Mercury may rise to 52°C in Punjab

Punjab authorities have issued a province-wide heatwave alert, warning of a sharp rise in temperatures in the coming weeks, with southern districts likely to face extreme conditions reaching up to 52 degrees Celsius. The advisory, issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), said May and June were expected to be the hottest months of the year, with temperatures across much of Punjab forecast to range between 43-45°C under normal conditions - and significantly higher during heatwave spells. Officials noted that temperatures in recent days have already been recorded 2-4°C above normal levels, signalling an early onset of intense summer conditions. According to the PDMA, a mild heatwave is expected to affect southern Punjab from April 29 to May 3, while the upper parts of the province may experience some relief due to a westerly weather system. The system, expected to influence the region from the night of April 27 through April 29 and again from May 3 to May 5, could temporarily lower temperatures by 2-4°C in northern areas. Despite this short-term relief, authorities warned that southern Punjab remains particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, with districts in the region historically experiencing the highest temperatures during peak summer months. PDMA Director General Umar Javed urged the public - especially children, women and the elderly - to take precautionary measures, including avoiding unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight and increasing water intake to prevent heat-related illnesses. Farmers have also been advised to plan agricultural activities carefully in light of changing weather conditions and to take necessary steps to protect crops and livestock. The advisory further directed all relevant government departments and district administrations to remain on high alert. Authorities have been instructed to ensure round-the-clock staffing at District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs), strengthen coordination mechanisms and maintain readiness for emergency response. Rescue services, including Rescue 1122, have been placed on alert to ensure immediate response capability, while motorway police have been directed to issue timely travel advisories and assist commuters during adverse weather conditions. Officials emphasised the need for timely dissemination of information through electronic and social media, alongside regular situation reports to monitor developments and respond effectively. The Pakistan Meteorological Department said continental air is currently prevailing over most parts of the country, contributing to hot and dry conditions. However, isolated rain and dust storms are expected in parts of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and surrounding regions over the next two days, particularly during evening and nighttime hours.

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Pakistan, Sri Lanka kick off joint counter-terrorism exercise 'Shake Hands-II' at Tarbela

Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Monday kicked off a joint counter-terrorism exercise at Tarbela aimed at enhancing professional capabilities and strengthening longstanding military-to-military relations, the military’s media wing said in a statement According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Shake Hands-II is a joint counter-terrorism exercise conducted between the armies of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. "The two-week exercise commenced on April 27 at Tarbela, with the participation of Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group and Special Forces from the Sri Lankan Army." The statement said the exercise aimed to enhance professional capabilities through joint training while further strengthening the longstanding military-to-military relations between the two friendly nations. “Participating troops will benefit from the exchange of operational experiences and expertise in counter-terrorism operations, contributing to improved interoperability and mutual understanding,” it added. Pakistan–Sri Lanka Bilateral Exercise Shake Hands-II is a joint counter-terrorism exercise conducted between the armies of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The two-week exercise commenced on 27 April 2026 at Tarbela, Pakistan, with the participation of Pakistan Army’s Special Services… pic.twitter.com/uMksnfckhp — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) April 27, 2026 Pakistan’s armed forces regularly conduct joint exercises with foreign militaries to exchange professional expertise and strengthen combat readiness. Last week, the Pakistan–Turkye Joint Commando and Special Forces Exercise Jinnah-XIII was successfully conducted in Turkiye, focusing on counterterrorism operations. Earlier in April, Pakistan and Egypt commenced their joint exercise, Thunder-II, at the Special Operations School in Cherat. In January, the Pakistan and United States armies conducted a joint military exercise titled 'Inspired Gambit–2026' aimed at enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation between the two forces.

