ISLAMABAD: Minister of State Barrister Aqeel Malik stated that Pakistan, once isolated, is now witnessing a return of foreign investment and visits by global heads of state. Speaking on Hum News’ “Question Hour,” he contrasted the current engagement with the country’s diplomatic isolation before March 2022.
Malik welcomed the possibility of talks with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), even as he pointed to visible divisions within the opposition party. He noted conflicting statements from PTI leaders, where one faction claims a mandate for dialogue was given to Mahmood Achakzai and Raja Nasir, while others outright reject negotiations with the current government.
Addressing procedural matters, the minister clarified that official meeting days for prisoners are Tuesday and Thursday, not weekends. He specifically mentioned that prisoners in Kot Lakhpat, including PTI affiliates, have not requested a meeting with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister.
On the issue of prisoner release, Malik explained the legal process for parole. He stated that the government cannot apply for parole on a prisoner’s behalf; the application must come from the prisoner or their family. “After the application is received, the parole board will sit and review it. Release on parole cannot be done so quickly,” he said, criticizing what he described as a contradiction between the words and actions of the PTI and its allied groups.
Meanwhile in a significant stride toward technological self-reliance, Pakistan unveiled its latest advancements in unmanned systems at the “Made in Pakistan Drone Technology International Exhibition” held at the Pak-China Center in Islamabad this week.
Organized by the UAV Federation Pakistan, the event featured over 30 Pakistani and Chinese manufacturers and attracted domestic and foreign experts. The exhibition displayed a sophisticated array of indigenous technology, including automatic surveillance drones, anti-drone jamming systems, and artificial intelligence-equipped robots designed for explosive ordnance disposal.
Beyond defense applications, the event highlighted drones’ role in agriculture, showcasing models capable of automated crop monitoring, comprehensive reporting, and precision spraying.
