Latest news with #BunyanumMarsoos
Business Recorder
05-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Development projects across federal, provincial levels: NEC makes over Rs4 trillion FY26 allocation
ISLAMABAD: National Economic Council (NEC) on Wednesday approved the Annual Development Plan and the National Development Budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, allocating a total of Rs4.224 trillion for development projects across federal and provincial levels. The NEC meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, sanctioned Rs1 trillion for federal projects and Rs2.869 trillion for provincial development schemes. During the meeting, the officials presented revised economic indicators for fiscal year 2024-2025, forecasting annual spending of Rs3.483 trillion on the national development programme, with Rs1.1 trillion allocated to the federal government and Rs2.383 trillion to provinces. The council approved a Gross National Product (GNP) growth rate of 2.7 per cent for 2024-2025 and projected a 4.2 per cent increase for the next fiscal year. From July 2024 to April 2025, remittances rose by 30.9 per cent, and Pakistan's current account balance was positive for the first time, according to the briefing. The fiscal deficit narrowed to 2.6 per cent of GNP in 2024-2025, while the primary balance increased to 3 per cent of GNP. The policy rate was gradually reduced to 11 percent and loans to the private sector for development rose to Rs681 billion from July 2024 to May 2025. The GNP size for 2024-2025 is estimated at Rs114 trillion. The NEC also approved the macroeconomic framework and targets for 2025-2026 and directed ministries, provinces, and government agencies to collaborate with the Planning and Development Ministry to achieve the development plan's goals, prioritising health, education, infrastructure, water, and housing sectors. A report on the Central Development Working Party (CDWP)'s progress from April 2024 to March 2025 was presented, along with details of projects approved by CDWP and the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) during that period. The council approved the 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-2029) and the Uraan Pakistan framework, noting their alignment. A third-party monitoring report on the Annual National Development Programme projects was reviewed, and future planning will incorporate its recommendations. Prime Minister Sharif congratulated participants on Pakistan's victory in the May 10 'Bunyanum Marsoos,' attributing the success to the Armed Forces' professionalism and bravery. He condemned India's recent hostile narrative, describing it as a threat to regional peace and security. 'The people of Pakistan are fully united against India for the protection of national integrity,' Sharif said, rejecting India's threats to Pakistan's water resources as unacceptable. He vowed to defend these resources following the 'Bunyanum Marsoos.' In a special meeting with the four provincial chief ministers, PM Sharif emphasised joint efforts between the federation and provinces to develop a strategy to protect water resources amid Indian aggression. The prime minister highlighted the role of recent federal-provincial cooperation in achieving economic stability and called attention to agriculture as key to boosting foreign exchange earnings and growth. Strategies are being developed to gradually increase agricultural production. The NEC, unanimously, approved its six-point agenda. PM Sharif thanked members for consensus on national matters, describing it as essential for Pakistan's future. The meeting included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister's Adviser Rana Sanaullah, and the four chief ministers – Maryam Nawaz (Punjab), Syed Murad Ali Shah (Sindh), Ali Amin Gandapur (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa), and Nawab Sarfraz Bugti (Balochistan). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'India intensifying proxy terrorism'
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other military commanders stand up in respect of the national anthem. photo: nni Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday accused India of stepping up a proxy terrorism campaign inside Pakistan following its defeat in Marka-e-Haq, vowing that what he called Fitna al Hindustan would be defeated by the Pakistani nation. During his address to the faculty and graduating officers at the Command and Staff College Quetta, the prime minister accused India of resorting to indirect aggression after suffering setbacks in recent engagements. He was referring to India's use of force, which was met with a precise military response under Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, targeting Indian air assets, ammunition depots, and missile bases along and beyond the Line of Control. This operation was part of the broader Marka-e-Haq campaign, conducted from May 7 to May 10. He reaffirmed that Pakistan's armed forces, backed by the full support of the nation, are prepared to meet every challenge to the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "The Pakistani nation is united. With our faith, determination, and strength, we will defeat every conspiracy hatched by India and its proxies," the Prime Minister said. PM Shehbaz lauded the performance of the armed forces during Bunyanum Marsoos, calling their conduct exemplary and a source of national pride. He praised the military's professionalism, bravery, and sacrifices, stating that their dedication had earned the highest respect of the nation. The prime minister reiterated the government's full support to the armed forces in fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities and defending Pakistan against all threats.
