SC restores full working schedule

The Supreme Court has withdrawn its earlier austerity measures, restoring the full working schedule and reversing cuts in fuel allowances and security arrangements following approval by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi. According to a notification issued after the chief justice's approval, the austerity policy introduced on March 10, 2026, will formally end from June 15, 2026, and all court operations will return to normal. Under the earlier measures, the Supreme Court had reduced its working days to four (Monday to Thursday) as part of a cost-cutting initiative. However, with the withdrawal of the notification, the court will now resume its regular six-day working schedule from Monday to Saturday. The March notification had also included a 50 percent reduction in the monthly petrol quota for judges and entitled officers, along with restrictions on the use of additional security and protocol vehicles in high-security zones. The SC had also introduced staggered attendance of court staff to reduce energy consumption and operational costs. The court has now revoked all these measures and will operate under its standard procedures and schedules. Officials said the reversal of austerity steps would ensure smoother functioning of judicial work and facilitate improved access to justice, as routine operations resume without restrictions. The federal government on Wednesday extended a series of austerity measures until June 30 and allowed standalone grocery and general stores to remain open until 10pm, following a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Earlier this month, the federal government relaxed business closing hours as part of revised energy conservation measures, citing rising temperatures and longer summer daylight hours.

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First Hangor-class submarine arrives

The first Hangor Class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, has arrived in Karachi and was accorded a traditional naval welcome by senior naval officers, families of the crew, and Pakistan Navy personnel. Cadets of Pakistan Naval Academy presented a ceremonial salute to the incoming submarine and its crew, accompanied by a fly-past by PN Z9EC helicopters, said a press release issued by DG Public Relations (Navy). The submarine is equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, and enhanced stealth features, which will augment Pakistan Navy's combat capability.

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PMA demands judicial probe into acid attack on Dr Mahnoor

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Quetta Zone has strongly condemned the acid attack on Dr Mahnoor Naseer at Civil Hospital, demanding a judicial inquiry to bring the facts before the public. Addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club on Thursday, PMA Quetta Zone General Secretary Dr Shoaib Baloch, flanked by zone President Dr Nadir Khan Achakzai, Vice President Dr Zainat, Senior Vice President Dr Kamyab, Finance Secretary Dr Ashraf, Joint Secretary Dr Fayyaz, and Press Secretary Dr Munir Gichki, urged authorities to ensure the protection of the life and property of doctors, paramedics, and other hospital staff. Dr Baloch condemned what he termed the government’s “retaliatory actions” against doctors protesting for justice, stating such measures were unjustifiable. Read: Suspect killed in encounter after acid attack on female doctor in Quetta “Balochistan’s doctors and healthcare providers are demanding justice, protection, a transparent investigation, and reforms in the health department following the tragic on-duty attack on our colleague Dr Mahnoor Naseer,” he said. “Administrative powers and disciplinary proceedings are being used to suppress their voice; we condemn this.” He clarified that their peaceful struggle was not for any individual, group, or personal interest but for ensuring justice for Dr Mahnoor Naseer, protecting the lives and property of doctors and medical staff, promoting merit, transparency, and accountability, eliminating corruption, nepotism, and administrative irregularities, and providing better healthcare facilities to the people of Balochistan. “The attack on Dr Mahnoor Naseer is not an attack on an individual alone; it is an attack on the entire medical fraternity, on the protection of women, and on the healthcare system itself,” he asserted. The incident occurred at Civil Hospital Quetta’s Surgical Complex, which houses five wards and three operating theatres. According to standard security protocols, at least seven to eight security guards should have been present for each ward and OT. “It is extremely regrettable that after the incident, not a single security guard was present, which not only exposes the administration’s gross negligence and incompetence but also raises serious questions and doubts. A complete and impartial investigation is indispensable,” Dr Baloch said. Also Read: Dr Mahnoor's first surgery completed after acid attack He further revealed that most CCTV cameras at Civil Hospital Quetta were non-functional or damaged. Video footage of the attack was obtained only from cameras installed by the Orthopaedic Ward using personal resources. The PMA demanded an immediate, independent, and impartial judicial inquiry into the Dr Mahnoor Naseer case. Immediate withdrawal of all show-cause notices, suspensions, and other administrative actions against doctors and healthcare providers. The doctors' body also demanded effective and foolproof security for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, and other medical staff across all government hospitals in Balochistan.

