ISLAMABAD
President visits AHQ to boost PAF morale on resounding success against Indian aggression
ISLAMABAD, Jun 17 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari called on Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during his visit to Air Headquarters (AHQ) to boost the morale of PAF following its resounding success in defending the aerial frontiers of Pakistan and delivering a decisive response to recent aggression from India.
The president also expressed his satisfaction over PAF’s combat readiness and reiterated an all-out support from the Government of Pakistan to Pakistan Air Force in its pursuit of excellence.
Upon his arrival, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented Guard of Honour to the president, a Presidency’s news release said.
During the meeting, the Chief of the Air Staff shared insight into various ongoing modernisation projects of Pakistan Air Force’s operational construct, force goals and plans for the force structure with a keen focus on future warfare. In the recent standoff against India, he attributed PAF’s success to the matchless training, smart inductions, seamless operational readiness and a homegrown kill chain sharpened by the mastery of modern warfare.
The Air Chief highlighted that for the first time in its history, Pakistan Air Force conducted Full Spectrum Operations during the recent conflict, employing multi-domain warfare capabilities.
This included the integration of Space, Cyber and Electronic Warfare, alongside the strategic application of niche and disruptive technologies, which collectively generated decisive effects that significantly contributed to Pakistan’s victory over India.
The President expressed his profound appreciation for the exemplary professionalism, unwavering commitment and indomitable spirit demonstrated by the personnel of Pakistan Air Force.
He acknowledged the pivotal and decisive role played by PAF in safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan during the recent conflict, which culminated in a historic and resolute victory.
He also lauded the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, recognizing his role in modernizing PAF and swiftly integrating advanced technologies that have significantly enhanced operational readiness of Pakistan Air Force and have recalibrated the region’s deterrence landscape.
The President highlighted that the bold and visionary leadership of Pakistan Armed Forces had enabled Pakistan to deliver a firm and timely response to Indian aggression, ensuring the Air Force remains at the forefront of technological and strategic advancement.
Later, the President also visited National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Centre where he was briefed about the overall operational capabilities of Pakistan Air Force.
The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the nation’s unwavering confidence in its Armed Forces, especially Pakistan Air Force, as a vital pillar in the defence of the homeland.
DPM, UK FM express deep concerns over fast deteriorating regional security situation
ISLAMABAD, Jun 17 (APP):Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, on Tuesday received a telephone call from the UK Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon David Lammy MP during which both the leaders expressed deep concerns over the fast deteriorating regional security situation.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister highlighted the serious threats to peace and stability in the region and beyond, stemming from Israel’s unjustified attacks on Iran, a DPM’s Office news release said
Both leaders stressed the need to defuse tensions and prevent further escalation.
Senate Committee concludes fifth Consecutive session on ‘National Budget 2025–26’
ISLAMABAD, Jun 17 (APP): The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, under the chairmanship of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, held its fifth consecutive session to deliberate on the Finance Bill 2025 and the Annual Budget Statement laid before Parliament.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Chairman FBR Rashid Mahmood Langrial, and senior officials of attached departments participated in the session.
The committee acknowledged the presence of both ministers sitting together in the sessions — a development hailed as unprecedented and reflective of increased government responsiveness during this year’s budgetary process.
A notable number of senators actively participated in the proceedings, demonstrating what Chairman Mandviwalla termed “a powerful and democratic health of budget scrutiny where views cut across party lines for the public good.” He further added, “I value the contributions of all senators, their opinions and recommendations are vital, as the budget process should be transparent and in the public’s interest.”
The committee discussed a range of critical recommendations and policy matters and strongly recommended withdrawing the proposed 18% GST on solar panels.
Members observed that ahead of the budget, certain stakeholders had imported and dumped solar equipment in anticipation of the tax hike. The chairman emphasized the discriminatory nature of the move, saying, “The committee rejects the sudden imposition of GST on solar imports and urges immediate withdrawal.”
In meeting 7 percent pension increase for retired government employees was proposed and also proposals were put forward to extend the duration of family pensions.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) was recommended for additional funding allocations.
The imposition and subsequent withdrawal of GST in FATA and PATA drew thought provoking discussions in the committee. During the debate it was established that the timeline of the FATA tax issue had been fully documented.
