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ARY NEWS

Naeem Ashraf Butt

  • Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan cannot be called a ‘Hero’: Rana Sana

    Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan cannot be called a ‘Hero’: Rana Sana

    ISLAMABAD: Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah Khan, on Saturday stated that Mohsin-e-Pakistan Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan cannot be termed a ‘hero’.

    In an exclusive interview with ARY News, Rana Sanaullah said that while Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan is rightfully remembered and respected as a scientist, he can not be regarded as a hero or a leader.

    Responding to a question about Dr A. Q. Khan being overlooked at the government level, he said, “Dr Qadeer receives the recognition he deserves. However, the real hero behind making Pakistan a nuclear power is Nawaz Sharif.”

    “It’s important to understand that several countries and scientists have developed nuclear bombs. The real achievement lies in taking the decision to carry out a nuclear test and declare your country an atomic power,” he explained.

    He added that Pakistan had developed the atomic bomb 10 to 15 years ago, and former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto deserves credit for initiating the nuclear program, however, the defining moment came on May 28, 1998.

    Read More: Youm-e-Takbeer being celebrated across Pakistan with zeal, fervour

    “It was under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that Pakistan conducted its nuclear tests. Had that decision not been taken on that day, perhaps it would never have happened.”

    Criticising the opponents who say that Nawaz Sharif was reluctant to approve the atomic tests, Rana Sanaullah said, “Those who claim that Nawaz Sharif didn’t want to conduct the tests are blinded by jealousy and hatred.”

    He reiterated that while Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan will always be remembered for his contributions as a scientist, the final decision and leadership rested with Nawaz Sharif.

    “Scientists deserve the nation’s respect and tribute — and they have it — but in the context of Pakistan becoming a nuclear power, only Nawaz Sharif can rightfully be called the true hero,” he concluded.

  • Rana Sana meets Barrister Saif amid thaw in govt–PTI relations

    Rana Sana meets Barrister Saif amid thaw in govt–PTI relations

    ISLAMABAD: In a significant development in government–PTI relations, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah Khan, met with Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, ARY News reported on Thursday.

    According to sources, both sides expressed a willingness to pursue reconciliation between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the federal government.

    During the meeting, Rana Sanaullah conveyed the government’s readiness to engage in dialogue with PTI, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Adviser Barrister Saif responded positively, stating that discussions on reconciliation were possible.

    Read More: Charmain PTI says party stands with Pak Army

    Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Monday reaffirmed his PTI’s full support for the Pakistan Army, asserting that the nation stands united against Indian aggression, ARY News reported.

    His remarks came in response to PTI’s absence from a recent in-camera security briefing held by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.

    The briefing, held on Sunday, was attended by leaders from major political parties including PML-N, PPP, MQM, JUI-F, and Balochistan Awami Party. However, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) did not attend the briefing.

    Speaking to media outside the judicial complex in Islamabad, Barrister Gohar stated, “We strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The recent Pahalgam attack is a false flag operation orchestrated by India to malign Pakistan.”

  • Pakistan captures another Indian spy after Kulbhushan, says ex-foreign secretary

    Pakistan captures another Indian spy after Kulbhushan, says ex-foreign secretary

    ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistani Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said that Pakistan has arrested another Indian spy, following the capture of Kulbhushan Jadhav in 2016.

    In an interview with ARY News, Chaudhry, said that the Indian spy identified as Chakarwedi, was operating a business in a neighbouring country, was arrested near a border in Balochistan.

    He said that India is using territories of other countries to conduct operations against Pakistan and urged Pakistan to engage with the neighbouring country to prevent its soil from being used for such activities.

    Chaudhry criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent speech, noting that Modi reiterated old rhetoric without acknowledging mediators or U.S. President Donald Trump’s post about the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He suggested that Modi’s “wounded ego” could lead to unpredictable actions.

    Reflecting on past diplomacy, Chaudhry revealed that Modi’s 2015 visit to Lahore was not disclosed to him as Foreign Secretary at the time, though the meeting was positive but yielded no progress.

    Read more: 11 soldiers among 51 martyred, 199 injured in Indian aggression against Pakistan, ISPR

    He recounted that the Indian Ambassador had conveyed Modi’s ambition to achieve what others could not, but Modi later recognized the complexity of the issue and shifted to a hardline stance.

