan's strategic posture to 'the blessings of Allah, the prayers of the nation, and the military expertise of our armed forces,' claiming India had to 'pay a heavy price for its unjustified war hysteria.'
Referring to domestic affairs, Sharif said the government had aimed to provide relief across all sectors in the newly announced 2025-26 federal budget, including salaried individuals. He thanked coalition partners, including the PPP, for their support in the budget process.
'I am hopeful that with your guidance, cooperation, and suggestions, we will overcome internal and external challenges successfully, insha'Allah!' he added.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, and other cabinet members and advisers also attended the dinner.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Express Tribune
13 troops martyred in suicide attack on military convoy
Field Marshal Gen Syed Asim Munir enquires after the health of a soldier during his visit to CMH Peshawar. Photo: ISPR Listen to article Thirteen servicemen were martyred and three civilians – two children and a woman – injured in a suicide attack targeting a military convoy in North Waziristan tribal district on Saturday as the army chief vowed to relentlessly pursue terrorists and unmask the "true perpetrator of terrorism in the region". "A vehicle-borne suicide bomber attempted to detonate himself near the security forces' convoy but was intercepted by the leading group, foiling his nefarious design," the military's media wing, the ISPR, said in a statement. "However, in their desperation, an explosive-laden vehicle was rammed into one of the vehicles of the leading group by the Indian-sponsored Kharjis," it added. "As a result, 13 brave sons of the soil embraced shahadat." Three innocent civilians – two children and a woman – were also severely injured in the cowardly attack which, according to the ISPR, was "planned and orchestrated by the terrorist state of India through its proxy Fitna al Khawarij." Following the deadly attack, security forces launched a sanitisation operation in the area. "During the ensuing exchange of fire, 14 terrorists were killed," the ISPR said, adding that the operation was still ongoing to eliminate any remaining threats. The ISPR identified the martyrs as Subedar Zahid Iqbal, 45 and resident of Karak; Havildar Sohrab Khan, 39 and resident of Naseerabad; Havildar Mian Yousaf, 41 and resident of Buner; Naik Khitab Shah, 34 and resident of Lower Dir; Lance Naik Ismail, 32 and resident of Naseerabad; Sepoy Rohail, 30 and resident of Mirpurkhas; Sepoy Muhammad Ramzan, 33 and Dera Ghazi Khan; Sepoy Nawab, 30 and resident of Quetta; Sepoy Zubair Ahmed, 24 and resident of Naseerabad; Sepoy Muhammad Sahki, 31 and resident of Dera Ghazi Khan; Sepoy Hashim Abbasi, 20 and resident Abbottabad; Sepoy Muddasir Ejaz, 25 and resident of Layyah; and Sepoy Manzar Ali, 23 and resident of Mardan. The ISPR stated that the injured civilians were provided immediate medical assistance, and further updates on their condition would follow. "The security forces of Pakistan, along with the nation, remain resolute in their determination to eliminate terrorism from the country," it said, adding that the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians "further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation at all costs." A lesser-known Aswadul Harb terrorist group claimed responsibility for the brazen assault in Dandi Dir Dawani village of Mir Ali tehsil and identified the attacker as Abdullah. The attack occurred at 7.45am at a time when a curfew was imposed in the area due to military movement, according to sources. Aswadul Harb is affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bhadur terrorist group which has also carried out similar mass-causality attacks in the past. The HGB, which is an affiliate of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), is operating from its safe havens inside the eastern Khost province of Afghanistan. Field Marshal and army chief Syed Asim Munir – who attended the martyrs' funeral at Bannu garrison and visited the injured at the CMH – vowed to relentlessly pursue and bring to justice all facilitators, abettors, and perpetrators of terrorism. The army chief received a detailed briefing at the Corps Headquarters Peshawar on the prevailing security situation and ongoing counterterrorism operations. He paid rich tribute to the "unwavering courage and resilience of Pakistan's security forces, who continue to confront and neutralise the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij with exemplary valour," the ISPR stated. "He reaffirmed that the people of Pakistan stand united in their resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, until the threat is decisively eliminated from the country." Reiterating the state's uncompromising stance, Gen Munir vowed that all facilitators, abettors, and perpetrators of terrorism will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justicewithout exception and at all costs and face of true perpetrator of terrorism in the region will be exposed to the entire world. He assured the nation that the blood of every innocent Pakistani shall always be avenged, and any attempt to undermine Pakistan's internal stability will be met with swift and decisive retribution. The field marshal also emphasised the critical need for institutional capacity enhancement of civilian law enforcement agencies, particularly the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police. He urged relevant government stakeholders to prioritise these efforts, while reaffirming the army's continued support in building and augmenting the capabilities of law enforcement institutions. Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a convoy of security forces in North Waziristan. The president in his message paid tribute to 13 brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the operation and added the martyrs ensured the security of the motherland by sacrificing their lives, he added. "The nation will never forget the sacrifices of its martyrs", he said, adding, "Those who sacrificed their lives in the path of defending the homeland are our real heroes." He said, "Such a cowardly attack cannot dampen the morale of the nation." He also appreciated the security forces for killing 14 Khawarij in North Waziristan. "Pakistani nation and security forces are determined to root out Indian-sponsored terrorism," he remarked. The president prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured civilians, children and women. "May Allah Almighty elevate the ranks of the martyrs and grant patience to their families," he said adding, "Security forces operations will continue until terrorism is completely eradicated." Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while strongly condemning the attack, paid tribute to the martyred soldiers. He expressed grief over the injury of innocent civilians in the terrorist attack. He prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and expressed condolences to their families. The prime minister appreciated the security forces for killing 14 Khawarij terrorists during the operation. He said the Indian-backed terrorists committed a cowardly act, adding, "The entire nation salutes the martyrs." He said, "We are determined to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country."