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Punjab Assembly passes bill fixing minimum marriage age at 18 for males, females

The Punjab Assembly passed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 by a majority vote on Monday following a detailed and heated debate between treasury and opposition members, alongside key legislative business and a question hour session. The session, chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, began with a delay of 53 minutes. Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari termed early marriages harmful to girls’ health and education, stressing that young girls should be allowed to complete their education rather than being married off prematurely. During the proceedings, Uzma raised strong concerns, stating that for the first time, members were not provided copies of the bill. She stressed that it was essential for all lawmakers to have access to the draft legislation before its passage. On her complaint, the speaker directed that copies of the bill be immediately distributed among members. Speaking on the bill, Uzma emphasised that early marriages were harmful to young girls, arguing that proper documentation, such as national identity cards or birth certificates, should be mandatory for marriage. She noted that the legal age of marriage, previously 16, was now being raised to 18. The debate intensified when Treasury member Zulfiqar Ali Shah proposed that individuals under 18 seeking marriage should be allowed to do so with court permission, warning against placing legislation above societal values. His remarks drew a strong response from Uzma, who argued that young girls often lacked the awareness and maturity required for marriage and should not be subjected to such practices. Uzma further stated that both mental and physical maturity must be ensured before marriage and criticised practices where young girls were forced into marriages under social or cultural pressures. She also referenced support from the Federal Shariat Court for similar legislation passed by the Sindh Assembly. Following extensive debate, the bill was approved by a majority vote. The session concluded after the passage of the bill, reflecting deep divisions yet eventual consensus on legislative action against child marriage. During proceedings, Provincial Minister for Minerals Sher Ali Gorchani alleged that during the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, large tracts of pink salt land were allotted to favoured individuals through amendments in rules, claiming that up to 100,000 acres were distributed. Opposition member Iqbal Khattak raised concerns over checkpoints in his constituency, stating that citizens were being harassed in the name of checking.

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Punjab Assembly passes bill fixing minimum marriage age at 18 for males, females

The Punjab Assembly passed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 by a majority vote on Monday following a detailed and heated debate between treasury and opposition members, alongside key legislative business and a question hour session. The session, chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, began with a delay of 53 minutes. Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari termed early marriages harmful to girls’ health and education, stressing that young girls should be allowed to complete their education rather than being married off prematurely. During the proceedings, Uzma raised strong concerns, stating that for the first time, members were not provided copies of the bill. She stressed that it was essential for all lawmakers to have access to the draft legislation before its passage. On her complaint, the speaker directed that copies of the bill be immediately distributed among members. Read More: Punjab amends child marriage law Speaking on the bill, Uzma emphasised that early marriages were harmful to young girls, arguing that proper documentation, such as national identity cards or birth certificates, should be mandatory for marriage. She noted that the legal age of marriage, previously 16, was now being raised to 18. The debate intensified when Treasury member Zulfiqar Ali Shah proposed that individuals under 18 seeking marriage should be allowed to do so with court permission, warning against placing legislation above societal values. His remarks drew a strong response from Uzma, who argued that young girls often lacked the awareness and maturity required for marriage and should not be subjected to such practices. Uzma further stated that both mental and physical maturity must be ensured before marriage and criticised practices where young girls were forced into marriages under social or cultural pressures. She also referenced support from the Federal Shariat Court for similar legislation passed by the Sindh Assembly. Following extensive debate, the bill was approved by a majority vote. The session concluded after the passage of the bill, reflecting deep divisions yet eventual consensus on legislative action against child marriage. During proceedings, Provincial Minister for Minerals Sher Ali Gorchani alleged that during the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, large tracts of pink salt land were allotted to favoured individuals through amendments in rules, claiming that up to 100,000 acres were distributed. Also Read: Child rights: Sindh makes marriage under 18 punishable by law Opposition member Iqbal Khattak raised concerns over checkpoints in his constituency, stating that citizens were being harassed in the name of checking. On April 14, the Punjab Assembly's Standing Committee on Local Government and Community Development set 18 years as the minimum legal age of marriage for both boys and girls across the province, abolishing the earlier provision that had permitted girls to marry at the age of 16. The committee unanimously approved a bill to curb child marriages and strengthen child protection laws in the province. It further declared child marriage a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offence, enabling immediate police action and preventing any private settlement of such cases. Under the proposed law, any person involved in facilitating child marriage, including the adult spouse, parents or guardians, Nikah registrars, or any other facilitator, may face up to seven years' imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs1 million. The law also categorised cohabitation after such a marriage as child abuse, carrying stricter punishment, and directs that all such cases be decided by the courts within 90 days.

