ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Iran have agreed to deepen cooperation in the railway sector and enhance regional connectivity in a bid to strengthen trade and infrastructure links between the two neighboring countries. The development marks a renewed push to improve cross-border transport networks that have historically connected the two nations for over a century. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi, and Iran’s Minister of Road and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadiq, held on the sidelines of the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference in Islamabad. According to official reports, Minister Abbasi highlighted that Pakistan’s railway network has been connected to Iran’s system since 1917, emphasizing the importance of building on that legacy through stronger operational and infrastructure cooperation. He noted that bilateral relations between the two countries have seen “notable progress in recent years,” paving the way for greater collaboration in transport and logistics. During the discussions, both sides explored ways to expand freight operations and improve cross-border linkages to facilitate smoother regional trade routes. Abbasi shared that Pakistan Railways was undergoing a comprehensive modernization drive aimed at improving efficiency and boosting regional commerce. He also revealed plans to enhance freight transport from Karachi Port and confirmed that work would soon begin on the 884-kilometer Rohri–Kundi section, which connects Sindh to southwestern Balochistan an area seen as vital for improving trade access between Pakistan and Iran. Officials said the two countries, which share a 900-kilometer border, are actively pursuing stronger cooperation in both transport and energy sectors as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional integration and promote economic growth.

ISLAMABAD — The federal government has officially imposed a ban on the religio-political group Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), following a series of violent protests that erupted earlier this month. The decision came after a detailed session of the federal cabinet, which unanimously endorsed a recommendation from the Punjab government to outlaw the organisation. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the Interior Ministry briefed the cabinet on the “violent and terrorist activities” linked to the TLP and presented a summary supporting the provincial government’s request. Officials informed the meeting that since its inception in 2016, the TLP had repeatedly instigated unrest across the country, resulting in attacks on security forces and loss of civilian lives. The statement further reminded that the group had previously been banned in 2021 but was later reinstated after pledging to abandon violent methods a commitment it has now allegedly violated. “The TLP’s repeated involvement in riots, attacks on law enforcement, and public disorder cannot be ignored,” the press release noted, confirming that the cabinet had once again declared the group a terrorist outfit under national security laws. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah clarified that the move was not meant to suppress religious opinion but to cleanse the party of extremist elements. “No one has an issue with their religious ideology,” he said. “But every time they protest, it results in bloodshed from the 2017 Faizabad sit-in to more recent violent demonstrations.” Similarly, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, speaking to Geo News, stated that the party had “acted like an extremist organisation” and failed to uphold its previous commitments. He added that reports submitted by the Punjab government left the federal authorities with no alternative but to take decisive action. Chaudhry revealed that all provincial administrations had been directed to submit records of the group’s activities over the last decade, including incidents of violence, sectarian provocation, and attacks on minorities. “Those who choose the path of violence cannot expect to enjoy political privileges,” he said firmly. How a Ban Works Under the Law The National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) maintains official lists of proscribed individuals and organisations. Once listed, these entities face severe restrictions including travel bans, asset freezes, and surveillance under the Fourth Schedule of the ATA. Historically, groups such as Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, and Jaish-i-Mohammad have been subject to similar sanctions. However, the process of banning a political party is more complex and must ultimately be validated by the Supreme Court under Article 17(2) of the Constitution. Legal experts note that while the federal government can issue a declaration against a political entity deemed “prejudicial to the sovereignty or integrity of Pakistan,” the final decision rests with the apex court. Punjab Government’s Crackdown Earlier in the day, Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari confirmed that the province had forwarded a comprehensive dossier to the federal government, recommending a ban on the TLP. In a press conference, Bokhari detailed the extensive damage caused during recent protests, revealing that TLP activists had snatched police weapons, vehicles, and riot-control equipment. “This is their pattern they encircle police, seize arms, and use them later against the state,” she said, displaying images of recovered weapons and ammunition allegedly stolen during clashes. Bokhari disclosed that during the latest protests, eight police vehicles were damaged and large quantities of ammunition, tear gas shells, and protective gear were stolen. She also noted that 559 suspects had been arrested, with dozens already sent on judicial remand. The minister said the Punjab government had suspended over two dozen weapons dealers’ licences, sealed unregistered arms shops, and implemented a province-wide ban on issuing new licences. “A province with more than a million licensed weapons presents a serious challenge to law and order,” she remarked. Bokhari further revealed that 75 social media links spreading hate speech and incitement had been blocked, while over 100 individuals were detained for online extremism. Citizens were urged to report illegal arms holders and “extremist activities” through the police helpline. She confirmed that 130 TLP-linked mosques had been taken under the control of the Auqaf Department, and 223 affiliated seminaries were geo-tagged. “This is not an action against any sect or group,” she clarified. “It’s a step against the ideology of extremism.” The Road Ahead The latest ban follows the violent “Gaza solidarity march” organised by the TLP earlier this month, during which clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement agencies in Muridke. The operation led to dozens of arrests, widespread disruption, and injuries on both sides. Authorities are also investigating the alleged financial networks of the group. Bokhari said that over 3,800 financiers linked to TLP have been identified, with their bank accounts frozen and assets blocked under anti-terrorism laws. According to officials, the whereabouts of TLP chief Saad Rizvi and his brother remain unclear, though Punjab authorities claim to have traced them to Azad Jammu and Kashmir and sought assistance from local authorities for their arrest. The government maintains that this action is a necessary measure to preserve national stability and deter future violence. “Pakistan cannot afford to let extremist elements operate under the guise of political activism,” one senior official remarked.

