Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, on his first visit to Pakistan since being named the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last year, reaffirmed the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) commitment to supporting humanitarian and development efforts in Pakistan during a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari.

According to a statement, Prince Rahim is visiting Pakistan from May 20 to 26.

Upon his arrival at Nur Khan Air Base, Prince Rahim was received by President Asif Ali Zardari. He was presented with a guard of honour at Aiwan-i-Sadr, where he stood alongside the president as the national anthem was played.

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Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday, the Presidency confirmed. On arrival at Nur Khan airbase, Prince Rahim was received by President Asif Ali Zardari. The Aga Khan received an honour guard at President House, where he was flanked by President Asif Ali Zardari as the national anthem was played. DawnToday

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Prince Rahim then had a meeting with the president, which was also attended by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, followed by delegation-level talks, according to a statement from the Presidency.

It adds that Prince Rahim’s delegation comprised Sultan Ali Allana, Director of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development and Head of Financial Services at AKDN; Shafik Sachedina, Head of the Department of Jamati Institutions; Nizar Noor Mohammed Mewawala, President of the Ismaili Council for Pakistan; and Akbar Ladak, Vice President of the Ismaili Council for Pakistan.

A banquet was also held in the Aga Khan’s honour, attended by high-level officials including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, among others.

“The President appreciated the Aga Khan Development Network’s longstanding contributions to Pakistan in healthcare, education, community development, climate resilience and heritage conservation,” the statement from the Presidency said.

“He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with AKDN for the welfare and development of vulnerable communities.”

Prince Rahim thanked President Zardari for the welcome and “reaffirmed AKDN’s continued commitment to supporting development and humanitarian initiatives in Pakistan”, it added.

According to the Presidency, this is Prince Rahim’s second visit to Pakistan since 2024, when he was awarded the Nishan-i-Pakistan — the nation’s highest civilian award — for the Aga Khan family’s contributions to the country.

Prior to his arrival, preparations in GB reached a fever pitch, prompting a large-scale mobilisation of federal and regional resources, officials said earlier on Friday.

Officials anticipate large gatherings in the Passu Cones area of Hunza; Gilgit City, Gahkuch Bala, and Taus Yasin. The administration is considering holding multiple sessions at certain venues to manage the expected crowds, officials told the minister.

For security and travel, the federal government has been requested to provide a bulletproof vehicle. Recommendations were also made to immediately open Babusar Road as an alternative route and to keep the National Highway Authority on alert at sensitive points.

Prince Rahim al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was named the 50th spiritual leader of the Ismaili community last February, following the death of his father, Prince Karim Al-Husseini, Aga Khan IV, in Lisbon at the age of 88.

The US-educated, Swiss-based Rahim has served on the boards of many agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network and chairs its Environment and Climate Committee, according to the website.

The late Prince Karim is renowned in GB for his unwavering commitment to the region’s socio-economic development and efforts to lift the population out of poverty and deprivation.

The Pakis­tan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday maintained its renewed bullish momentum as the market gained over 1,900 points.

The benchmark KSE-100 index gained 1,934.74 points or 1.19 per cent to close at 164,831.42 points from the previous close of 162,896.68.

The market dipped to an intraday low of 162,895.74 shortly after opening, eventually reaching an intraday high of 165,081.69 at 3:20pm, gaining 2185 points from yesterday.

Topline Securities Limited noted that “investor sentiment rebounded sharply” and that the market experienced significant intraday movement.

“Improved market confidence was largely driven by easing tensions between Iran and the United States, alongside a decline in international oil prices,” it pointed out.

The positive performance was mainly supported by heavyweight stocks, including Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL), Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited (FFC), United Bank Limited (UBL), Engro Holdings Limited (ENGROH), and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), which “collectively added 836 points to the benchmark index and played a pivotal role in sustaining the market’s bullish momentum”, Topline said.

“Market participation with total traded volume reaching 386 million shares, while total turnover stood at Rs20.1 billion. SSGC emerged as the volume leader, with 25m shares,” it added.

