Eid brings hope for broken households

On the second day of Eidul Fitr, Sunday, special meetings were arranged between divorced parents and their estranged children at the Judicial Complex Facilitation Centre, with the permission of the Senior Civil Judge Rawalpindi. A total of 134 divorced couples attended the sessions to meet their children. Extended family members — including grandparents and close relatives — were also present on the occasion. The children, dressed in festive attire, arrived eagerly to reunite with their separated parents. The atmosphere was deeply emotional, with many poignant scenes witnessed throughout the day. Mothers embraced their children with overwhelming affection, while some were seen kissing them repeatedly and feeding them with their own hands. The children received generous Eidi in the form of cash, clothes, shoes, and gifts, as well as refreshments such as pizza, juice, cake and ice cream. Moments of joy were evident, as families captured selfies together during the reunions. According to arrangements made under the judge's directives, the meetings commenced at 10am and continued until 3pm. Despite the public holiday, the facilitation centre was specially opened to accommodate the gatherings. Strict security measures were in place, with a significant police presence deployed to ensure order. Several children, including Kashif, Naina and Ferguson, expressed their happiness, saying they were delighted to meet their parents and relatives and to receive gifts on Eid. Officials also noted a concerning trend, observing that in recent years, marriages originating from social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook have coincided with a significant rise in divorce rates. Families flock to cemeteries Early on Eid day, families visited graveyards across the city to offer prayers and floral tributes to their departed loved ones. People placed flowers, chadars, and incense on graves while reciting the Holy Quran, often with tears in their eyes. This continued from morning till evening across 55 graveyards in the city. Following Fajr prayers, families arrived in large numbers, causing severe traffic congestion on roads, streets, and pathways leading to cemeteries. Vehicles, motorcycles, and rickshaws crowded the routes, bringing traffic to a standstill. Meanwhile, prices of flowers and chadars witnessed a sharp increase. Mixed flowers were sold at Rs500 per kg, while fresh flowers reached Rs600 per kg. Dry flower sheets ranged between Rs700 and Rs1,500, while fresh floral chadars were sold between Rs1,000 and Rs2,000. Hundreds of stalls selling flowers, incense, and chadars were set up outside graveyards and will remain operational throughout the three days of Eid.

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'Solar policy to ensure fairness for all consumers'

Minister for Power Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has said the notion that the government is against solarisation is completely false, and that it fully supports solarisation, but in a manner that is just for all consumers and does not unfairly burden non-solar consumers. In a statement, the minister said though, solar power makes up for fossil fuel generated power, however, that is only during solar hours of the day. During the night time, stable/dispatchable sources of power generation are mandatory for the power grid to remain stable and cater for the dynamically changing load conditions.

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FIA seizes Rs2.89b in foreign currency in Karachi hawala crackdown

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Sunday seized foreign currency worth approximately Rs2.89billion during an operation against illegal hawala and hundi networks in the city, officials said. The raid comes as part of a nationwide crackdown against money laundering and hawala/hundi networks operating across the country, announced on Tuesday, approved, with authorities reiterating that the “business of hawala/hundi would not be tolerated under any circumstances”. The meeting also approved the formation of a joint working group comprising the State Bank of Pakistan and the Federal Investigation Agency. The group will regularly review progress on matters related to curbing illegal financial flows. According to an FIA spokesperson, the Commercial Banking Circle in Karachi carried out the operation as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal foreign exchange and informal money transfer systems. The raid was conducted on the directives of the Director Karachi Zone and under the supervision of a deputy director. Read: Govt approves crackdown on hawala, money laundering networks During the operation, a suspect identified as Abdul Rehman, son of Sultan Muhammad, was taken into custody from the Mochko Police Station area. Authorities said the Iranian currency equivalent to around Rs2.89b was recovered from his possession. Officials also seized a mobile phone containing records of suspected illegal transactions. Preliminary examination of the device revealed evidence related to the buying and selling of foreign currency as well as hawala and hundi activities. The suspect, along with the recovered currency and evidence, has been shifted to the FIA Commercial Banking Circle in Karachi. Further investigation into the case is underway.

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Rights groups fear use of arrest to stifle free speech in Pakistan

