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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Thursday said the nation was united in its resolve to eradicate terrorism from the country and the government and armed forces will take all measures to crush the violence perpetrated from across the border.
In his opening remarks during the federal cabinet meeting here, he gave details of the recent incidents during which army officers and Jawans embraced martyrdom while conducting operations against terrorists of Fitna al-Khawarij.
He said he along with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, high ranking military officers and Jawans on Wednesday attended the funeral prayers of Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Tariq and Major Tayyab Rahat.
They were among the eleven army men who embraced martyrdom in Orakzai while fighting against terrorists of Fitna al-Khawarij, he added. He said Lt Colonel Junaid wrote a new chapter of bravery as during the operation led by him 19 terrorists of Fitna al-Khwarij were eliminated.
“During another operation against Fitna Al-Khawarij, Major Sibtain Haider embraced martyrdom,” he said adding he talked to the parents and family members of the martyrs who said their sons gave their lives for the country and gained martyrdom.
He said brave officers and Jawans of Pakistan army were laying down their lives for the country during their operations against Fitna Al-Khawarij every day.
The martyrs were leaving behind their children as orphans while saving the future generations of the country, he remarked.
He said facilitators were protecting the terrorists who were coming from across the border.
He stressed that the situation had reached a critical point and the terrorists will not be spared.The martyrs drew a line with their blood while defending their country and this line could not be violated, he continued.
“The sacrifices of the martyrs will be remembered forever,” he remarked.
He said achievements of the country on the economic and diplomatic fronts will come to naught if terrorism was not eliminated. Talking about his meetings during the United Nations General Assembly session, he said Pakistan had a consistent stance on Palestine for the last 77 years.
Palestine issue remained a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, he said adding Pakistan always wanted that an immediate ceasefire should be reached in Gaza and people of Palestine should be given their right to self-determination.
He said Pakistan was among the eight Islamic countries whose leadership held a meeting with the US President Donald Trump on the issue of Palestine.
The Islamic countries also issued a joint statement which condemned the genocide carried out by Israel and demanded an immediate ceasefire, he explained. During the meeting, he said, he thanked President Trump for playing crucial role in stopping war between Pakistan and India.
Referring to the deal reached between Hamas and Israel as part of efforts to achieve peace, he said President Trump stated that the West Bank will never be annexed by Israel.He commended Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and his cabinet members for their diplomatic accomplishments and said due to their efforts Pakistan had gained more prominence in the comity of nations.
He said respect of Pakistan in the world enhanced after its armed forces under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir defeated India. He said his recent meeting with President Trump in Washington was fruitful and productive and both sides discussed diverse bilateral issues including trade and counter terrorism.
He said China was a close and trust worthy friend which stood with Pakistan on every difficult occasion, adding Pakistan will never forget the assistance extended by China.
He said Pakistan had historic ties with Saudia Arabia for centuries and now the relationship was further expanded with the signing of a security pact between the two countries and a committee was working for a follow up on the agreement.
The Prime Minister appreciated his cabinet colleagues and associates for amicably resolving issues related to Azad Kashmir.
He also mentioned the hospitality extended to him and his delegation by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his recent visit to Malaysia. During the visit, Malaysia announced to import meat worth $ 200 million from Pakistan, he added.
While appreciating efforts of his cabinet members and government officers for progress of Pakistan, he alluded to the Bloomberg’s report which ranked Pakistan as the second best emerging economy after Turkey.
He expressed satisfaction over the fact that remittances from overseas Pakistanis stood at $3.2 billion in September 2025 which was an increase of 11.3 percent as compared to the same month last year.
PM advises best possible deal for SOEs on privatisation list; warns against delay
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed the relevant authorities to ensure the best possible deal for the state-owned enterprises proposed for the privatisation, warning against any red tape or delay in the process.
The prime minister, chairing a review meeting on the privatisation of SOEs, said that the process should prioritize national interest.
He directed to engage globally renowned experts in the process and called for a comprehensive strategy to take urgent measures for the capacity building of SOEs.
Warning against any institutional and administrative delays or red tape in the privatization process, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that he would personally monitor the privatisation process, with regular meetings to be held to review its progress.
At the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed on the progress of privatizing 15 out of 24 SOEs.
The prime minister directed that the privatization of loss-making and inefficient state-owned enterprises, putting burden on the national exchequer, should be completed as soon as possible while avoiding administrative and institutional complexities.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahad Khan Cheema and Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiyani, and other relevant government officials.
PM calls Gaza peace deal a “historic opportunity”; praises Trump, other leaders
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday calling the Gaza peace agreement between Israel and Hamas a “historic opportunity” for lasting peace in the Middle East, praised the leadership of US President Donald Trump and mediation efforts by leaders of Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye.
“The announcement of an agreement that will bring an end to the genocide in Gaza is a historic opportunity to secure lasting peace in the Middle East. President Trump’s leadership throughout the process of dialogue and negotiations reflects his unwavering commitment to world peace,” the prime minister wrote on his X timeline.
He also applauded the “resolute and wise” leaders of Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye for their untiring efforts to negotiate a deal.
“Most of all, we must all pay tribute to the Palestinian people—who have suffered in an unprecedented manner, one that should never, ever be repeated,” he remarked.
Prime Minister Shehabz also noted with grave concern, and strongly condemned, the recent provocations at Masjid Al Aqsa.
“The world must hold the occupiers and illegal settlers to account and prevent any further actions that undermine the enormous efforts made by President Trump to reduce tensions and pave the way for lasting peace,” he added.
The prime minister resolved that Pakistan would continue to work with partners, friends and the leaders of brotherly nations to ensure that peace, security and dignity for the Palestinian people were established in accordance with their wishes and UN resolutions.
Earlier, US President Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had signed off on the first phase of the peace plan under which all of the hostages would be released very soon, and Israel would withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line.
“All parties will be treated fairly! This is a great day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding nations, and the United States of America, and we thank the mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, who worked with us to make this historic and unprecedented event happen,” he wrote on Truth Social.
President, PM praise security forces over successful operation against terrorists in DI Khan
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday commended the officers and soldiers of Pakistan’s security forces for a successful operation against Fitna-al-Khawarij terrorists in the Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan, which resulted in the elimination of seven terrorists.
In separate statements, the president and the prime minister paid tribute to Major Sibtain Haider, who was martyred after bravely fighting during the operation, thwarting the nefarious designs of the enemy.
“Major Sibtain set a great example by sacrificing his life in defence of the country,” President Zardari said, expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the martyred officer.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the brave officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces were working day and night to safeguard the country.
“The entire nation, including myself, is proud of the courage and dedication of our armed forces,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to continue the war until the complete eradication of terrorism from Pakistan.
He added that the nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces in their unwavering commitment to defend the homeland.