Arif Habib Limited noted KSE-100 has “tested the Monday range high at 165,000, which is a key level, and is currently -0.46pc [week-on-week] and remains in a consolidation profile”.

It said the US-Iran situation would “continue to dictate market direction”.

On Tuesday, the PSX snapped a seven-session losing streak, gaining 1,091.66 points as buying interest returned to the market.

The market sentiment has remained buoyant this week amid encouraging developments in the ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran.

Additionally, a slight decline in international oil prices provided further comfort to investors by easing inflationary worries and strengthening expectations of macroeconomic stability.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday said Islamabad and Beijing shared a “converging vision” on regional and global matters.

“Pakistan and China share a converging vision on regional and global issues,” said Dar while addressing the Senate.

A Chinese delegation was present in the visitors’ gallery to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

“We are committed to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter in a world facing complex challenges,” the foreign minister said.

Dar stressed that cooperation between Pakistan and China at the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and other international forums had been “vital in defending the interests of developing countries and promoting global peace”.

During his address, Dar said that he will be accompanying PM Shehbaz Sharif on his state visit to China from May 23 to 26, during which they will also attend celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Pak-China ties.

During the visit, they would engage with the Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, besides business-to-business (B2B) meetings.

“We would also have meetings of two very important mechanisms: Pakistan-China Political Forum and CPEC Joint Consultative Mechanism,” Dar said, adding that a large multi-party parliamentary delegation from Pakistan would be attending many of these meetings.

Dar highlighted the joint initiative by the two neighbours to “promote peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East, noting that it reflected a “shared sense of responsibility as peace-loving nations to contribute to global security and stability”.

Recalling his visit to China in late March, Dar said, “We came up with a five-point initiative for a peace plan in the conflict, and this has been accepted and endorsed by dozens of countries on the globe.”

Dar noted he had been in “constant touch” with China’s FM Wang Yi and other colleagues from the region throughout the Middle East conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

The deputy PM observed that over the past 75 years, the relationship between Islamabad and Beijing has “grown from strength to strength into a robust economic and strategic partnership”.

“From the Karakoram Highway to Gwadar Port, the symbols of Pak-China friendship are spread all across Pakistan’s geography,” Dar remarked.

He added that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stood “as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative and a shining example of shared vision for regional connectivity and prosperity”.

Stressing that CPEC has played a key role in transforming Pakistan’s economic landscape, Dar said Islamabad looked forward to its next phase, CPEC 2.0, “focusing on industrialisation, agriculture, IT and socio-economic development”.

“We are confident that the benefits of the Pak-China partnership will reach every citizen of Pakistan,” the deputy premier said, recalling the two countries’ efforts in 2013 to “overcome” loadshedding in Pakistan.

“China gave massive support in eliminating the outages and loadshedding in Pakistan. We will always remain grateful to China.”

In a press release, the Foreign Office said Dar “reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation across all domains, including political, economic, strategic, and people-to-people exchanges”.

He highlighted the “shared resolve to carry this iron-clad friendship forward for future generations”.

A delegation from China led by Cai Dafeng, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) arrived in Islamabad earlier today to attend the commemorative activities marking the 75th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic ties, APP reported.

The delegation was received by National Assembly Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, along with MNA Romina Khurshid Alam, convener of the Pakistan-China Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Citing a statement issued by the FO spokesperson, APP said the Chinese delegation will remain in Islamabad from May 20-21.

In his remarks on the floor of the Senate, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar noted, “Few friendships between nations carry the confidence and consistency seen between Pakistan and China.”

He said Pak-China relationship was “built on mutual trust, steadfast support, and full respect for each other’s sovereignty and core interests”.

“It has been tested by time and circumstances, and it has never wavered,” Tarar highlighted.

NA, Senate pass resolutions

The National Assembly and the Senate also passed separate resolutions to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

In the upper house of Parliament, Dar presented the resolution, which was also shared on the Senate’s account.

