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## Pakistan-Turkmenistan Vow to Forge Deep Economic Ties
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif recently held a pivotal bilateral meeting with Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedow in Ashgabat, leveraging the platform to articulate Pakistan’s strategic commitment to enhanced regional connectivity.
During the discussions, PM Sharif underscored the profound historical and fraternal relations shared by the two nations, emphasizing a mutual resolve to significantly strengthen bilateral ties, particularly focusing on expanding commercial and economic linkages.
A core component of Pakistan’s diplomatic pitch involved strategically positioning its maritime infrastructure. PM Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s keen desire to bolster land and sea connections with Turkmenistan, highlighting the unique geographical advantage of the ports of Karachi and Gwadar. The Prime Minister proposed that Turkmenistan utilize these ideal ports to amplify its outreach into South Asia and beyond, effectively transforming Pakistan into a primary regional trade corridor for Central Asia.
The Prime Minister also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Turkmen government and leadership for their prompt cooperation in ensuring the safe evacuation of Pakistani citizens from Iran earlier this year during the escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict.
Concluding the high-level meeting, PM Sharif extended an invitation, reiterating his request for President Serdar Berdimuhamedow to undertake an official state visit to Pakistan next year. He also conveyed best wishes for the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
In response, President Berdimuhamedow expressed appreciation for PM Sharif’s visit and his participation in the International Forum of Peace and Trust. The President assured the Pakistani delegation that Turkmenistan is equally dedicated to increasing bilateral cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest.
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## Domestic News Briefing
### National Security and Law Enforcement
In incidents reported across various locations, including Kamonke, Qila Didar Singh, Eminabad, and Gurjakkh, the police confirmed an exchange of fire resulting in the death of accused suspect Bilal Abbas. His body was subsequently transferred to a local hospital.
In efforts to combat illicit trade, Pakistan Customs announced a significant haul over the past five months, seizing gold and silver valued at more than PKR 306 million.
### Infrastructure and Transport Disruptions
Severe fog blanketed several parts of the country, leading to widespread disruptions in road traffic and visibility. Due to reduced visibility, major sections of the national motorway network were closed, including M-1 (Rashakai to Peshawar), M-2 (Hiran Minar to Thokar Niaz Baig), M-3 (Faizpur to Rajana), and sections of M-5 (Multan to Zahir Peer and Rohri to Rahim Yar Khan).
Separately, a fatal accident occurred on Motorway M-4 near Khanewal when a bus collided with a trailer, resulting in the death of the bus hostess and injuries to four passengers. Furthermore, a passenger coach collided with a car near the Billy Ting oil depot on Pindi Road in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Concerns were also raised regarding the infrastructure development in Karachi, where Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed reservations over the slow pace of the Yellow Line project over the last six years, noting that the project’s cost has escalated by a staggering 190%.
### Political and Governance Updates
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is reportedly facing a growing financial crunch. To manage its operations, the party has requested that all its parliamentarians contribute 10 percent of their salaries.
In a move aimed at promoting transparency, the Ministry of Finance announced that details of assets owned by high-ranking federal and provincial officers will be made publicly available on a website by the end of next year. These assets will also be subject to official scrutiny and verification.
Federal Minister of State for Interior, Senator Talal Chaudhry, issued a stern political warning, stating that any politician who “crosses the red lines” will see their political career terminated.
Meanwhile, political committees are being formed, with notable inclusions such as Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, alongside representatives from Azad Kashmir (Khalid Khurshid) and Gilgit-Baltistan (Sardar Qayyum Niazi).
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*Note: The translation prioritizes the central diplomatic narrative and presents the remaining fragmented news items in a professional bulletin style.*