    Chaudhry also highlighted Pakistan’s strong ties with China, emphasizing that China has consistently supported Pakistan’s position without interfering in its internal affairs, and Pakistan has reciprocated this support.

    The ceasefire, which came into effect over the weekend, marks a positive step towards reducing tensions between the two nations.

    The announcement follows praise from President Trump, who hailed the decision as a testament to strength, wisdom, and fortitude on both sides.

    Eleven soldiers and 40 civilians were martyred while 78 soldiers and 121 civilians sustained injuries during Indian aggression against Pakistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.

    According to the ISPR, “On the night of 6-7 May 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched unprovoked and reprehensible dastardly attacks targeting innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly”.

  • “Fragmented India can’t afford war with Pakistan”

    “Fragmented India can’t afford war with Pakistan”

    ISLAMABAD: Former sector commander of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Aslam Ghumman cautioned India against repeating the “mistake” of launching an attack on Pakistan, saying that any “foolish act of war” would lead to India’s fragmentation, ARY News reported.

    In an exclusive interview with ARY News, Brigadier (Retired) Aslam Ghumman, issued a stern warning to India amid escalating tensions following the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Territory.

    Ghumman claimed that six Indian states are currently grappling with active separatist movements, terming India incapable of sustaining a war.

    He further alleged that voices within India are questioning the narrative, citing a supposed Indian general’s claim that the Pahalgam attack was an internal “drama.”

    Ghumman expressed unwavering confidence in Pakistan’s military strength, stating that no global power could defeat Pakistan in war or attack. Addressing India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, he declared, “Even Modi’s father cannot stop Pakistan’s water.”

    He emphasized that every Pakistani soldier is prepared to protect the nation’s water resources. Praising the Pakistan Army as the world’s finest, Ghumman claimed that Pakistan’s intelligence is so robust that “even a leaf’s movement in India is known to us.”

    It is pertinent to mention here that tensions have escalated between Pakistan and India after the latter’s baseless allegations against Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 persons, the majority of whom were tourists.

    Without providing any proof, India accused Pakistan of the attack shortly after it happened.

    India’s foreign ministry had announced to hold the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance and close the Attari and Wagah borders. Pakistani nationals will no longer be able to travel to India under the SAARC visa exemption.

    Read more: Pakistan airspace closure costs Indian Airlines Rs2bn loss in few days

    The Indian foreign ministry also announced to India recall all its defense attachés from Islamabad.

    In a befitting response, Pakistan rejected the Indian announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance and closed its airspace to Indian flights.

    “Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan as per the Indus Waters Treaty, and the usurpation of the rights of lower riparian will be considered as an Act of War and responded with full force across the complete spectrum of National Power”. it added.

  • ‘Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal was built specifically for eastern Punjab’

    ‘Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal was built specifically for eastern Punjab’

    Punjab’s Irrigation Minister, Kazim Pirzada, has stated that the Chashma-Jhelum (CJ) Link Canal was originally built to serve the eastern regions of Punjab, ARY News reported.

    Kazim Pirzada said that Sindh always keeps the Chashma-Jehlum Link Canal closed during the Rabi season and allows limited water flow even during Kharif.

    He argued that Sindh’s MNAs often claim to be facing more water shortages, whereas, in reality, Punjab is suffering a greater cut in its water share.

    “The real outcry should be from our side, not theirs,” he said. “Punjab is receiving only 50 percent of its water share, while Sindh is getting 65 percent.”

    Pirzada explained that from the Tarbela command area, two main canals, Chashma-Jhelum and Trimmu-Panjnad originate.

    He also noted that while Punjab provides water from the Mangla command area to Sindh, the province still restricts Punjab’s access to water through the Chashma-Jehlum Link when Tarbela has sufficient flow.

    He emphasised that both provinces are claiming water shortages, but Punjab’s grievance is more severe and based on actual distribution data.

    Read More: Sindh protests to IRSA over opening of Taunsa-Punjnad Link Canal

    The Sindh government in a letter to the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) vehemently protested over opening of the Taunsa-Punjnad Link Canal.

    “The IRSA has opened the TP Link Canal despite 50 percent shortage of the river water in Sindh,” the government wrote in its strongly worded protest letter to the river authority.

    Sindh has demanded of the authority to keep the link canal close. “TP link canal should be closed immediately as Sindh has even no drinking water,” the letter read.