The committee expressed serious concern over the increase in GST from 12% to 18% on small vehicles, including 850cc cars. Proposals were discussed to moderate the tax to 14% or 15% instead.
Senator Shibli Faraz pointed out the inequity, noting that while tax relief is being extended to certain regions, small car owners continue to face high taxation.
From the next fiscal year, iron scrap importers will be obligated to sell only to registered manufacturers. Officials said this measure aims to eliminate the misuse of “flying invoices” and commercial manipulation in scrap trade.
The Committee also held into consideration the recommendations put forward by Senator Farooq Hamid Naek related to Tax Fraud and its offences and punishments
Senator Mandviwalla praised the overall conduct and participation of members in the budget discussions, highlighting that the nature of engagement this year signifies a transparent and participatory process reflective of public will.
The committee witnessed enthusiastic participation from members senate. Notable Senators including Senators Shibli Faraz, Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan, Fesal Vawda, Muhammad Abdul Qadir, Mohsin Aziz , Kamran Murtaza, Munzoor Ahmad, Agha Shahzaib Durrani, Ahmed Khan, Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur, Waqar Mehdi, Jam Saifullah Khan, Irfan Ul Haq Siddique, Khalida Ateeb and other honourable members attended today’s meeting
The committee will continue its deliberations on Customs Act, tomorrow at 11:00 am.
Balochistan Minister for Finance Mir Shoaib Nosherwani presents the provincial budget for fiscal year 2025–26 at the Balochistan Assembly
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Members of the Balochistan Assembly greet Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani after he presented the provincial surplus budget for FY 2025–26
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KP govt upholds press freedom: CM
PESHAWAR, Jun 17 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Tuesday reiterated that the KP government fully upholds press freedom and is committed to safeguarding it.
The chief minister made these remarks during a call on meeting with a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) led by its newly elected President Kazim Khan.
The meeting discussed key issues related to the newspaper industry and national political developments.
He assured that no cases will be registered under PECA in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, nor will any action under the law be tolerated in the province.
“Criticism and questioning are fundamental roles of the media, and we welcome criticism and will use it as an opportunity improvement,” he remarked.
The CM while referring to Islamic principles said that in Islam, even the Caliph could be questioned, and if the Caliph of the time could be held accountable, then so can anyone.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Central Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram, and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub were also present during the meeting.
The CPNE delegation included Mian Hassan Ahmed, Ghulam Nabi Chandio, Ayaz Khan, Ijaz-ul-Haq, Tanveer Shaukat, Zia Tanoli, Adnan Zafar, Tahir Farooq, Masood Khan, Shahid Hameed, Mumtaz Bangash, Fazal Haq, Yahya Khan, Rafi Niazi, and Mumtaz Sadiq.
LHC adjourns hearing on PTI founder’s bail petitions in May 9 riots cases till June 19
LAHORE, Jun 17 (APP): A division bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of bail petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder in eight cases linked to the May 9 riots, directing both parties to present further arguments and documentation at the next hearing scheduled for June 19.
The bench, headed by Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi, conducted proceedings on bail petitions of the PTI founder.
During proceedings, a prosecutor informed the court that the riots caused an estimated Rs 40 million in damage to police equipment, while the attack on Jinnah House alone led to losses exceeding Rs 520 million. The prosecutor alleged that the PTI founder had declined to undergo polygraph and photogrammetric testing, and had repeatedly ignored trial court orders—factors which, he argued, warranted dismissal of the bail petitions.
In response to a court query, the prosecutor referred to the case of PTI leader Ijaz Chaudhry, who had been granted bail, distinguishing him as a mere follower rather than an instigator. He maintained that those who aid or abet a crime are equally culpable under the law. He further alleged that the PTI founder had been inciting public sentiment against state institutions following his ouster from power.
The court adjourned the hearing while instructing both sides to submit additional records and continue their arguments in the upcoming session.
The bail petitions pertain to eight separate cases, including attacks on Jinnah House and Askari Tower. Earlier, an anti-terrorism court had dismissed the PTI founder’s bail applications in all these cases, prompting the appeals in the high court.
