'Population boom now a security issue'

Pakistan's rapidly growing population is no longer merely a health or economic challenge but has emerged as a matter of national security requiring coordinated action from the country's political, military, religious and social leadership, UNFPA Pakistan Representative Dr Luay Shabaneh said while addressing a media briefing here on Monday, ahead of World Population Day 2026. He shared the findings of a global report titled Lives, Choices and Futures: What Young People Want and What Shapes Their Decisions About Relationships and Parenthood. The report, he said, is based on responses from more than 100,000 young people aged 18-39 across 73 countries, including over 1,700 respondents from Pakistan. The findings come at a time when Pakistan's population has reached around 257.2 million, with nearly one-third of its citizens aged between 10 and 24 years, making investment in youth essential for the country's future stability and prosperity, Dr Shabaneh said. Elaborating on the key challenges and opportunities contributing to greater awareness among young people regarding family planning, informed relationship choices, parenthood, marriage and children, Dr Shabaneh said it was time for Pakistan to grow rich and prosperous before its population grows old. He also welcomed the government's renewed focus on population management, particularly appreciating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for personally chairing the National Population Council (NPC). He noted that the inclusion of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in the national body reflects that population management has become a strategic national priority extending beyond the health sector to encompass economic resilience, social cohesion and national security. He emphasised that sustainable population management cannot be achieved through government departments alone. Parliamentarians, provincial legislators, religious scholars and community leaders have a decisive role in promoting responsible parenthood, birth spacing, girls' education and awareness while dispelling misconceptions surrounding reproductive health. Their collective engagement, he said, is vital to addressing one of Pakistan's most pressing long-term challenges. Dr Shabaneh said the report highlights that young people across the world aspire to meaningful lives, stable relationships and families but increasingly face economic uncertainty, housing shortages, insecurity, gender inequality and climate-related concerns that influence their decisions regarding marriage and parenthood. According to the Pakistan findings, 76 per cent of respondents expressed optimism about the future despite mounting challenges. However, 53 per cent cited conflict and security risks, economic insecurity, inequality, health concerns and environmental threats among their major worries. The survey also revealed a gap between the number of children people currently have and the number they ideally desire. Women in Pakistan have an average of 1.8 children but would prefer 2.5, while men reported an average of 2.5 children and ideally wanted 3.4. Among Pakistanis aged 35-39 without children, 65 per cent said they would like to become parents. Dr Shabaneh stressed that reproductive decisions are shaped by real-life circumstances rather than fertility targets alone. Young people identified financial security, stable employment, housing, emotional readiness, healthcare, gender equality and access to quality public services as the key conditions needed before starting families. He underlined that Pakistan's youthful population represents an enormous opportunity if equipped with education, skills and employment. Otherwise, the country risks missing its demographic dividend. Highlighting the growing importance of digital connectivity, Dr Shabaneh said internet access has become a gateway to education, employment, information and civic participation. Expanding digital inclusion, especially for girls, rural youth and marginalised communities, is essential for unlocking Pakistan's economic potential, particularly as the country already hosts one of the world's largest young freelance workforces, he said.

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LHC bars new civil suits sans reasoned orders

In a significant ruling clarifying the scope of judicial discretion under the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC), the Lahore High Court has ruled that courts cannot permit a plaintiff to withdraw a civil suit with liberty to file a fresh one through a non-speaking order, holding that such permission must be supported by specific reasons demonstrating the existence of a formal defect or other sufficient legal grounds under the law. In a detailed judgment, Justice Raheel Kamran held that permission to institute a fresh suit, which exempts a plaintiff from the statutory bar against filing another suit on the same cause of action, can only be granted through a reasoned and speaking order identifying the formal defect or other sufficient legal grounds justifying the relief. Justice Kamran made the observation while allowing a constitutional petition challenging concurrent orders of the civil judge and the additional district judge, Wazirabad, which had permitted a plaintiff to withdraw a civil suit with liberty to institute a fresh one. According to the judgment, respondent Muhammad Arshad had filed a suit for declaration, possession and permanent injunction against the petitioner and another defendant. After issues were framed and the case reached the stage of the plaintiff's evidence, he sought withdrawal of the suit, stating that it contained certain legal defects and that the plaint had been drafted on incorrect facts contrary to his instructions. The trial court accepted the request and dismissed the suit as withdrawn, granting permission to file a fresh suit subject to payment of Rs3,000 in costs and all legal exceptions and limitation. The revisional court subsequently upheld that order. Before the high court, the petitioner's counsel argued that the plaintiff's statement was vague and failed to disclose any specific formal defect or sufficient ground contemplated under Order XXIII Rule 1(2) of the Code of Civil Procedure. It was contended that the plaintiff neither identified the alleged defects nor did the trial court record reasons explaining how those defects were likely to cause the suit to fail, rendering the permission legally unsustainable. Examining the legal framework, Justice Kamran observed that while Order XXIII Rule 1 of the CPC allows a plaintiff to withdraw a suit, permission to institute a fresh suit stands on a different legal footing because it shields the plaintiff from the statutory prohibition against bringing another suit on the same cause of action. For that reason, the legislature has made such permission conditional upon the court being satisfied that the suit would fail due to a formal defect or that other sufficient grounds exist. The judge held that although judicial satisfaction is a statutory requirement, it cannot remain confined to the mind of the court. Rather, it must be evident from the order itself through recorded reasons demonstrating that the court examined the alleged defect or ground and concluded that it fell within the ambit of Order XXIII Rule 1(2) of the CPC. The high court observed that, in the present case, the plaintiff merely referred to unspecified legal defects and asserted that the plaint had been drafted on incorrect facts. However, the trial court neither identified the alleged defects nor explained whether they were formal in nature or constituted sufficient grounds under the law. Instead, it simply stated that the plaintiff had shown a valid reason and that granting permission would serve the interest of justice. Justice Kamran ruled that the absence of an objection from the defendant could not relieve the court of its statutory obligation to independently examine the request.

