Pakistan News
THE spiral of violence in Balochistan continues, with the barbaric murder of at least nine individuals on Thursday.
The victims were pulled off two Punjab-bound buses travelling between Zhob and Loralai districts, and reportedly, the assailants checked their IDs before offloading them. The banned Balochistan Liberation Front has claimed responsibility for this atrocity.
This is not the first outrage of its kind, as over the past few years, there have been several incidents where non-Baloch victims have been targeted by separatists. Most of the victims have hailed from Punjab. On Friday, the bodies of the slain passengers were sent to their native areas.
Earlier on Thursday, the army, at the corps commanders’ conference, had vowed to take action against proxies they believed were linked to hostile foreign forces, including Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, the terms the military uses for the banned TTP and Baloch separatist groups, respectively. Both strands of militancy have their peculiar dynamics, which require targeted counterterrorism strategies to deal with.
Where Balochistan is concerned, there can be no justification for such gruesome killings, and the elements involved must be brought to justice. No cause can justify targeting innocent people — often from working-class backgrounds — who have come to Balochistan to make an honest living. In this regard the province’s nationalist forces that believe in working within the constitutional framework must clearly condemn the heinous murders of non-Baloch individuals.
It is also a fact that such grave crimes only end up hurting Balochistan, as talented individuals — teachers, doctors, engineers — will stay away from the province due to security concerns. Moreover, such violent episodes have a negative impact on Baloch citizens working or studying in other provinces, as these individuals face increased discrimination.
While strong CT efforts are needed to uproot the terrorist networks responsible for such massacres, in the long run a securitised approach alone will not solve Balochistan’s militancy issues. Terrorist groups — whether local or foreign-backed — must be pursued and neutralised, but there needs to be a parallel political process in the province, while the local population’s genuine demands — regarding enforced disappearances, underdevelopment, lack of opportunities — must be addressed by the state. Separatists exploit these issues, accusing the state of not caring for the average Baloch.
The administration must prove these assertions wrong by encouraging political dialogue in the province, and addressing the socioeconomic concerns of the people. There can be no denying that most parts of the province are vastly underdeveloped, particularly where health and education are concerned. Hostile foreign actors will only exploit these weaknesses, which is why the state must address the issues with honesty. Long-term security can only be achieved when there is equitable development across Balochistan.
Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025
Paris ( Imran Y. CHOUDHRY):- A ‘Pakistan-France Trade and Investment Forum’ was held in Paris today, bringing together government officials, business leaders, industry experts and representatives of trade bodies of both countries.
The Forum was held in implementation of an understanding reached between President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in 2024, to build strong economic partnership between Pakistan and France. The objective of the Forum was to connect businesses, exchange ideas, explore new avenues of bilateral cooperation and showcase Pakistan’s trade and investment potential. It witnessed participation of over seventy French and Pakistani companies from diverse sectors including agriculture, information technology, textiles, energy and tourism.
Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch opened the Business Forum and highlighted Pakistan’s economic growth and potential as an attractive trade partner for France. She outlined investor-focused initiatives and institutional facilitation mechanisms in Pakistan to promote trade and investment. She encouraged Pakistani and French businesses to explore collaborative opportunities, and develop joint ventures and win-win partnerships.
Speakers from the French side included Thierry Pflimlin, Chairman of the France-Pakistan Business Council at MEDEF International, Patricia Glasel, Vice President of the Conseillers du Commerce Extérieur de la France (CCEF) and Ardavan Amir-Aslani. They highlighted the growing momentum in France-Pakistan economic relations; identified the opportunities for trade and investment with Pakistan; and underscored the importance of strengthening private sector linkages to further facilitate bilateral trade and investment.
The plenary session was followed by ‘Breakout and Business-to-Business (B2B)’ sessions to discuss and identify tangible avenues for collaboration in textiles, agriculture and dairy, and Information Technology.
Pakistan News
Dr. Mohammad Faisal Joins Distinguished Quetta Association Event in London Gathering Reinforces Shared Military Heritage of Pakistan and Britain
High Commissioner @DrMFaisal and his spouse @drsarahnaeem2 attended, as guests of honor, a distinguished gathering of the Quetta Association at the Army & Navy Club, London.
Military Officers from the Defence Wing of Pakistan High Commission, London, with their families also attended.
Quetta Association brings together British officers who graduated from the prestigious Command & Staff College, Quetta, Pakistan. The institution has produced outstanding military leaders, including British Field Marshals Sir Claude Auchinleck and Sir William Slim, whose leadership during the Second World War remains widely respected. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is also graduate of this prestigious institution.
The High Commissioner appreciated the annual gathering that underscored the Association’s enduring role as a vital bridge linking the British Army and Pakistan Army through shared professional heritage and camaraderie.
Decorated British military officers and their families paid glowing tributes while referring to the hospitality accorded by Pakistan during their stay in Quetta.
Graduate senior British Officers present at the gathering included Lt. Gen. Sir Alistair Irwin KCB CBE (1980) and Maj. Gen. Seumus Kerr CBE (1985).
Mementos were exchanged between the British officers and officers of @PakistaninUK.
In a simple and dignified ceremony held at Pakistan House, London, the High Commissioner of Pakistan to UK Dr. Mohammad Faisal raised the Pakistan Flag on the occasion of Pakistan Day.
The ceremony was attended by Officials of the High Commission, British – Pakistanis and Media representatives.
Messages of the President, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister were read out.
In his keynote address, the High Commissioner said that Pakistan Day was a tribute to our founding fathers who united the Muslims of Indian sub-continent where they could live independently as a Nation and live according to their customs & traditions.
Dr. Faisal stated that Pakistan had always professed peace and stability in the region. However, Pakistan will not tolerate any aggression from neighbouring countries.
The High Commissioner said that Pakistani nation, despite the difficulties, remains resilient and demonstrates courage & perseverance.
Dr. Mohammad Faisal stated that, in line with the instructions of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister and the Federal Cabinet, Pakistan High Commission London is implementing strict austerity measures. However, these measures will not affect the performance & working of the High Commission.
He acknowledged the remarkable contributions of Pakistani diaspora in UK and their extraordinary performance in various fields. He said that their achievements are a source of immense pride for Pakistan.
The High Commissioner expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and committed to continue diplomatic, moral and political support for their right to self determination under UN Resolutions.
London
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