Expats may get relief in PTA phone taxes

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Thursday apprised the Senate that the government was seriously considering proposals to provide relief in PTA mobile phone taxes for overseas Pakistanis to facilitate expatriates visiting the country. Responding to a supplementary question raised by Chaudhry Abid Sher Ali during Question Hour, the minister said overseas Pakistanis had repeatedly demanded relaxation in PTA taxes on mobile phones during overseas conventions held in Pakistan. He said mobile phones brought from abroad remained functional for a limited period of a few weeks, after which services were suspended unless the prescribed PTA tax was paid. The minister said different tax rates had been fixed for different mobile phone models and the issue of easing the burden on overseas Pakistanis was currently under serious consideration by the government. The minister said the government was making efforts to facilitate overseas Pakistanis, particularly at a time when Pakistan was witnessing improving economic conditions and growing international investment interest.

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6 killed, 13 injured as mortar hits residential area in K-P's Hangu

At least six civilians were killed and 13 others injured when two mortar shells fired by terrorists struck a populated area during a police search operation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu district on Thursday, according to officials. According to police sources, a search operation was launched following intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the Zargari and Do Ruddi Banda areas. As the police party moved in, the assailants opened fire using small and heavy weapons. During the exchange, two mortar rounds landed on civilian dwellings, causing casualties. Read More: Renowned cleric Muhammad Idrees killed in targeted attack in Charsadda The dead and wounded were immediately taken to Civil Hospital Hangu. Medical Superintendent Dr Haleemur Rehman confirmed that six bodies and 13 injured persons were brought to the facility. He added that five of the wounded, who were in critical condition, were referred to hospitals in Kohat and Peshawar for advanced medical care. Police cordoned off the entire area and continued their operation against the militants. The attack sparked grief and anger among residents, who demanded enhanced security measures to protect civilian populations from the spillover effects of counter-militancy operations.

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CM Afridi issues directives to apprehend Maulana Idrees' killers, expresses concern over K-P's law and order

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday expressed deep concern over the prevailing law and order situation in the province and said that strict directives had been issued to relevant authorities to apprehend the killers of Maulana Muhammad Idrees. “I am personally reviewing progress on a daily basis. All available resources will be utilised to bring those involved in this incident to justice,” he said during his visit to Charsadda district to attend a prayer event for the cleric. The chief minister posed pointed questions: “Why are such incidents happening? Why are Pakhtuns still displaced and unsafe today?” He added that the enemies of peace made no distinction between any party, school of thought, or organisation, but systematically targeted every effective and capable figure. He also expressed sympathy and condolences to the grieving family, disciples and associates of the slain religious leader. Addressing the attendees, Afridi described the incident as a "monumental tragedy". “His religious, academic, and intellectual services will always be remembered,” the chief minister said. Read More: Renowned cleric Muhammad Idrees killed in targeted attack in Charsadda He noted that the massive turnout of people from all walks of life at the funeral prayer was clear evidence that Maulana Idrees was a figure who stood firmly for truth and righteousness. “The government and the people stand shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” Afridi added. Afridi traced the roots of the region’s instability to 2002. “Since then, this region has been plagued by persistent unrest, terrorism, and bloodshed. For the past 23 years, our people have been carrying coffins. This must end now.” He further stated that all political and religious parties, along with various schools of thought, had rejected policies formulated behind closed doors on the assembly floor. “Yet, powerful circles continue to impose such policies on the nation at gunpoint,” he lamented. Emphasising collective responsibility, the chief minister said, “This is not the fight of a single individual, party, or class. This is our shared battle. We can no longer afford decisions made in closed rooms because the people demand peace.”