    “Sindh is facing immense shortage of water. In the first 10 days of April the province suffered 62 per cent scarcity of water,” Sindh Irrigation Department said in its letter to IRSA.

    “The river water flow should be sent to the downstream provinces,” irrigation department demanded.

    Sindh’s Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro has said that the opening of the TP Link Canal will further add to the water shortage in Sindh. “Opening TP Link Canal is equal to applying salt to the wounds of Sindh”, he said.

  • Punjab is facing 50% water shortage, more than Sindh, claims Pirzada

    Punjab is facing 50% water shortage, more than Sindh, claims Pirzada

    Punjab Irrigation Minister Kazim Ali Pirzada has claimed that Punjab is currently facing a 50 per cent water shortage, compared to 35 per cent in Sindh.

    In an exclusive interview with ARY News regarding the six-canal project on the Indus River, Pirzada stated that Punjab is experiencing a more severe water crisis than Sindh.

    The minister alleged that the Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal (CJ Canal), which was originally constructed for Punjab, remains closed most of the time due to Sindh’s objections.

    “Punjab should have raised its voice over the more severe water shortage, but unfortunately, it is Sindh’s lawmakers who are creating a hue and cry,” he added.

    It is to be noted that Sindh is opposing the construction of six canals on Indus River for Cholistan under Green Pakistan Initiative.

    Read more: PPP will quit, if its stance on canals not accepted: Murad Ali Shah

    Earlier, Sindh chief minister Murad Ali Sha said that the PPP would leave the government promptly if its stance over canals not accepted.

    “Bilawal Bhutto has already said he will be on the side of the people and not with the prime minister, if canals built,” Sindh CM was talking with media over canals issue.

    Chief Minister said that all five rivers are ours, not only the Indus River. “President Asif Zardari has said in the joint session of the Parliament that he didn’t support canals project”, Murad Ali Shah said.

    “The People’s Party with the power of people will not allow them to complete any anti-Sindh project,” he said. “We apprehend you will take our water”.

    Talking on the Council of Common Interest (CCI) session, Sindh’s chief minister said, “I am alone sufficient to them in the CCI session,” he said.

  • JUI-F summons meeting to discuss joining forces with PTI-led opposition

    JUI-F summons meeting to discuss joining forces with PTI-led opposition

    LAHORE: The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) has announced a pivotal meeting on April 19, 2025, in Lahore to deliberate on the formation of a grand opposition alliance and its potential collaboration with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), ARY News reported.

    This rare gathering of JUI’s central council, comprising 1,500 members, aims to address critical concerns and reservations regarding the grand opposition alliance.

    Senior JUI leaders have expressed apprehensions about PTI’s internal conflicts, including disputes between its chairman and secretary-general, which have created a chaotic environment within the party.

    Questions have arisen about whom to engage with for alliance discussions. Additionally, concerns have been raised about Ali Amin Gandapur’s behind-the-scenes negotiations, casting doubt on the feasibility of a unified opposition front.

    The meeting will explore whether the grand opposition alliance should proceed and, if so, under what conditions.

    JUI leaders have indicated that a breakthrough meeting between Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PTI representatives may occur before April 19, 2025. However, the current political landscape suggests significant challenges in achieving a cohesive alliance.

    Political alliances in Pakistan have historically faced hurdles due to ideological differences and internal party dynamics.

    Recent efforts to form a grand opposition alliance have been met by skepticism, with JUI conveying its conditions and reservations to PTI.

    The alliance aims to counter the ruling coalition and address pressing national issues, but internal divisions within PTI and concerns about leadership credibility remain obstacles2.

    The upcoming meeting will be a critical interval for opposition parties as they navigate the complexities of forming a unified front. The outcome could shape the political landscape in Pakistan for the foreseeable future.

    Read More: PTI hierarchy consults over top office of opposition Grand Alliance

    Earlier, the PTI hierarchy engaged in consultations regarding the anticipated grand alliance of opposition parties.

    The leaders reached an agreement on a middle path for the alliance’s chief after considering opinions from the JUI and other opposition parties.

    Some leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had suggested appointing the chairman and president, the two top offices for the opposition’s alliance.

  • Nasir Butt denies pre-planned scheme behind judge Arshad Malik’s video

    Nasir Butt denies pre-planned scheme behind judge Arshad Malik’s video

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Nasir Butt has denied prior plan to record the video of Judge Arshad Malik, who awarded sentence to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference.