The resolution recalled “the historic, time-tested and iron-clad friendship between Pakistan and China, a friendship that has been nurtured through the hard work and wisdom of successive generations of leadership and the enduring goodwill of the peoples of both countries”.

It said the upper house of Parliament recognised that this “fraternal relationship is based on mutual trust and respect, shared aspirations, and an abiding commitment to peace, stability, development and prosperity has withstood all tests of time irrespective of changing international environment, which continues to be a source of strength, confidence and reassurance for both nations”.

The resolution further stated that the Senate appreciated China’s “unyielding support” to Pakistan on issues concerning its core interest, and for its “steadfast support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, as well as its support for Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard national security, stability, development and prosperity”.

“Pakistan also reaffirms its unyielding support to China on issues concerning its core interest, and reiterates its firm commitment to the one-China principle, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Pakistan firmly supports China on issues concerning Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea,” the resolution read.

It said the Senate welcomed the growing parliamentary and inter-parliamentary engagement between Pakistan and China, and “expresses the desire to further strengthen these ties in the spirit of dialogue, understanding and cooperation for regional and global peace, stability and development”.

The Senate “reaffirms its heartfelt appreciation for the growing cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, strategic, educational, cultural and people-to-people spheres, which continues to deepen the bonds of friendship between the two brotherly nations”, the resolution stated.

It added that the upper house of Parliament “resolves to continue extending its full support for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and underscores the importance of continued practical partnership with China for shared prosperity, mutual benefit and the socio-economic development of the peoples of both countries”.

The Senate “commits to commemorate, in a befitting and dignified manner, the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China as a symbol of enduring brotherhood, trusted partnership and ever-deepening cooperation, and to carry this extraordinary friendship forward from generation to generation”, the resolution concluded.

Meanwhile, the NA also passed a similar resolution, reaffirming the “longstanding friendship, mutual trust, and close cooperation between the two brotherly countries”, a post on the NA’s X account said.

It said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry moved the resolution, which “conveyed heartfelt felicitations to the government and people of China and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and the ‘all-weather strategic cooperative partnership’“.

“The house also reaffirmed its resolve to enhance parliamentary cooperation and deepen ties between the National Assembly of Pakistan and the National People’s Congress of China,” it added.

The federal government on Wednesday announced a three-day public holiday from May 26-28 (Tuesday to Thursday) to mark Eidul Azha.

According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, shared by state-run APP on the social media platform X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared May 26 to 28 as “public holidays on the occasion of Eidul Azha”.

Pakistan will observe Eidul Azha on May 27 (Wednesday), the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee announced after sighting the Zilhaj moon on Sunday.

The announcement was made after moon sighting testimonies were received from Karachi and other cities of Sindh, Mardan, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and some other areas.

Celebrated on the 10th of Zilhaj, Eidul Azha marks the culmination of Haj, one of the five pillars of Islam.

Saudi Arabia is also set to mark the first day of Eidul Azha on May 27, Saudi Gazette reported.

Ahead of Eidul Azha, the Punjab government has prohibited several activities “injurious to public health” and that also disturb public peace under Section 144 from May 27 to June 2.

A notification issued by the Punjab Home Department, dated May 19, said that during Eidul Azha, people sit by the roadside and roast the heads and feet of sacrificial animals, which caused “unhealthy smoke” and an unpleasant smell.

It said that people also throw the entrails of sacrificial animals by the roadside and or in drains, which resulted in unsanitary conditions and the blockage of the sewerage system. It stated that citizens also swim and bathe in canals, ponds, lakes, river banks, and distributaries during Eidul Azha holidays, which may endanger their lives.

It further stated that cattle sellers illegally set up points for the sale of sacrificial animals within populated areas, which hindered traffic and contributed to the spread of diseases.

The Home Department said that the aforementioned activities “are not only injurious to public health and safety, but also cause nuisance and resentment among the general public, which are likely to cause disturbance in public peace and tranquillity”.