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Senate panel flags security concerns

The Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights on Thursday reviewed conviction rates in human rights-related cases across provinces, alongside broader concerns over justice delivery, security and gender inequality in Pakistan. The meeting, chaired by Senator Samina Zehri, was briefed by the human rights secretary on conviction rates, which stood at 4 per cent in 2020, with officials claiming an improvement since 2021. Provincial data on rape conviction rates was also presented. Sindh recorded a 22 per cent conviction rate, followed by Balochistan at 12 per cent, Islamabad at 6.9 per cent, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa at 6 per cent. Punjab reported the lowest conviction rate at 4 per cent. During the session, lawmakers raised concerns over delays in justice and inefficiencies in the legal system. Senator Khalil Tahir questioned why justice cannot be delivered within 24 hours if crimes can be committed within that timeframe. "Humanity has died. We only discuss such matters in drawing rooms and then move on," said the committee chairperson said. "In Punjab, a bus conductor raped a woman." Senator Abid Sher Ali said if a citizen hits a Pera Force official, the Anti-Terrorism Act is invoked. "But when a common man is fired at with 160 bullets, Section 7ATA is not applied," he added. Punjab prosecutor general said in cases involving attacks on uniformed forces, such provisions are applied. Abid Sher Ali said in such cases, even courts commit injustice by granting bail. "In our society, the powerful class gets its way." The committee also discussed the Jaranwala incident, where attacks on the Christian community and churches were condemned. Lawmakers emphasised the need to counter religious extremism. Abid Sher Ali called for ending "religious extremism". Senator Aimal Wali Khan criticised the policing system, stating that law enforcement had become deeply compromised. "If a judge is corrupt, takes bribes or money, we will speak against him . If anyone has the courage, they can summon us for contempt of court," he said. The human rights secretary briefed the committee on gender disparity indicators, stating that Pakistan ranked last among 148 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index. He noted that 26 million children remain out of school in the country, with particularly high dropout rates among girls after primary education. He further highlighted that women's participation in the civil service had improved to around 44–47 per cent in recent years, while representation in the federal cabinet remains limited. He also noted regulatory steps requiring at least one female member on corporate boards.

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Armed forces vow 'stronger response' to any hostile design as Pakistan marks first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq

Pakistan’s armed forces on Wednesday reaffirmed their commitment to defending the country, warning that any hostile design would be met with greater strength, precision, and resolve, as the nation marked the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq. The term “Marka-e-Haq” refers to the 2025 conflict with India, which began with the April 22 Pahalgam attack and concluded with a ceasefire on May 10 following Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that on the night of May 6-7, the armed forces, particularly the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), commemorated a defining chapter in the country’s military history. Read: Bilawal hails national unity, armed forces' role against India during Marka-e-Haq “Pakistan Armed Forces, particularly Pakistan Air Force, proudly commemorate a defining chapter in the nation’s military history; one that strengthened national confidence, reaffirmed institutional resolve and validated PAF’s relentless pursuit of modernisation and focused capability enhancement,” the statement said. The ISPR said the milestone reflected the PAF’s journey towards becoming a future-ready air power through the induction of cutting-edge systems and operationalisation of niche technologies. “By mastering the skillful employment of Multi-domain Operations, Pakistan Air Force continues to consolidate itself into a future-focused and capable air power, fully prepared to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan in the face of the evolving nature and parameters of modern air warfare,” it added. Describing the operations as unprecedented in scope, the statement said they underscored the PAF's professional excellence and renewed national pride. “The successful execution of these operations, unprecedented in scope and novel in the history of aerial warfare, not only underscored the professional excellence of Pakistan Air Force but also renewed the pride, confidence and spirit of the resilient Pakistani nation,” it said. The ISPR emphasised that Pakistan remained a peace-loving country, with its armed forces committed to stability and security. “Pakistan is a peace-loving country, and its Armed Forces embody a mature and responsible strategic culture,” the statement said, adding that all efforts were aimed at preserving peace, promoting stability and ensuring security in the region. The statement noted that the armed forces were cognisant of the evolving geopolitical and regional security environment, as well as the capabilities of adversarial forces, and continued to invest in advanced technologies and professional excellence to meet future challenges. The statement reaffirmed the armed forces’ unwavering commitment to defend the country. “Any hostile design against Pakistan will be countered with even greater strength, precision and resolve far stronger than what was witnessed by the adversary during Marka-e-Haq, Insha’Allah,” the statement added. Paying tribute to the Pakistan Air Force, the ISPR said the nation acknowledged the force’s professionalism and sacrifices. “Tonight the nation pays tribute to every member of Pakistan Air Force for their professionalism, sacrifice, untiring efforts and exceptional operational focus,” it said, adding that these contributions were pivotal to the defence of the country’s airspace. The statement concluded that Pakistan Air Force is and will remain second to none, and a symbol of pride, strength and confidence for the nation. Pahalgam attack and Marka-e-Haq On April 22, 2025, escalation between Pakistan and India began when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the Indian blame. In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day, on April 23, 2025, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other's embassies. Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, 2025, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. Read More: French intelligence official confirms downing of Rafale by Pakistan In a swift military response, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets. The confrontation intensified again in the early hours of May 10, 2025, when India targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets. On May 10, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense overnight diplomatic efforts. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.

