***
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) held a comprehensive weekly media briefing, where Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi addressed crucial regional security dynamics, domestic policy developments, and international relations.
## Foreign Policy and Security Dynamics
Spokesperson Andrabi clarified that while discussions with the Afghan Taliban are ongoing, there is currently **no traditional ceasefire** in effect between the two sides. He stated that Islamabad is yet to review the draft resolution recently passed within Afghanistan but welcomed the acknowledgment by Afghan citizens regarding any potential act of terrorism originating from their soil. Despite this positive gesture, Andrabi stipulated that Pakistan requires **written diplomatic assurances** from the Afghan leadership regarding future security cooperation.
Regarding humanitarian aid, MoFA confirmed that the UN relief convoy intended for Afghanistan has been cleared from the Pakistani side, noting that the decision regarding its receipt now rests solely with the Taliban authorities.
Turning to bilateral tensions, the Spokesperson forcefully **repudiated** recent provocative and controversial remarks made by India’s Foreign Minister and Defence Minister. Andrabi deemed these statements “reprehensible” and a direct threat to regional stability, while simultaneously reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to seeking a peaceful and negotiated settlement to outstanding disputes with India.
In a multilateral context, Pakistan expressed regret over India’s sustained blocking of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) process, noting that this is not an isolated incident but a recurrent impediment to regional collaboration.
Other key diplomatic updates included the finalization of eight bilateral agreements during the Indonesian Presidential visit, spanning sectors such as health and Halal food cooperation. Furthermore, MoFA confirmed that Pakistan does not maintain a formal prisoner extradition treaty with the United Kingdom, necessitating that exchange cases be handled on an individual, case-by-case basis.
## Governance, Finance, and Political Developments
In a move aimed at enhancing transparency, the Ministry of Finance announced that details concerning the assets of high-ranking federal and provincial officials will be made publicly available on a dedicated website by the end of next year. This initiative is coupled with a plan for rigorous scrutiny and auditing of these assets.
Politically, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is reportedly grappling with significant financial constraints, compelling the party to request a contribution equivalent to 10% of the salary from all sitting parliamentarians to manage operational costs.
Other domestic matters included:
* **Infrastructure Costs:** Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal voiced serious concern over the glacial pace of the Karachi Yellow Line project over the past six years, noting that its total projected cost has escalated by an alarming 190%.
* **Political Structure:** The newly formed political committee includes prominent figures such as Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, alongside representatives from Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan (Khalid Khurshid and Sardar Qayyum Niazi).
* **Feudalism Critique:** Ms. Um-e-Rubab Chandio from Dadu, Sindh, publicly lamented that the deeply entrenched feudal system (Sardari Nizam) has become a devastating “cancer” severely impacting thousands across the province.
## Security, Law Enforcement, and Infrastructure
Pakistan Customs reported substantial success in anti-smuggling efforts, seizing gold and silver valued at over Rs 306 million in just the past five months.
Road and infrastructure disruptions were widespread:
* **Fog and Motorway Closures:** Extensive segments of major motorways (M1, M2, M3, M5) were closed across the country due to severe fog and drastically reduced visibility, affecting traffic from Peshawar to Rahim Yar Khan.
* **Accident Reports:** A bus hostess was killed and four passengers were injured in a collision between a bus and a trailer on Motorway M4 near Khanewal. Separately, a collision occurred between a passenger coach and a car on Pindi Road near the Billy Tang Oil Depot in Kohat district.
* **Traffic Fine Liability:** A business owner in Lahore specializing in installment sales of motorcycles accumulated traffic violation fines exceeding Rs 2.3 million stemming from the vehicles sold on credit.