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Funeral prayers offered for Mi-17 helicopter crash martyrs in Rawalpindi: ISPR

Funeral prayers for army personnel who were martyred in the crash of a Pakistan Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter near Muzaffarabad were offered on Thursday, the military’s media wing said. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that the funeral prayers were offered at Chaklala Garrison in Rawalpindi. They were attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, senior civil and military officials, relatives of the martyrs and members of the public. #Breaking Namaz Janaza for Shuhada, who embraced Shahadat yesterday in tragic MI-17 helicopter crash in Muzaffarabad, was offered today at Chaklala Garrison, Rawalpindi which was attended by the PM Shehbaz Sharif, CDF Syed Asim Munir, ministers, senior civil and military… pic.twitter.com/z710oCZK0u — Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) June 11, 2026 Read: Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crashes near Muzaffarabad, leaving no survivors: ISPR Earlier, funeral services for two Christian soldiers who were martyred during the incident were also held at Christ Church in Rawalpindi, which was attended by political and military leadership. Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz paid tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty. “The martyrs' devotion to duty, professionalism, and commitment to safeguarding the motherland will remain a source of inspiration for future generations,” he was quoted as saying. While emphasising that the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces for peace, security, and national sovereignty could never be forgotten, the prime minister reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering support for the families of the martyrs during this difficult time. The ISPR said that the martyrs would be laid to rest in their respective native towns with full military honours. The helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad on Wednesday during take-off due to a technical fault, resulting in the martyrdom of all personnel on board, the military’s media wing said. According to the ISPR, there were no survivors in the crash. Rescue and recovery teams were dispatched to the site immediately after the accident and reached the area to begin relief and recovery operations. “A board of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact technical cause of the accident,” it added.

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Turkish Land Forces commander lauds Pakistan military’s role in regional peace, meets top leadership

Turkish Land Forces Commander General Metin Tokel acknowledged the Pakistan armed forces’ contributions towards regional peace and stability during meetings with the country’s top military leadership during his visit, the military’s media wing said on Thursday. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Tokel called on Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. Upon his arrival at the GHQ, he was presented with a smartly turned-out guard of honour by an army contingent. “During the meeting, matters of mutual professional interest, regional security dynamics, and avenues for enhanced bilateral defence cooperation were discussed,” the statement said. “The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged its contributions towards regional peace and stability,” the ISPR added. It further said that General Tokel expressed his commitment to further enhancing defence cooperation and institutional linkages between the armed forces of the two brotherly nations. The ISPR said Field Marshal Munir highlighted the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and strategic ties between Pakistan and Turkiye and appreciated the strong defence partnership between the two countries' armed forces. فیلڈ مارشل سید عاصم منیر سے ترک لینڈ فورسز کے کمانڈر کی ملاقات، آئی ایس پی آر۔ ملاقات میں پیشہ ورانہ امور، علاقائی سلامتی اور دفاعی تعاون پر تبادلۂ خیال کیا گیا۔ فیلڈ مارشل نے دونوں ملکوں کے درمیان گہرے تاریخی، ثقافتی اور تزویراتی تعلقات کو اجاگر کیا۔ فیلڈ مارشل عاصم منیر نے… pic.twitter.com/4o6gwVt80H — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) June 11, 2026 During his visit, General Tokel also called on Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad. “During the meeting, matters of professional interest and the regional maritime security environment were discussed,” the statement added. The Turkish commander also met the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The meeting focused on bilateral military cooperation and matters of professional interest.

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Historic Jamia Mosque Rajgan battles decay