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday highlighted Pakistan’s growing importance as a regional transport and economic corridor, stressing that enhanced connectivity across the region will usher in a new era of trade and prosperity. Addressing the closing session of the Regional Transport Ministers’ Conference, the premier described the event as a crucial forum for fostering dialogue and strengthening bilateral and regional partnerships. “On behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, I extend a warm welcome to all delegates,” he said, emphasizing that mutual cooperation and shared progress were key to sustainable growth. PM Shehbaz noted that global transport and connectivity systems are evolving rapidly, and Pakistan continues to hold a strategic position at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East particularly through initiatives linked to China’s Belt and Road framework. He underscored the country’s robust infrastructure and geographic advantage, highlighting Gwadar’s extensive coastline and Karachi Port as vital components of the Maritime Silk Road. The prime minister added that Pakistan is now entering the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which will further enhance trade, investment, and regional integration. “Increasing regional connectivity will bring about a revolution in the economic and trade sectors,” he remarked, pointing to major projects such as the Trans-Afghan Railway and the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul Corridor that are already progressing. The premier stressed that cooperation in trade, economy, and energy could pave the way for a new chapter of shared prosperity. He also noted that in the digital age, the idea of connectivity extends beyond physical routes. “Today, connectivity is not confined to roads, railways, or air links. It also encompasses data flows and technological integration,” he said, referring to Pakistan’s continued investments in digital infrastructure. Earlier, in a separate meeting with Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al-Thani, PM Shehbaz invited Qatari investors to explore opportunities under Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) framework. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to investor-friendly policies and economic reforms designed to attract foreign capital in key sectors, including energy, agriculture, food security, IT, tourism, and infrastructure development. The Qatari minister, who is co-chairing the 6th Session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), conveyed warm greetings from Qatar’s leadership and reiterated Doha’s commitment to deepening economic engagement with Islamabad. PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Qatar relations, grounded in shared faith, mutual respect, and growing economic collaboration. He also appreciated Qatar’s constructive role as a trusted regional partner and mediator. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and transform their shared understanding into concrete outcomes, including greater business-to-business engagement and joint investment projects.

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, is on an official visit to Egypt, where he held key meetings with the country’s senior military and religious leadership to strengthen defence ties and promote unity within the Muslim world, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday. According to the military’s media wing, the visit is aimed at enhancing military cooperation and defence collaboration between Pakistan and Egypt two nations bound by longstanding brotherly relations and shared strategic interests. During his stay, Field Marshal Asim Munir met Egyptian Minister of Defence and Defence Production General Abdul Maged Saqar and Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa Fatehi.The discussions focused on regional security dynamics, counterterrorism cooperation, and strengthening defence partnerships. Field Marshal Munir emphasized that Pakistan and Egypt share deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, adding that enhanced cooperation between the two countries would not only serve mutual interests but also contribute to peace and stability in the wider region. At the Egyptian Ministry of Defence, the Army Chief was accorded a warm welcome and presented with a Guard of Honour. He also laid a floral wreath at the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier and visited the grave of late Egyptian President Mohamed Anwar Al-Sadat, paying tribute to his leadership and sacrifice. In a significant engagement, Field Marshal Munir also called on His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, at the historic Mashaikhat Al-Azhar Al-Sharif. The Grand Imam shared his views on the challenges confronting the Muslim Ummah, including the rise of sectarianism and extremist ideologies. Field Marshal Munir underscored the need for greater unity among Muslim nations, urging a collective effort to counter distorted interpretations of Islam and promote messages of peace, tolerance, and harmony. The visit marks another step in Pakistan’s continued outreach to the Islamic world, reflecting its commitment to building stronger regional partnerships and promoting a unified stance against extremism.