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Punjab extends drone ban for 30 days

The Punjab government has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for another 30 days, maintaining a complete ban on the use of drones in open spaces due to security concerns. According to a notification issued by the Home Department, the restriction on outdoor drone flying—initially imposed earlier this year—will remain in force until May 25. The decision was taken in view of the prevailing security situation and the need to safeguard public peace, protect sensitive installations, and prevent any untoward incidents. The order, issued under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, prohibits the use of drones in outdoor environments across Punjab. Authorities said the extension was deemed necessary to ensure continued vigilance amid potential threats to law and order. However, the government has allowed limited use of small drones for indoor activities. According to the notification, drones may be used inside halls and marquees during events and functions, subject to strict safety protocols. The responsibility for ensuring safe and confined usage of such drones rests with event organisers. The Home Department clarified that the ban does not apply to intelligence agencies and law enforcement bodies, which may continue to use drones for official and security purposes. "The decision has been taken in the larger interest of public safety, security, and maintaining peace and tranquillity," a spokesperson for the Home Department said. "All relevant authorities have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order." Officials said district administrations and police across the province have been instructed to enforce the restrictions without exception. Violations of Section 144 could lead to legal action, including registration of cases and arrests. The move comes amid increasing reliance on drone technology in both commercial and recreational spheres.

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Twin cities transport halt leaves thousands jobless

Ongoing stop-start dynamics in Iran–US peace negotiations have led to the complete suspension of major long-route heavy luxury transport services in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad for the past 12 days, leaving 2,632 bus hostesses entirely unemployed. Due to non-payment of rent, many bus hostesses in the Pirwadhai area have also been evicted from girls' hostels. Transport companies and bus owners have sent these workers on unpaid leave, telling them they will be called back once terminals reopen. The closure of approximately 45 small and large transport terminals in the twin cities has also brought associated businesses to a halt. These include goods transport operations, makeshift eateries, tea stalls, and cigarette kiosks within terminal premises. On a daily basis, around 5,000 small and large public transport vehicles—including buses, vans, Toyota Hiace coaches and luxury vehicles—depart from these terminals, with a similar number arriving. According to the Transport Federation, between 10,000 and 11,000 vehicles operate in and out of these terminals each day. As a result of the shutdown, nearly 20,000 drivers, conductors and helpers have also lost their livelihoods. Each transport terminal typically hosts five to ten small stalls selling tea, food, water and cigarettes, along with nearby roadside eateries. All have now closed, leaving their workers unemployed. The shutdown has also severely affected vehicle workshops, as business has come to a standstill. With vehicles off the roads, repair work has ceased entirely, leaving workshops deserted. The transport industry and its allied sectors have suffered near-total collapse within just two weeks. Spare parts shops located near terminals have likewise seen their businesses paralysed. Samina Shoaib, a bus hostess with a private company, said all hostesses were temporarily laid off eight days ago. "Our income largely depends on commission, and our salaries are minimal. We've been told to return home and wait for a call once operations resume," she said. A resident of Chakwal, she added that the company had also vacated the hostel accommodation previously provided near Pirwadhai. "We are now returning to our hometowns unemployed. Many have already left, and several may not return." Patron of the Transport Federation, Haji Zahoor Arian, opined that the 12-day closure of terminals in the twin cities has devastated business. "Terminal owners have been supporting employees with basic rations on a self-help basis, but this cannot continue indefinitely," he said. He suggested that if closures within the city are necessary, temporary roadside facilities should be allocated in areas such as Chungi No. 22 or Rawat to allow transport operations to continue.

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Despite US–Iran deadlock, Trump again praises ‘great’ PM Shehbaz, ‘fantastic’ CDF Munir