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FBI chief discusses specialised training to combat counterterrorism financing with Naqvi, hails 'critical' Pak-US partnership

 Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met United States Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel on Monday and discussed specialised training to combat counterterrorism financing as the latter hailed the "critical" partnership between their two countries.  Naqvi has been in the US since Thursday and his recent engagement with regional and international officials has increased interest in this particular visit as Pakistan seeks to keep open the lines of communication between Tehran and Washington. In a post on X today, Patel said he hosted Naqvi at the FBI's headquarters in Washington for a meeting in which they held an "important discussion surrounding facilitating resources and specialised training to combat counterterrorism financing and cyber investigations both at home and abroad." Patel said the FBI "deeply appreciates" Pakistan's support as it protected US interests in the region. Hailing the bilateral relationship between both countries, he added: "Our partnership is critical and we look forward to more success ahead." An honor to host the Pakistan Ministry of Interior, Mohsin Naqvi, here at Headquarters – the @FBI deeply appreciates their support as we protect US interests in the region. Important discussion surrounding facilitating resources and specialized training to combat counterterrorism… pic.twitter.com/cFEuigwiZM — FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) July 13, 2026 Before arriving at Capitol Hill, he represented Pakistan at the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Pol­ice Summit (UNCOPS 2026) in New York from July 7-8. The gathering brought together interior ministers, police chiefs and senior law enforcement officials from around the world to discuss peace, security and enha­nced cooperation against transnational crime. Pakistan and the US have maintained an active counterterrorism partnership focused on combatting regional terrorist groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army, ISIS-Khorasan, and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. As part of this effort, both countries hold regular CT dialogues to coordinate responses to transnational terrorism and deter violent extremism. Counterterrorism collaboration includes efforts towards capacity building, exchange of technical expertise and best practices, investigative and prosecutorial assistance and provision of border security infrastructure and training.

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'Grandfather' unmasked as bank robbery gang's spotter

A 60-year-old man allegedly posing as an unsuspecting bank visitor turned out to be the eyes and ears of a robbery gang, according to police, who arrested him for allegedly tracking citizens withdrawing large sums of money and alerting his accomplices. Ferozabad police arrested Muhammad Mangi during an operation against a gang involved in robbing citizens after they withdrew cash from banks. According to SSP East Zubair Nazir Sheikh, the suspect was a key member of an organised gang and would visit banks to identify people carrying large amounts of cash before informing his accomplices. Police officials said investigations into repeated robberies targeting citizens travelling from banks to their destinations revealed that an elderly man was suspiciously conducting reconnaissance. To avoid raising suspicion, the gang allegedly used the senior citizen as a spotter. During interrogation, police said it emerged that the suspect was part of a four-member gang which would chase and rob citizens after receiving information from Mangi. Police said CCTV footage of several alleged robberies had also been obtained, showing the suspect inside different banks and other motorcycle-riding suspects at robbery locations. According to police, Mangi confessed during questioning to involvement in dozens of criminal incidents. Investigators also found that two years ago, he allegedly conducted surveillance on a DSP, leading to a robbery of Rs800,000 carried out with the help of the same gang. Police said the suspect's criminal record had also surfaced, showing his alleged involvement in a murder case committed during a robbery. A case has been registered against him, while raids are being conducted to arrest his absconding accomplices. Two fake intelligence officers held Bahadurabad police arrested two men allegedly impersonating officers of a sensitive institution and using fake identities to deceive citizens and influence government officials. The suspects, identified as Talha Yousufzai and Ali Haqani, were taken into custody and shifted to the police station for investigation. A case was registered against them on behalf of the state under charges including document forgery and misuse of a false official identity. According to police, the suspects were travelling in a black vehicle while posing as officers of a sensitive institution. Acting on a tip-off, police stopped them and sought their identification documents. The suspects allegedly produced fake identity cards of the institution, which were found to be forged. Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly used the name of a sensitive institution to extract millions of rupees from citizens and were also involved in pressuring government officials for bribes. Sources said the suspects allegedly acquired a bungalow in Bahadurabad through blackmail, while fake institutional identity cards were recovered from their possession. Investigators said the suspects allegedly used their fake influence in various institutions, including the Sindh Building Control Authority and the University of Karachi, to get different tasks carried out. They were also allegedly involved in matters related to illegal constructions and land encroachments. Police said investigations into the suspects' possible links with government and private institutions were under way, with further arrests expected.