    Judge Arshad Malik, who died of COVID-19 in 2020, awarded sentence to the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif in 2018.

    “If such a plan existed, the video would have been made before Nawaz Sharif was sentenced,” Senator Nasir Butt said while denying pre-planning to record Arshad Malik’s video during exclusive talk with ARY News.

    Nasir Butt further revealed that mutual acquaintances informed him that Judge Malik felt he had committed a ‘grave injustice’ by punishing Nawaz Sharif.

    Read more: Former accountability judge Arshad Malik dies of coronavirus

    According to Nasir Butt, when he met Judge Arshad Malik, the judge admitted that he wanted to meet Nawaz Sharif to reveal who ‘pressured him into the verdict’. However, Nawaz Sharif refused the meeting, stating that he had left everything to God.

    Nasir Butt further alleged that ex-accountability judge named former CJP Justice (retired) Saqib Nisar, General (R) Qamar Javed Bajwa, and Lt. Gen. (R) Faiz Hameed as key figures in the scheme against Nawaz Sharif.

    The judge reportedly disclosed that Saqib Nisar pressured him to convict Nawaz Sharif, insisting that the country was in a state of crisis.

    He also claimed that after Nawaz Sharif’s imprisonment, he secretly recorded Judge Arshad Malik’s confessions, which were later handed over to Maryam Nawaz.

    He further asserted that despite the forensic authentication of the video, Nawaz Sharif’s sentence was not overturned, even though Judge Malik lost his job.

  • Govt standing over pillars of PPP, JUI, says Muhammad Ali Durrani

    Govt standing over pillars of PPP, JUI, says Muhammad Ali Durrani

    ISLAMABAD: Former federal minister Muhammad Ali Durrani on Thursday said that ” any alliance that supports the 26th Amendment will be affiliated with government not the opposition”.

    “It is not our objective to bring a government alliance,” in an interview to ARY News veteran politician said.

    “The government is standing over two pillars, the People’s Party and the JUI,” Muhammad Ali Durrani said. “The PPP or the JUI save it, when it faces difficulties,” he opined.

    Durrani said that the 26th Amendment has suspended the constitution and ended the judicial system. “Maulana and the PTI’s participation in talks and support for the 26th Amendment was a mistake,” he said. “If a party confesses that supporting the amendment was a mistake, they can be contacted,” he added.

    Muhammad Ali Durrani alleged that the federal government hatching conspiracies against the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Whenever the PTI will shake hand with the government, it will pick its pocket,” he said.

    He claimed that the government has made a plan to get names for the new election commission from the opposition that could be compliant to them, as it had happened in the past. “The PTI should not participate in any consultation with the government,” he advised.

  • Key govt ally ‘wants’ Qazi Faez Isa as new chief election commissioner

    Key govt ally ‘wants’ Qazi Faez Isa as new chief election commissioner

    ISLAMABAD: The government and opposition have initiated consultations regarding the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and ECP members, ARY News reported on Friday, quoting well-placed sources.

    The development follows as the term of Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan Sikandar Sultan Raja and two members of the ECP ended on January 26.

    According to sources, a key government ally is in favor of former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa for the CEC position. Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is deliberating over the names of former judges Nasir-ul-Mulk and Tassaduq Jillani.

    PML-N plans to finalize a name before holding consultations with President Asif Ali Zardari and other coalition partners.

    Read more: PTI ‘demands’ parliamentary committee for CEC appointment

    On the other hand, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also discussed potential candidates, including some former bureaucrats and judges, during a meeting with its founding leadership. Sources indicate that Orya Maqbool Jan was among the names considered by PTI.

    However, PTI leadership clarified that no final decision has been made yet regarding retired Supreme Court judges. Both the government and opposition are expected to submit three names each for the Chief Election Commissioner position.

    Government sources stated that Sikandar Sultan Raja is continuing to serve as Chief Election Commissioner until a new appointment is made, as per the Constitution and the 26th Amendment.

    In the process, the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader are required to agree on three names, which will then be sent to a parliamentary committee for final selection.

    If no consensus is reached, both will send three names each to the committee for consideration.

    The parliamentary committee will ultimately decide on the appointment of the new Chief Election Commissioner.