US President Donald Trump has once again praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts aimed at facilitating peace and negotiations with Iran, despite another pause in the diplomatic process. His remarks came after Trump cancelled a planned visit by envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials. The Iranian foreign minister also left Pakistan following meetings with senior officials. “I think Pakistan is terrific. The field marshal (Asim Munir) is fantastic. I think the prime minister of Pakistan (Shehbaz Sharif) is great, and, you know, they would like to see something happen,” Trump said in a video posted by Pakistan TV on X. President Trump says Pakistan is terrific, Field Marshal is fantastic, and the Prime Minister is great. He says that they would like to see something happen.#USPakistanRelations #PakistanDiplomacy #Trump #IslamabadTalks #PakistanTV pic.twitter.com/ysmpq8bFEo — Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) April 25, 2026 However, he announced that he would not be sending his team to Islamabad, citing the long journey and travel costs. “But we’re not going to be travelling 15 or 16 hours to have a meeting with people that nobody has ever heard of,” he said, adding that it would be very expensive and that he is “a very cost-conscious person.” He reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, saying Tehran had “offered a lot, but not enough.” “They will not have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple. That whole deal is not complicated. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he said. This marks the second time this month that the US president has publicly praised PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir for their engagement in efforts to facilitate talks with Iran aimed at ending the conflict. Read: US-Iran peace process hits snag as Trump cancels trip of envoys, FM Araghchi leaves Pakistan On April 17, Trump had similarly lauded the Pakistani leadership, describing them as “fantastic people”. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, he wrote: “Thank you to Pakistan and its great prime minister and field marshal, two fantastic people!” The US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, killing dozens of top military officials, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, before a two-week ceasefire was mediated by Pakistan earlier this week. Tehran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, and restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for oil and gas shipments. Fighting later spread to Lebanon after Israel launched an offensive there, widening the conflict, as the United States and Israel continued attacks on Iran. As the conflict continued to expand and intensify, Pakistan emerged as a mediator alongside other regional powers in the escalating crisis. As the negotiation process began, the United States and Iran exchanged their respective positions, but early discussions yielded no progress. However, following sustained diplomatic efforts by Pakistan, both sides agreed to hold talks in Islamabad last week. But, Washington and Tehran failed to reach an agreement in Islamabad over the weekend during talks that were part of broader efforts to end the conflict. Washington remains locked in a costly impasse with Tehran as tensions between the two sides continue to disrupt global energy markets. Iran has reportedly tightened controls over the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil flows, while the United States maintains restrictions on Iranian oil exports. The standoff, alongside wider regional conflict, has pushed energy prices to multi-year highs and fuelled concerns over global inflation and growth. Iran has said its officials do not plan to meet US representatives to discuss an end to the conflict, which has escalated tensions across the region. The situation briefly appeared to ease earlier this week when US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire to allow more time for negotiations, following earlier inconclusive talks involving US and Iranian officials in Islamabad. On Friday, Trump told Reuters that Iran was expected to present an offer to address US demands but declined to provide details. However, as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, Trump announced he had cancelled a planned visit by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff for peace talks with Iran. Trump’s history of praising Pakistan leadership This was not the first time that Trump spoke highly for Pakistan's civil and military leadership as last year while addressing an international event on Gaza peace on October 13, 2025, he said, "I want to thank Prime Minister Sharif of Pakistan and also I have to say my favourite field marshal from Pakistan who's not here but the prime minister is here ... give him my regards." In other instances, too, he appreciated PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir, crediting them for helping avert escalation in South Asia. The Pakistan-US relationship experienced a significant thaw in 2025–2026, transitioning from a cold period to warm, strategic, and pragmatic engagement during Trump's second term. This shift was largely driven by a major reset in relations following President Trump's intervention in regional conflicts, particularly his role in brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May 2025. The first thaw in Pakistan-US relations came via secret counterterrorism exchanges, signalling substantive cooperation. In March last year, Trump unexpectedly praised Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts during a national address, prompting a policy shift. The short but intense May skirmish with India in May 2025 became a decisive turning point, showcasing Pakistan’s military discipline, strategic focus, and asymmetric capabilities - qualities that reportedly surprised Trump. Despite India’s repeated denials, PM Shehbaz continued to praise President Trump for his role in brokering a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, and nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, saying his intervention had helped save millions of lives. The praise was reciprocated, with Trump commending the premier and also lauding CDF Munir, as he reiterated claims that he had helped avert a war between Pakistan and India in May 2025. Ties between the countries took a further turn when Trump invited CDF Munir to a luncheon — the first such meeting for a Pakistani military chief — followed by a red-carpet visit to US Central Command headquarters for high-level talks. Following a ceasefire after the prolonged war in Gaza, Trump announced the formation of a “Board of Peace” that included Pakistan, again singling out PM Shehbaz for praise during its inaugural summit. Addressing the event, Trump said, “I like this guy,” referring to the premier, as he recounted efforts that led to last year’s ceasefire between Pakistan and India. He also praised CDF Munir during his remarks.

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