Participants in an International Women’s Day march in Pakistan’s capital say they were detained and mistreated by police, as rights groups warn of a widening crackdown on dissent. Mavra Bari, a 36-year-old sociologist, said she had planned to join celebrations in Islamabad on March 8 but instead spent about 12 hours in detention. “What was meant to be a celebration turned into a horrible experience,” she said, describing a cramped holding area with poor sanitation and dozens of detainees, including women, men and children. “We were beaten.” More than 30 people were held, according to accounts from those present. An AFP journalist saw detainees upon release, some appearing shaken and showing visible bruises and swelling. Outside the police station, a man said his daughter had only come to observe the march. “She did nothing wrong,” he said. Official stance and rights concern The detentions came despite public support for women’s empowerment expressed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who said on March 8 that women’s rights are central to national development. Human rights organisations, however, say such incidents reflect a broader pattern. Amnesty International has warned of a “shrinking space for dissent,” citing arbitrary detentions and restrictions on peaceful assembly. Authorities often do not clearly explain the reasons for arrests, activists say. National security concerns cited Rights advocates argue that laws tied to national security are increasingly used to curb criticism. Usama Khilji said authorities frequently frame dissent as a security issue. “Anyone can be punished,” he said. Human Rights Watch has documented cases of intimidation, enforced disappearances and legal pressure against activists, journalists and lawyers. Among high-profile cases is Imaan Mazari, known for taking on sensitive human rights cases, who is currently imprisoned alongside her husband over alleged anti-state social media activity. Media under pressure Press freedom groups say journalists also face increasing risks. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that at least seven journalists were killed in Pakistan in 2024, while others faced harassment or detention. Sehrish Qureshi said she was detained when she went to a police station to inquire about colleagues held during the march. “I was detained without any reason,” she said. Read: Govt urges public to adopt further austerity measures, cooperate to conserve energy amid Mideast fuel crisis Reporters Without Borders has similarly raised concerns about growing pressure on independent media and tighter controls on information. Harris Khalique of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan described recent restrictions as “draconian.” Activists undeterred Police later told detainees they had violated a law restricting gatherings of more than four people. Days after the arrests, a large rally marking Al-Quds Day was held in Islamabad without similar intervention, according to activists. Despite the risks, many participants say they remain committed to speaking out. “It was scary at first,” Bari said. “We didn’t know why we were arrested or what they would do to us.” Others echoed that sentiment, saying the experience would not deter them from future activism.

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Govt making efforts to reduce Middle East tensions by promoting Saudi-Iran rapprochement: Rana Sanaullah

Prime Minister's Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Saturday said that Pakistan was committed to its agreements with Saudi Arabia and was making efforts to reduce regional tensions by promoting rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after US and Israeli air strikes last month assassinated Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, triggering a wave of retaliation from Tehran and widening the conflict across the region. In response to the strikes, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US military bases in several Gulf countries, significantly expanding the scope of the confrontation. Gulf Arab states have faced more than 2,000 missile and drone attacks since ​the outbreak of the war on February 28, with targets including US diplomatic missions and military bases but also critical Gulf oil infrastructure, ports, airports, hotels ​and residential and office buildings. While Saudi Arabia has publicly maintained that it is working with Gulf countries to prevent a military confrontation in the region and has stated it would not participate in any potential war, frustration is growing. On Thursday, the Saudi foreign minister said the kingdom reserved the right to act militarily against Iran and any trust with Tehran has been shattered after Riyadh was targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles. Iran accused Israel of striking its facilities in the huge South Pars gas field on Wednesday in a major escalation in the US-Israeli war that sent oil prices shooting higher, and retaliated by vowing attacks on oil and gas targets throughout the Gulf, firing missiles at Qatar and Saudi Arabia. In the harshest comments to come out of the Gulf kingdom in nearly three weeks of war, Farhan accused Iran of premeditated hostile actions against its neighbours, both directly and via an array of regional proxies, which he urged Tehran to rein in. Amid the rising tensions, Pakistan has reiterated its strong strategic commitment to Saudi Arabia while urging restraint to avoid a broader regional conflict.  Talking to the media after offering Eidul Fitr prayers at his public secretariat today, Sanaullah said Pakistan had strongly condemned the aggression against Iran as well as the attack on its former supreme leader, reiterating full solidarity with the Islamic world. He said that Pakistan not only stood by Iran but also condemned any aggression against other Muslim countries and reaffirmed its commitment to support them. Sanaullah said that Pakistan today enjoyed the confidence of Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. "Pakistan has emerged as a symbol of peace and unity in the Muslim ummah," he said and termed its role vital for maintaining peace and stability in the region. However, he said national unity and political stability were imperative to effectively deal with the prevailing internal and external challenges of the country. Sanaullah said Pakistan was currently confronting multiple challenges on different fronts but was successfully addressing them under the prime minister's leadership, which had further strengthened its position at the international level. Afghan tensions Referring to Afghanistan, he said that Pakistan’s stance was very clear as it neither wanted to impose war on Afghanistan nor had any intention of occupying its territory. “Pakistan only desired that Afghan soil should not be used against any country, particularly against Pakistan, which is in line with international law,” he said and added that tensions between the two countries could end immediately if Afghanistan provided such assurances. He also reiterated Pakistan’s respect for the Doha Agreement and adherence to international laws. He said that Operation Ghazab Lil Haq was being carried out purely on intelligence-based information targeting terrorist hideouts. "The security forces have effectively dismantled several sanctuaries used for training terrorists," Sanaullah added. The premier's aide said state institutions were fully committed to eradicating terrorism and had achieved significant successes in this regard.