Express Tribune
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM says India intensifying proxy terrorism after Marka-e-Haq defeat
Prime Minister Shehbaz Shairf addresses officers at Command and Staff College Quetta on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Photo: ISPR Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday accused India of stepping up a proxy terrorism campaign inside Pakistan following its defeat in Marka-e-Haq, vowing that what he called Fitna al Hindustan would be defeated by the Pakistani nation. During his address to the faculty and graduating officers at the Command and Staff College Quetta, the Prime Minister accused India of resorting to indirect aggression after suffering setbacks in recent engagements. He was referring to India's use of force, which was met with a precise military response under Operation Bunyanum Marsoos targeting Indian air assets, ammunition depots, and missile bases along and beyond the Line of Control. This operation was part of the broader Marka-e-Haq campaign, conducted from May 7 to May 10. He reaffirmed that Pakistan's armed forces, backed by the full support of the nation, are prepared to meet every challenge to the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. 'The Pakistani nation is united. With our faith, determination, and strength, we will defeat every conspiracy hatched by India and its proxies,' the Prime Minister said. Read more: India's 'hydro terrorism' untenable: COAS PM Shehbaz lauded the performance of the Pakistan Armed Forces during Bunyanum Marsoos, calling their conduct exemplary and a source of national pride. He praised the military's professionalism, bravery, and sacrifices, stating that their dedication had earned the highest respect of the nation. The Prime Minister reiterated the government's full support to the armed forces in fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities and defending Pakistan against all threats. He also highlighted the importance of synergy among all elements of national power to address evolving regional and internal challenges. Earlier, on arrival at the Command and Staff College, the Prime Minister was received by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M). PM addresses tribal jirga, advocates dialogue on grievances Prior to this, the premier attended the tribal Jirga and thanked tribal elders, lawmakers, and local leaders for participating in the jirga, aimed at tackling key challenges in the province, especially law and order issues. PM praised Balochistan as the 'heart of Pakistan' and a province of 'brave people' during his address to the historic Balochistan Grand Tribal Jirga in Quetta. He lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces for their 'bravery and professionalism' during the recent conflict with India on May 6 and 7, saying the enemy had suffered an 'unforgettable defeat.' He also commended the unity of the people of Balochistan alongside other provinces who stood shoulder to shoulder with the military. The Prime Minister praised Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his leadership during what he described as a 'short but dangerous war,' avenging Pakistan's 1971 defeat. Also read: PM Shehbaz 'ready for talks' with India on water, trade Recalling Pakistan's nuclear tests, he said the country had responded to India's five tests with six of its own, calling it a 'moment of great pride.' The prime minister highlighted Balochistan's historic loyalty, noting that its elders were among the first to accept Quaid-e-Azam's leadership and declare accession to Pakistan. He urged grievances to be resolved through dialogue and unity. Describing terrorists as agents of foreign enemies, he vowed to defeat their tactics and sought guidance to address any gaps in the government's response. He noted that Punjab had voluntarily contributed Rs11 billion from its own share to Balochistan under the 2010 NFC Award, calling it a 'spirit of solidarity.' PM announced Rs250 billion would be allocated to Balochistan in the upcoming federal development budget of Rs1 trillion, emphasizing transparent use of funds. Read more: PM heaps praise on armed forces for 'avenging 1971 war' against India He said a recent global drop in oil prices allowed a Rs10 per litre reduction in petrol and diesel, saving Rs1.5 billion to be used for upgrading the N-25 highway, known as the 'bloody highway.' Acknowledging Balochistan's vast geography and development challenges, PM reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to the province's progress and stability.
Business Recorder
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Indian military posture: Country cannot be coerced: Field Marshal
ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, on Thursday, reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering resolve to defeat any aggression, particularly in the face of India's increasingly dangerous military posture, while calling for the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute and cautioning against India's hydro-terrorism tactics. Addressing student officers and faculty during his visit to Command and Staff College Quetta, the Army Chief warned that Pakistan will not be coerced and vowed to comprehensively defeat any designs aimed at derailing Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts. He emphasised the need for strategic stability in the region and strongly condemned India's sponsorship of terrorism within Pakistan. Paying homage to the martyrs of Operation 'Bunyanum Marsoos', Field Marshal Munir praised the professionalism of Pakistan's Armed Forces and highlighted national unity as the cornerstone of the country's defence. He described the operation's success as evidence of strong national resolve and complete coordination among all elements of national power. In his address, the COAS also shed light on the evolving nature of global and regional conflicts and stressed the importance of agility and innovation in preparing for future battlefields. Urging student officers to remain committed and forward-thinking, he commended the role of Command and Staff College in shaping competent and visionary military leaders. Earlier, the COAS was received by Commander Quetta Corps and the Commandant of Command and Staff College upon his arrival in Quetta. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Divine help' credited for victory over India
Listen to article Referring to the recent conflict with India, responsible sources within the military leadership said on Thursday said that Pakistan had achieved a "historic victory" against its enemy with the "help of Allah Almighty", adding that the adversary no longer dares to take direct action against the country. The sources were speaking with senior journalists at the Presidency on the sidelines of a ceremony where Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir was formally presented with the Field Marshal Baton. When the military leadership sources were asked about those targeting innocent children in Balochistan, they said, "Even now, missiles are being fired at those responsible. Anyone who comes toward us will not be spared under any circumstances." On Wednesday, at least five people – including three schoolchildren – were martyred and several others injured in a suicide attack targeting a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan. The vehicle was rigged with more than 30 kilograms of explosives, according to the Bomb Disposal Squad. The ISPR added that India has unleashed its proxies to spread terror and unrest in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa through such heinous and cowardly acts after miserably failing on the battlefield. The sources cited the Battle of Badr as a spiritual and strategic parallel. "In the Battle of Badr, there were only 313 fighters. Allah had commanded that even a handful of dust thrown at the enemy would strike them like missilesit was Allah who caused the impact," the sources said. "In the same way," they continued, "in the recent war with India, divine support enabled Pakistan's success. Alhamdulillah, our action left the enemy with no response." The sources hailed the "exceptional unity" among Pakistan's civil, political and military leadership during the confrontation. "Such exceptional harmony is rarely seen. We are proud of this unity." Regarding the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, the officials noted that New Delhi did not communicate with Islamabad directly, adding that "all contact came through intermediaries". When asked why the operation was named Bunyanum Marsoos, sources explained that in briefings to the Field Marshal, air chief, and other officials, it was stated that Pakistani soldiers and fighter jets had stood like a formidable wall against the enemy. "Hence, the operation was named Bunyanum Marsoos, meaning 'a wall of molten lead.'" In response to a question on what precisely forced the enemy into agreeing to a ceasefire, the sources offered a brief reply: "We do not insult the enemy."
