No meeting of National Command Authority scheduled: defence minister
'No meeting has happened of the National Command Authority, nor is any such meeting scheduled,' he told ARY TV.
Earlier, soon after Pakistan carried out 'Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos,' striking several Indian military sites on Saturday, state media PTV reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened the NCA meeting,
The NCA is the authority responsible for safeguarding the national security of Pakistan through command, control and operational decisions regarding Pakistan's nuclear weapons programme.
Pakistan launched a counterattack against India in response to missile strikes on three of Pakistan's airbases during the night of May 9-10, according to state media reports.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz discusses regional situation with British High Commissioner
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed on Wednesday the regional situation in South Asia and the Middle East with British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, who called on him at the Prime Minister's House. In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that the PM conveyed his warm wishes for His Majesty King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer and said he looked forward to his meeting with the UK leadership later this year. 'He welcomed the UK Government's recent decision to resume PIA flights to and from the U.K., 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,' said the press release. The PM also appreciated the role of Marriott in this regard. While discussing Pakistan-UK relations, the PM expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral cooperation and said that the recently held trade talks between the two countries would lead to mutually beneficial opportunities for both sides. 'Pakistan is cooperating closely with the UK at the UN Security Council,' the PMO quoted the premier as saying. The PM also expressed his appreciation for the UK's role in de-escalation of tensions during the Pakistan-India stand-off. PM Shehbaz reiterated that Pakistan was ready for a meaningful dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, said the statement. Moreover, Marriott thanked the premier 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.'
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Express Tribune
DPM Dar to meet US Secretary of State Rubio in Washington on Friday
Listen to article Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on July 25, officials confirmed on Wednesday. This will be Dar's first official meeting with Secretary Rubio. The agenda will include a review of Pakistan-US ties, regional developments, particularly recent India-Pakistan tensions, and other matters of mutual interest. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said senior officials from both nations would be present, and she would attend the meeting. Responding to a question at a press briefing on whether the US supports direct communication between Pakistan and India on Kashmir, as it does on the Indus Waters Treaty, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce offered a measured reply. 'We have Pakistan who is going to be here for a bilat, and I'll [be] participating in that, so I'm looking forward to that as well,' Bruce said. We have Pakistan who is going to be here for a bilat, and I'll [be] participating in that, so I'm looking forward to that as well Tammy Bruce The comments follow renewed regional tensions and past efforts by President Trump to mediate between India and Pakistan, including on Kashmir. Trump previously offered to host talks between the two countries during a summit in Saudi Arabia. Read: Quad ministers condemn Pahalgam attack without naming Pakistan The meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and US Secretary of State will follow Pakistan's nomination of President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize—recognising what the government termed Trump's 'extraordinary role' in restoring calm in South Asia. On May 7, the Indian Air Force carried out an unprovoked attack on civilian targets in Pakistan and alleged that New Delhi had targeted "terrorist infrastructure". The strikes killed multiple Pakistani civilians and injure many more. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF), scrambled to counter the Indian aerial threat, shot down six IAF fighter aircraft including three French-made Rafales. The strikes sett off an exchange of attacks between the two countries by fighter jets, missiles, drones and artillery that killed dozens until a ceasefire on May 10. The ceasefire was first announced by US President Donald Trump on social media after Washington held talks with both sides, but India has differed with Trump's claims that it resulted from his intervention and threats to sever trade talks. India's position has been that New Delhi and Islamabad must resolve their problems directly and with no outside involvement.
Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz lauds FBR reforms as tax filers jump to 7.2mn
The number of income tax return filers in Pakistan has crossed 7.2 million by June 30, 2025, up from 4.5 million in the previous year — a significant increase of 60% attributed to the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) ongoing reforms and digitisation efforts. The development came to light during a review meeting on ongoing FBR reforms held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, read a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). During the meeting, it was shared that enforcement actions and other reforms by FBR have resulted in a historic 1.5% increase in the tax-to-GDP ratio in 2025 compared to 2024. It was reported that due to the faceless customs clearance system, the clearance time will be reduced from 52 hours to 12 hours within the next three months. PM calls for third-party validation of FBR reforms In the retail sector, tax collection on income increased by Rs455 billion by June 30, 2025, compared to 2024. This rise was attributed to the implementation of Point-of-Sale (POS) integration, alignment of retailer systems with FBR, and enforcement efforts. It was told that a specialised system has been introduced to allow for appeals within the faceless system, ensuring timely case resolutions through video links. Due to these measures, the weighted average tariff on imports has decreased by 2.16%, reducing raw material costs for industries and supporting the manufacturing sector, read the statement. It was learnt that international experts' recommendations will also be incorporated into tax reforms and the digitisation of various economic sectors. The meeting was also presented with additional proposals for FBR reforms. PM Shehbaz appreciated the efforts of FBR officials and staff involved in the reform process and directed that actionable targets with timelines be finalised and presented next week. The prime minister stated that while achieving targets is a positive sign, further effort is needed. He emphasised that FBR's digitisation has supported goal achievement, and steps must now be taken to make it a sustainable, permanent system. PM Shehbaz orders crackdown on tax evasion, under-invoicing PM Shehbaz instructed that additional enforcement measures be introduced to curb the informal economy. He also directed that a comprehensive roadmap be developed for the restructuring of FBR's Digital Wing, with a timeline established for achieving set objectives. The prime minister stressed that all stakeholders must be consulted and their input incorporated into the reform process. He also directed that the facilitation of businesses, traders, and taxpayers should be prioritised in implementing FBR reforms.