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Govt urges public to adopt further austerity measures, cooperate to conserve energy amid Mideast fuel crisis

The federal government urged the public on Saturday to adopt further austerity measures in daily life and to cooperate with the authorities in conserving energy in light of the fuel crisis created by the conflict in the Middle East. Two weeks ago, the government sharply increased diesel and petrol prices by Rs55 per litre or 20% — due to the ongoing US-Israel and Iran war, which has disrupted supply chains and pushed crude oil prices to two years’ highest level. The increase in petrol prices was more than the surge in the international market, as the government chose to collect more money than required from motorcyclists and car owners to subsidise the use of diesel, mostly by the public transport and the agriculture sector. However, the prime minister announced last night that the federal government had twice now absorbed the burden of the fuel price increases instead of passing it on to the public.  Both federal and provincial governments have since introduced a range of austerity steps, including an additional weekly holiday, cutting free petrol allocations for ministers, limiting protocol vehicles, and proposing subsidised fuel for students. Addressing a press conference today, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik called on the public to step ahead and implement more austerity measures to cooperate with the government in conserving fuel. They cautioned that future price increases might be likely and said the country's current fuel reserves should be responsibly consumed. ----------------- More to follow.

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Nation celebrates Eidul Fitr with zeal, fervour and spirit of togetherness

Eid ul Fitr is being celebrated across Pakistan on Saturday (today), with millions marking the end of the holy month of Ramazan with prayers, traditional festivities, and a strong spirit of togetherness. Small and large congregations for Eid prayers are being held early in the day at open spaces, mosques and Eidgahs across the country. Special prayers are being offered for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, as well as for the welfare of Muslim Ummah worldwide. Central congregations are taking place at the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, and the Polo Ground in Karachi, where prominent government officials, as well as political and social figures, are participating. President Zardari urges nation to uphold Ramazan's spirit President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on X, urged the nation to carry forward the spirit of patience and piety cultivated during Ramazan. He called for unity and brotherhood, and encouraged people to include the needy in their celebrations. President Zardari also prayed for Pakistan’s peace and prosperity. In his Eid ul Fitr message, President Asif Ali Zardari urged the nation to carry forward Ramzan's spirit of patience & piety. He called for unity & brotherhood & asked people to include the needy in their celebrations, praying for Pakistan's peace & prosperity. Eid Mubarak! 🌙 pic.twitter.com/5loKKJylGf — The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) March 20, 2026 PM Shehbaz calls for unity and support for the needy in Eid message Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt greetings to the nation and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eidul Fitr. In his message, the prime minister said, “Today’s blessed day is a manifestation of Allah’s special mercy and boundless grace upon us.” “On this occasion, all Muslims thank Allah Almighty for granting us the joy of Eidul Fitr after the spiritual devotion of Ramazan. May Allah accept our worship and enable us to implement Islamic values in our daily lives,” he added. Prime minister further stated, “Eidul Fitr represents Allah’s promise of reward after patience and perseverance. It also revives the spirit of sacrifice, unity, service to humanity, and collective responsibility.” وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا عید الفطر 1447 (21 مارچ 2026) پر پیغام. پاکستان اور دنیا بھر کے مسلمانوں کو عید الفطر کے بابرکت اور پر مسرت موقع کی دلی مبارکباد پیش کرتا ہوں۔ آج کا مبارک دن ہمارے لیۓ اللہ کی خاص رحمت اور بے پایہ فضل و کرم کا مظہر ہے۔ آج کے دن تمام مسلمان… pic.twitter.com/j1Z0Dd0hp0 — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) March 20, 2026 “As a nation, we must share the joy of Eid with the underprivileged segments of society. During the holy month of Ramazan, the government successfully implemented a digital wallet system to provide dignified financial assistance to vulnerable communities,” he noted. PM Shehbaz emphasized, “Collective responsibility and mutual cooperation are the true guarantees of national progress and prosperity.” He continued, “While we celebrate Eid with joy and gratitude, our hearts also grieve for the people of Gaza and other conflict-affected regions in the Middle East. Their suffering highlights the urgent need for greater unity within the Muslim Ummah, so that together we may promote justice, dignity, and lasting peace. In a time of global turmoil and instability, our greatest strength lies in our unity.” Premier concluded, “May Allah strengthen the spirit of brotherhood within the Muslim Ummah and enable us to work together for the betterment of humanity.” “As a nation, Pakistan prays for peace, security, and stability across the world. We pray that this blessed occasion of Eid fosters an environment of global peace, justice, fairness, tolerance, and brotherhood,” he added. Military leadership extends Eid greetings to nation In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s top military leadership extended Eidul Fitr greetings to the nation, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the country. Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of the Air Staff Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu conveyed their wishes on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan. “Eid reflects the enduring values of unity, compassion, and gratitude. For Armed Forces of Pakistan, the true spirit of Eid lies in the honour of serving and defending the motherland, even away from their families, to ensure peace and security for the nation,” the statement read. The ISPR said the armed forces paid tribute to the courage and sacrifices of personnel safeguarding the country, while acknowledging the steadfast support of their families. “May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and blessings to Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah,” it added.

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