Old Khanpur, located along the scenic banks of Khanpur Dam, is witnessing growing alarm over the deteriorating condition of its historic Jamia Mosque Rajgan, a structure believed to be more than 150 years old. Once a proud symbol of the region's architectural heritage and spiritual life, the mosque is now rapidly falling into disrepair due to prolonged neglect and the absence of systematic conservation efforts. Locals, historians and visitors alike have raised serious concerns over the condition of the centuries-old mosque, urging immediate intervention from the relevant authorities. The structure, widely regarded as one of the most significant cultural landmarks of the area, is reportedly suffering from extensive weathering, structural fatigue and a lack of routine maintenance. Residents lament that despite its historical and religious importance, the mosque has been largely overlooked by heritage conservation bodies. Set against the once-celebrated natural beauty of Old Khanpur's valleys, the site continues to embody the cultural and spiritual identity of the region, even as visible cracks, eroding surfaces and weakening foundations threaten its survival. According to local elder Haji Saeed, the area was once renowned for its picturesque landscape, traditional settlements and vibrant cultural fabric. He expressed regret that many of its historic sites are now being left to decay. "The mosque's minarets, ancient graves and adjoining shrine all narrate the story of a glorious past," he said. "Unfortunately, the absence of effective conservation measures has placed this heritage at serious risk." Adjacent to the mosque lies an historic graveyard, containing generations of burial sites and weathered gravestones dating back centuries. Residents report deteriorating boundary walls, fading inscriptions and sinking graves, all of which have intensified calls for urgent restoration and protection of the entire complex. The site is also closely associated with the spiritual legacy of Hazrat Syed Sakhi Inayat Bukhari, whose shrine continues to attract devotees and visitors. Locals argue that the mosque, shrine and graveyard should be preserved as a unified heritage complex to safeguard the region's historical continuity and religious significance. There are also growing appeals directed towards the descendants of the Rajgan family, whose ancestral graves are located within the premises, urging them to take a more active role in preservation efforts. Tourists visiting Khanpur Dam have similarly expressed concern over the mosque's deteriorating condition, calling on both provincial and federal governments to declare it a protected heritage site and initiate immediate restoration measures before irreversible damage occurs. Historical accounts indicate that Jamia Mosque Rajgan was commissioned in 1872 by Sultan Raja Jehandad Khan, the great-grandfather of the current Gakhar chief, Sultan Raja Shiraz Haider Zaman. Constructed using traditional materials such as red brick, stone and lime mortar, the mosque reportedly took a decade to complete and was built by skilled artisans from across the subcontinent. For decades, it served as the principal centre of worship in the region, hosting daily prayers, Friday congregations and major religious gatherings attended by thousands. Although the adjoining palace was demolished during the development of Khanpur Dam, the mosque still stands as a powerful reminder of Old Khanpur's heritage. Local citizens continue to urge the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal governments, along with archaeological and tourism departments, to incorporate the site into a formal conservation programme. They further propose the development of a heritage village to promote cultural tourism. Officials from the district administration have reportedly acknowledged the concerns and assured residents that the matter will be forwarded to senior authorities for consideration. For the community, however, the message remains clear: preserving the mosque is not merely about saving a structure, but about safeguarding an irreplaceable legacy of identity, history and collective memory.

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Sehat Sahulat Program relaunched

Federal Minister for National Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has announced the resumption of the Sehat Sahulat Health Facilitation Program after years of dormancy in the federal capital to provide quality care and free treatment for the people. The Sehat Sahulat Program has been launched in 42 hospitals of the twin cities, where deserving patients will be provided with free treatment. The programme has been revived initially for two years and in the third year, efforts will be made to provide OPD services free of charge. He also met patients during his visit to Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital. Mustafa Kamal explained that real-time data of patients' treatment and expenses was being collected to ensure that the Sehat Sahulat Program was being implemented with fairness. He said that if any hospital was found to be violating the rules and regulations set under the programme or abetting corruption, it will be immediately delisted. He said that the population of the federation has crossed 3.5 million, while a large number of patients coming to Islamabad hospitals from Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Rawalpindi and other neighbouring areas for treatment. He noted that the influx of patients from various cities was overwhelming available services in both public and private hospitals. He further said that according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), 13 million people in Pakistan now live below the poverty line, while Rs2 billion have been expended on the treatment of patients in the last five months alone. He also added that the total health budget of the federation and the provinces is Rs1,156 billion, but despite this, the patient satisfaction rate has remained below 10 per cent. He said that for these reasons and more, it had become necessary to lead an intervention in the health sector. He added that a comprehensive study on universal health coverage found that basic health facilities can be provided under a budget of Rs210 billion, however, this would require 5,000 more hospitals across the country. He said that universal health coverage is a system of the future and most countries are already following this model. During his announcement, Mustafa Kamal thanked Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and said that he accepted the government's proposal in the public interest, as a result of which the Sehat Sahulat Program is being reactivated after many years. He expressed his determination by vowing that the government will continue to take all possible steps for reforms, transparency and provision of quality medical facilities for the public.

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