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Govt reverses tariff cuts on imports
Listen to article The federal government has approved a partial reversal of its earlier decision to completely abolish or reduce regulatory duties on about 285 imported products in the next fiscal year, partially rolling back a move that had placed a dozen industries at a disadvantage. Previously, the government had planned to abolish or substantially reduce regulatory duties on approximately 1,984 tariff lines under a new policy aimed at slashing protection for local industries by 52% over five years. According to sources, of these tariff lines, 285 will now undergo further changes, and new duties will be notified by Monday. The Tariff Policy Board on Friday approved the rationalisation of regulatory duties on finished goods. This will also reduce the projected revenue losses from the tariff rationalisation plan — from Rs200 billion to Rs174 billion. The original intent was to cut import duties on raw materials and semi-finished goods. However, the government also ended up reducing duties on finished goods, which are locally produced. While there is consensus that industries should not receive undue protection, completely exposing them to Chinese competition was also deemed unwise, given the need to protect jobs. Sources said the government has moved a summary for cabinet approval via circulation. Once notified, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) will issue a statutory regulatory order on Monday to revise duty rates. "This was a much-needed U-turn, as the previously finalised duty rates had placed local industries on a path to closure," said a member of the steering committee. He added that the government has decided the regulatory duty reduction in the first year will be lower than initially planned. For example, instead of eliminating the regulatory duty on polyester fiber entirely, the product will now be subject to a 2.5% duty. Under the revised policy, the average applied tariff rate will decrease from 20.2% to 9.7% over five years — a 52% drop. Initially, the government had planned for the average tariff rate to fall to 15.7% in the first year, cutting the protection wall by 22.3%. This was to be achieved by reducing the average customs duty to 11.2%, additional customs duty to 1.8%, and regulatory duty to 2.7%. Sources said the decision was reversed after some members of the steering committee informed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that, contrary to the assumptions of faster export growth, exports might grow slowly — potentially eroding Pakistan's already thin foreign exchange reserves. The original tariff reduction plan was prepared by both foreign and local consultants, who, critics say, lacked knowledge of ground realities. The secretary commerce told the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance that macroeconomic projections — such as higher export growth and slower import increases — were prepared by the World Bank. Following revisions, the number of tariff lines on which regulatory duties will not be changed in the first year has increased from 828 to 970. As a result, 142 tariff lines are being moved to slabs currently charged at 20% or less. Earlier, the government had planned a 20% reduction in regulatory duties on 602 items. Now, the one-fifth reduction will apply to only 538 tariff lines, with 64 lines excluded from this round of cuts. A major change affects the original plan of a 50% reduction in regulatory duties. Instead of halving duties on 551 tariff lines, the government will now apply the 50% reduction to about 473 lines. The remaining 78 lines — mostly related to finished goods — will see no change. Rana Ihsaan Afzal, the Prime Minister's Coordinator on Commerce, said the ultimate goal of reducing average tariffs to 9.7% over five years remains intact, although the pace has been slowed in the first year. According to the plan, the government will eliminate additional customs duties in four years, regulatory duties in five years, phase out the 5th Schedule of customs law in five years, and reduce the number of tariff slabs to four, with a maximum rate of 15%, also within five years. The World Bank's model projected that exports would grow by 10-14%, while imports would increase by only 5-6%. However, the State Bank of Pakistan and some cabinet members disagreed with these assumptions. When asked about the projections during a National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance meeting last week, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said, "These are assumptions — some may work and some may not." The committee was informed that revenues would grow by 7-9%, compared to an estimated Rs500 billion loss under static calculations. For the next fiscal year, the FBR's net revenue gains from the tariff rationalisation will now rise to Rs74 billion. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had constituted a steering committee, chaired by Muhammad Aurangzeb, to oversee the implementation of the new tariff policy. After receiving feedback from stakeholders, the committee informed the prime minister that a majority of its members believed the original proposal should be retained. However, it has now been decided that tariff lines initially slated for a complete regulatory duty reduction in the first year will instead face a 50% reduction.
Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Kashmir struggle legitimate: COAS
The passing-out parade of 127 midshipmen is being held in Karachi. PHOTO: NNI Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir has said that India's portrayal of the Kashmiri freedom movement as terrorism is misleading, describing it instead as a legitimate and lawful struggle recognised under international law. "What India labels as terrorism is, in fact, a legitimate and lawful struggle for freedom, recognised by international law," said Field Marshal Asim Munir. Speaking at a commissioning parade held at the Pakistan Naval Academy on Saturday, the army chief urged the nation to remember the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people resisting India's "illegal occupation" of Jammu and Kashmir. "At such a time, we must not forget the sacrifices of our Kashmiri brothers who are struggling against Indian occupation," he said. He accused India of deliberately escalating regional tensions just as Pakistan nears success in its fight against terrorism. Munir reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to eliminate terrorism. "We will take our fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion and rid the country of this menace once and for all," he declared. Reiterating Pakistan's longstanding stance on Kashmir, the army chief said, "Pakistan strongly supports a fair and peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people." He paid tribute to all martyrs who have laid down their lives in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir for the cause of freedom, and saluted the courage of those who continue the struggle. The COAS asserted that India's oppressive tactics cannot break the will of the Kashmiri people. Pakistan will continue to offer unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support to Kashmiris. Quoting from Surah Al-Imran, verse 54 "They plotted, and Allah also planned, and Allah is the best of planners".