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Fresh controversy clouds Ring Road's inauguration

The Rawalpindi Ring Road project, which has faced prolonged delays and repeated controversies, is again shrouded in uncertainty over whether it will be inaugurated on August 14, despite completion of the main route, following a fresh controversy over the no-objection certificate (NOC) for its service area. The Ring Road controversy has, for a second time, led to the removal of the commissioner, deputy commissioner and other officials from their posts. According to details, the project was suspended during former prime minister Imran Khan's tenure after changes to its design and route expansion triggered a controversy that also resulted in the removal of several administrative officers. Since then, the Punjab government has set six deadlines to complete the project. Following Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's visit, the first deadline was December 30, 2025, followed by March 30, 2026, May 30, June 15, and a target to inaugurate and make the route functional between June 18 and June 22. None of these deadlines was met. The sixth deadline of August 14 was set after construction of the route from Banth Interchange to a direct motorway link, excluding Thalian Interchange, was completed, while work on eight toll plazas and 16 toll booths continues. However, a fresh controversy over the NOC for a 102-kanal, 14-marla service area being developed on both sides of the Ring Road has once again created uncertainty over the planned inauguration. Meanwhile, a division bench of the Lahore High Court has suspended a single bench's order upholding the NOC and fixed July 16 for the next hearing. It is pertinent to mention that following the controversy, former Commissioner Engineer Abdul Aamer Khattak, Deputy Commissioner Waqar Hassan Cheema, former RDA DG and incumbent Abad Department Director General Kunza Murtaza, along with two other officers, were removed from their positions and transferred to the S&GAD. Newly appointed Commissioner Salman Ghani, Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir and Abad Department Director General Rao Atif Raza have assumed charge.

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Focus on navigation glitch in cargo plane crash

Investigators probing the K2 Airways cargo aircraft crash are examining the possibility of a malfunction in the aircraft's Inertial Reference System (IRS) as well as spatial disorientation as potential causes of the accident, while the aircraft's black box, engines, fuselage and crew have yet to be recovered. According to sources, preliminary investigations are focusing on a possible technical fault in the aircraft's Inertial Reference System (IRS), along with the possibility that the pilots may have experienced spatial disorientation before the crash. Sources said the IRS is a critical navigation system that provides pilots with information about the aircraft's position, direction of travel, flight attitude and speed. The system is capable of operating independently without relying on external navigation signals. Investigators are also examining the possibility of spatial disorientation, a highly dangerous aviation condition in which a pilot loses accurate awareness of the aircraft's actual position, direction or movement and perceives a false sense of orientation. According to sources, a fault in the aircraft's navigation system had emerged as an area of focus during the preliminary inquiry. They added that shortly before the crash, the flight crew had requested heading guidance from air traffic control. Meanwhile, on the fifth day of the salvage and rescue operation on Saturday, recovery teams were still unable to locate the aircraft's black box. Sources said the aircraft's engines and flight data recorder are critical pieces of evidence for determining the cause of the accident. Investigators believe that once the black box is recovered and its data decoded, a clearer picture of the events leading up to the crash is expected to emerge.

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Gwadar Port completes first international bunkering operation

Gwadar Port has completed its first international bunkering operation, marking a significant development for Pakistan's maritime sector, sources said on Saturday. According to sources, the operation was carried out by the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) in collaboration with global energy trader Vitol and involved supplying 2,500 metric tonnes of International Maritime Organization (IMO)-compliant Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) to the UAE-owned LNG vessel ENUGU. Sources said the marine fuel supplied during the operation was produced locally by Cnergyico PK Limited at its refinery, highlighting Pakistan's capacity to produce fuel that meets international marine standards. Read: Gwadar: a key for rapid development They said the successful bunkering operation was viewed within the industry as an important step towards developing a domestic bunkering and marine fuel supply ecosystem. It further added that the operation also strengthens Gwadar Port's position as a potential alternative bunkering hub for international sea-going vessels. The sources said that, as geopolitical tensions continue to affect traditional shipping routes and refuelling hubs in the region, Gwadar could emerge as a secure, efficient and reliable option for international maritime traffic. They added that the development could unlock new economic opportunities for Pakistan's maritime sector and contribute to the growth of the country's blue economy.

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