Therefore, the government prohibited burning of the heads and feet of sacrificial animals in public places; swimming or bathing in rivers, lakes, dams, etc; throwing offal or entrails of sacrificial animals in manholes, drainage channels or canals; and sale or purchase of sacrificial animals at any place other than notified cattle markets.

It mentioned that the Home Department secretary had prohibited the activities under Section 144 (6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, with effect from May 27 to June 2 across the province.

It is worth mentioning that Eidul Azha will be celebrated in Pakistan on May 27.

Opening batters Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub have been ruled out of the upcoming one-day international (ODI) series against Australia, scheduled to begin on May 30, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Wednesday.

According to a press release issued by the cricket board, both players are “currently recovering from injuries and have been advised to continue their rehabilitation programmes under the supervision of the PCB medical panel”.

“Consequently, they have been ruled out of selection for the ODI series,” it added.

The cricket board wished both players a speedy recovery and said it looked forward to seeing them return to competitive cricket at the earliest opportunity.

It added that further updates regarding the squad and player fitness would be shared in due course.

The Australian men’s cricket team is scheduled to tour Pakistan for a three-match ODI series. According to the schedule announced, the visitors will arrive in Islamabad on May 23 and face the Green Shirts in the first ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on May 30.

The second and third ODIs of the series will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on June 2 and 4, respectively.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday underscored Pakistan’s strides as a net regional stabiliser contributing to peace and stability in the region and beyond, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The prime minister made the remarks during his address to faculty members and student officers at the Command and Staff College in Quetta on Tuesday.

“The prime minister underscored the importance of military diplomacy and cooperation and the strides made by Pakistan as Net Regional Stabiliser to contribute towards peace, stability and progression in the region and beyond,” said the PMO statement.

PM Shehbaz, referring to Marka-i-Haq, also paid tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces’ historic victory under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

“The enemy falsely perceived itself as stronger than Pakistan. They rejected our sincere offer of dialogue to resolve differences and remove misunderstandings; instead, they chose the path of provocation, violence, and aggression. India did not recognise that Pakistan’s peace offer was never its weakness; it was, in fact, our strength,” said the prime minister during his speech at the military institution, which was broadcast on TV.

Meanwhile, the statement issued by the PMO added that the premier highlighted Pakistan’s responsible conduct and escalation control against India’s unprovoked hubristic aggression, stating that Pakistan’s mature, prudent and just stance was also acknowledged by the international community.

“On the diplomatic front, Pakistan’s narrative was fully vindicated and that of our enemy was debunked and dismissed completely,” the prime minister said.

PM Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve “to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity against any misadventure at all costs”.

According to the PMO, the premier stated that Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq was continuing with “full resolve” to defend the lives and property of innocent citizens against Afghan-based terrorist proxies, and to inflict punishment on terrorist hideouts and support infrastructure.

“The Afghan government must take meaningful and credible actions against Islamic State Khorasan Province, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, and Balochistan Liberation Army, who use Afghan soil to attack Pakistan,” PM Shehbaz said during his speech to military officers.

During his visit, PM Shehbaz also acknowledged the presence of students from friendly countries at the war college.

He lauded the professionalism, operational preparedness, and sacrifices of the Pakistan armed forces in safeguarding national sovereignty and ensuring peace and stability, the PMO added.

The statement further said that the premier also paid rich tribute to the martyrs and to the unwavering commitment of the armed forces in defence of the motherland.

Speaking on Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of occupied Kashmir and Palestine, the premier said that Islamabad has “consistently advocated the right of the Palestinian people, who have been facing illegal Israeli occupation as well as its brutal oppression”.

“A just and legitimate resolution of the Palestinian issue is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with the UN Charter,” he maintained.

PM chairs Apex Committee meeting

PM Shehbaz also chaired a meeting of the provincial Apex Committee of the National Action Plan in Quetta, where he directed the deployment of the Frontier Corps (FC) in Balochistan’s Rakhsan division, the PMO said in a statement.