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Faisalabad plans plastic-free zones in major markets

The district Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has stepped up its campaign against plastic pollution, announcing stricter enforcement measures and a complete ban on plastic bags below 75 microns ahead of World Environment Day on June 5. Deputy Director EPA Usman Azhar, while briefing media persons, said the initiative was part of a broader strategy directed by provincial authorities to establish plastic-free zones in major markets and reduce environmental hazards caused by single-use plastics. He said the department had significantly expanded its enforcement activities over the past year. From 2025 to date, the EPA conducted 14,002 inspections covering industries, brick kilns, plastic markets, hospitals, anti-dengue sites and areas affected by fugitive dust. As a result of these operations, 150 notices were issued, 154 premises sealed and 64 cases registered, while fines amounting to Rs6.85 million were imposed on violators. In addition, authorities recovered Rs3.3 million from non-compliant units and demolished 41 business premises for serious environmental violations. Azhar said these measures reflected the department's commitment to strict enforcement despite limited resources. Highlighting environmental initiatives, he said approximately 70,000 trees had been planted across the district, with a survival rate of 70% to 80%. Under anti-dengue operations, two larvae cases were detected and 145 sites were cleared, while 13 sprinkling systems had been installed on key roads to control dust pollution. The deputy director said that during the intensified anti-plastic campaign, 12,500 kilograms of single-use plastic had been confiscated, while 1,743 kilograms were voluntarily surrendered by traders and businesses, indicating growing awareness among stakeholders. On regulatory matters, Azhar said 66 site inspection reports had been forwarded to the EPA headquarters, while 12 cases were processed at the district level and 45 environmental approvals issued to various projects. He emphasized that addressing public complaints remained a top priority, adding that 290 complaints had been received and resolved through prompt action. Azhar also outlined measures to strengthen enforcement capacity, including the provision of operational vehicles for each tehsil and the formation of dedicated squads for plastic control and vehicle emissions monitoring.

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Islamabad administration revises business timings under austerity measures

The capital administration on Tuesday issued a revised notification regarding closing times for markets, businesses, and commercial activities in light of ongoing austerity measures. According to a notification issued by the office of Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, all shops, markets, and shopping malls would close at 8pm throughout the week, including Saturdays and Sundays. The notification said that pharmacies, medical stores, medical supply stores, medical laboratories, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations and milk and dairy shops were exempt from the restriction. The Office of the District Magistrate, ICT Islamabad has issued a notification regarding revised closing timings for markets, businesses, and commercial activities in light of ongoing austerity measures. Shops, Markets & Shopping Malls All will close at 08:00 PM throughout the… pic.twitter.com/8sa8MJ9X8i — DC Islamabad (@dcislamabad) May 5, 2026 It added that restaurants and food outlets, tandoors, grocery stores, meat shops, fruit and dry fruit shops, vegetable vendors, and bakeries would close at 10pm. However, it stated that “there shall be no restriction on takeaway and home delivery services”. The notification further said that marriage halls, marquees, and other commercial venues hosting events would close at 10pm throughout the week, including functions held at private premises. “This order will come into effect from May 5 and shall remain in force till further orders,” it added. The government in March announced austerity measures across the country due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which disrupted supply chains and pushed crude oil prices to a two-year high. Both federal and provincial governments have since introduced a range of measures, including an additional weekly holiday, cuts in free petrol allocations for ministers, limits on protocol vehicles, and proposals for subsidised fuel for students. The federal government has also urged the public to adopt austerity measures in daily life and cooperate with authorities in conserving energy amid the fuel crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

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