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According to insiders, the US intends to reduce the number of forces available to NATO in times of crisis.
The Trump administration plans to notify NATO members this week that it would cut the military capabilities the U.S. would have to help the alliance’s European nations in a severe crisis, three sources familiar with the situation said.
Alliance members define a pool of forces that can be activated in case of a conflict or any other significant crisis, such as a military attack on a NATO member, under a scheme called the NATO Force Model.
The makeup of the wartime forces is a highly held secret, but the Pentagon has opted to dramatically slash its commitment, the individuals said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the preparations honestly.
US President Donald Trump has indicated he wants European nations to take the lead in ensuring the continent’s security from the US. The message to allies this week is a clear example of policy being put into action.
Details were murky, including how soon the Pentagon wants to turn over crisis-mode tasks to European partners. But the sources said the Pentagon plans to disclose its desire to scale back its pledge during a meeting Friday in Brussels of defense policy chiefs.
Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s policy head, has declared publicly that the U.S. will keep its nuclear umbrella for NATO members as European allies take the lead on conventional troops.
Sources say the US will likely be represented by Alex Velez-Green, a top adviser to Colby. “Adjusting the NATO Force Model is a top priority for Colby’s team as they prepare for the next NATO leaders’ summit, to be held in Turkey in July, one of the sources said.
A NATO official referred requests for comment to the United States. The Pentagon did not immediately answer when asked for its response.
Red Alliance
For the first time ever, the NATO alliance is under extraordinary pressure, with some European nations fearing Washington could walk away entirely. One big change to the forces the US will have available in time of war will only compound such fears.
In recent weeks the Trump administration has announced intentions to withdraw around 5,000 U.S. soldiers from Europe, including a decision to cancel the deployment of an Army brigade to Poland — a surprise move that has been condemned by U.S. politicians.
Aides on Capitol Hill knew of and worried about Pentagon intentions to scale back its commitments under the NATO Force Model, one of the sources and another person familiar with the topic said.
But a senior NATO diplomat said they still believed there is an understanding that the United States would come to Europe’s help if it was in crisis.
Trump and many of his associates have criticized European partners for not spending enough on their militaries, and relying on the US for traditional defense. They note out the US still has tens of thousands of troops in Europe.
The president’s wish to seize control of Greenland, a Danish foreign region, has further added to the tensions between the US and Europe, as has a long-running disagreement between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has attacked Trump’s war with Iran.
European partners generally say they are quickly beefing up their military capabilities, but this cannot be done overnight.
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IHC direct Islamabad administration to issue domicile to Lakki Marwat citizen
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Islamabad district administration to issue a residence certificate to Hamadulla, who lives in Lakkimarwat, within five days.
The order was issued while considering the citizen’s application for Islamabad Domicile Certificate.
The court also expressed strong displeasure over the district administration’s decision to send a lower division clerk (LDC) to represent the deputy commissioner’s office instead of a senior official.
During the proceedings, the clerk informed the court that a domicile certificate is issued one year after obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the applicant’s previous district. Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar questioned the official about his appointment and asked why the junior officer was being sent to represent the district administration.
Expressing indignation, the Chief Justice pointed out that the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner were not present in the court. He questioned the rationale behind making citizens wait for a year after issuing NOC and directed the government to complete the household registration process within five days.
The court also warned that if the residence certificate is not issued within the stipulated time, the Deputy Commissioner will have to appear in person.
After issuing the directions, the IHC adjourned further proceedings until next week.
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PM Shehbaz to address COP31 summit in Turkiye, hold key meetings with world leaders
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will address the high-level climate conference COP31 in Antalya, Turkey today as he begins a busy schedule of engagements with international leaders.
The Prime Minister will attend a high-level meeting titled “Clean Energy Transition 2035: Powering the Future” hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He is expected to deliver an important address outlining his vision for renewable energy and the transition towards clean energy.
During the COP31 summit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also present Pakistan’s National Statement, highlighting the country’s position on climate justice and the challenges faced by nations severely affected by climate change. The announcement is expected to underline Pakistan’s concerns about the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable countries and to emphasize the importance of global cooperation and climate justice.
In addition to the planned address, the Prime Minister will hold important bilateral meetings with several world leaders throughout the day. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing common environmental and climate-related challenges.
Later in the evening, Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif will attend a gala dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to meet world leaders. His participation in the summit provides an opportunity for Pakistan to highlight its climate priorities and strengthen diplomatic engagement with the international community.
Business
Saudi delegation eyes Karachi port investments as Pakistan expands maritime trade
A Saudi business delegation led by Prince Mansoor bin Mohammed Al Saud has expressed interest in investing in Karachi’s port infrastructure, logistics links and green initiatives, Pakistani authorities said Monday, as Islamabad seeks to expand maritime cooperation with its longtime Gulf ally.
The visit comes amid efforts by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to expand economic partnership from traditional trade, remittances and financial support to investment-based cooperation in infrastructure, energy and other areas. Pakistan is also seeking to modernize its ports, improve connections with land transport networks and expand transshipment operations to strengthen its position in regional trade.
Prince Mansoor, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Chapter of the Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council, led a high-level corporate delegation to Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Port Qasim and South Asia Pakistan Terminals Limited, where officials were briefed on investment opportunities and ongoing modernization projects.
The briefings focused on the proposed 140-acre Maritime Business District in Karachi and the development of Manora Shipyard.
“Prince Mansour expressed keen interest in KPT’s Maritime Business District, Green port initiatives, terminal infrastructure expansion and connectivity initiatives, recognizing their scope for mutually beneficial Saudi investment and joint ventures,” the KPT said in a statement. The Saudi-Pakistan Joint Business Council serves as a platform for companies and investors from both countries to identify commercial opportunities, develop partnerships and form joint ventures. Prince Mansour has led several delegations to Pakistan as the two governments seek to translate their long-standing political and defense ties into greater private sector investment. In June, KPT signed a memorandum of understanding with its Saudi Arabian and Pakistani partners to explore the development of a maritime business zone on MT Khan Road in Karachi.
The proposed development involves the Saudi Arabian Business Council – Najd Gateway Holding Company, Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management Limited and a consortium of Pakistani companies and is intended to accommodate commercial and maritime businesses.
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