During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on the security situation in Balochistan, progress on development projects, planning matters, and other issues.

“The prime minister directed the deployment of the FC in Balochistan’s Rakhshan Division,” the PMO said.

Speaking on the matter, the prime minister said the move would establish a security corridor for the protection of mineral resources in Balochistan, according to the statement.

“The security corridor would include additional wings of the FC, security check-posts on highways, a surveillance grid, border posts, and other measures.”

The premier further said Pakistan was rich in natural resources, especially minerals.

He said providing a secure environment in Balochistan was essential to maintaining the confidence of local and international companies working on mineral-related projects in the country.

The prime minister also appreciated the Balochistan government’s efforts to maintain transparency and merit in appointments within the district administration, the PMO said.

Shehbaz added that modern technology and high-quality training for police and other forces were essential for the complete elimination of terrorism.

“The government of Pakistan is taking various measures to effectively integrate, empower, and engage the youth of Balochistan in positive activities. These measures include increasing educational opportunities, technical and vocational training, provision of employment opportunities, promotion of sports and youth programmes, scholarships, digital skills training, and inclusion of youth in the decision-making process,” the PMO quoted PM Shehbaz as saying.

“Special attention is being given to development projects in the infrastructure, education, health, and communications sectors in Balochistan so that youth can be provided with better facilities and equal opportunities for development. The government is also striving to provide youth with opportunities to play an active role in national development through constructive engagement and effective inclusion,” the prime minister said.

The briefing to Shehbaz stated that all institutions were actively working towards the complete elimination of terrorism. Work was ongoing on youth skills programmes and other welfare projects for young people in Balochistan. It was also noted that not a single polio case had been reported since November 2024.

According to the PMO, the briefing further stated that several healthcare projects, including a cancer institute, dialysis centre, trauma centre, and other similar facilities, had become operational, while work on additional projects was underway.

It added that 99 per cent of schools in Balochistan were currently open and educational activities were continuing. More than 15,000 homes in Balochistan had benefited from the solar energy project, resulting in savings of approximately Rs105 billion so far.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Sarfraz Bugti, federal ministers Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Mohsin Naqvi, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Magsi, Jam Kamal Khan, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, and senior officials of relevant institutions.

Security forces killed 22 India-sponsored terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district, the military’s media affairs wing said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said an area sanitisation operation has been underway since May 17 in North Waziristan’s Shewa general area, “based on credible intelligence leads with respect to the presence of khwarij.”

Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

During the operation, troops “effectively engaged khwarij location and after [an] intense exchange of fire, 22 khwarij belonging to Indian sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij have [been] sent to hell” in the last 24 hours, the ISPR said.

It added that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists, who “remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area”.

The ISPR revealed that “evidence further confirms that khwarij coerced and intimidated the local population, forcing their compliance to obtain safe passage using them as human shield”.

“Such deplorable acts are highly condemnable and no justification can rationalise the endangerment of public lives,” the military said.

The sanitisation operation is currently in progress “to eliminate holed up khwarij from the area”, and security forces have effectively cordoned off the area, the ISPR added.

ISPR affirmed that a “relentless counter-terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm-i-Istehkam’ (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country”.

Terrorism resurgence

There has been a resurgence in terrorism in Pakistan, especially in KP and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021.

Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, particularly those linked to the banned TTP. Officials say those appeals have gone unheeded.

Last week, a major-ranked officer was among five soldiers martyred during an area sanitisation operation in Balochistan’s Barkhan district.

In a subsequent operation launched by security forces, at least three ‘commanders’ of Balochistan-based terrorist groups have been arrested, while 35 of their operatives have been killed, the Balochistan government said.

Due to a resurgence of militancy, especially in KP and Balochistan, where attacks often target security personnel and LEAs, the state has intensified counter-terrorism operations.

Earlier this month, security forces killed five terrorists in two separate engagements in KP’s Tank and Dera Ismail Khan districts. In early April, eight terrorists were killed along the Pak-Afghan border in North Waziristan.