Fire guts hundreds of stalls at H-9 market

Hundreds of stalls and their merchandise were reduced to ashes after a fire broke out at the H-9 Sunday Bazaar in Islamabad. Fire brigade teams reached the scene and brought the blaze under control, while traders termed the incident a conspiracy. According to details, the fire erupted suddenly between 10pm and 11pm on Tuesday at the H-9 Sunday Bazaar near Peshawar Mor and quickly spread to several sections of the market. Six Rescue 1122 fire tenders remained engaged in firefighting operations, while the Pakistan Navy's fire brigade also participated in the rescue efforts. According to the district administration, the fire spread to a total of nine sections of the market. Sources said more than 380 stalls were affected by the blaze, while an initial estimate of financial losses is being assessed. No loss of life was reported. Affected traders said government officials arrived at the scene very late and claimed that fires had become a recurring issue at the market. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Abdul Rehman Khan, president of the traders' association of H Section, alleged that the fire was not accidental but part of a conspiracy. He said rescue agencies reached the scene too late, allowing the fire to spread extensively.

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Khawaja Asif doubles down, says 'stands by' contentious AJK remarks despite volley of criticism

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday stood by his recent contentious remarks on Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), calling for a clear distinction between those who had made sacrifices for the Kashmir cause and those who had not. In a television interview, Asif said Rawalakot — which has seen protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) — was "not Kashmir" and that he did not regard its residents as Kashmiris. He later clarified the remarks on X, saying that "Kashmiriat is defined by the sacrifices and struggles waged over almost eight decades" by Pakistanis, Kashmiris and others, "not by birth certificates". The controversy spilt over to the National Assembly earlier in the day, where PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PPP MNA Raja Pervaiz Ashraf slammed Asif for his remarks. Read: Asif warns against 'anti-Pak agenda' in AJK Responding to the criticism on private television programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, the minister resolutely said: "Bilawal is entitled to say anything, I don't have any reservation over it, this is the beauty of democracy. When politicians criticise one another on the floor of the assembly or even in the media, I believe it is a sign of the system's success. "I welcome the criticism and rest my point of view — right or wrong but right in my view — I stand by it." He criticised the actions of the JAAC in AJK and accused its members of mistreating bodies. “Members of the action committee not only caused the deaths of people but also desecrated their bodies. After that, one of the committee's members said that while bodies are returned from Balochistan, we will not return these bodies from Kashmir,” he said The minister also criticised the committee's demand to remove references to AJK's accession to Pakistan from official provisions. “If such voices begin to emerge from our side of Kashmir, it undermines our position on a plebiscite. Such statements are benefiting India.” Reiterating his position on the issue of language, Asif said he stood by his earlier remarks and maintained that the language spoken in parts of AJK differed from Kashmiri spoken in the Valley. “The issue of language is entirely different. The language spoken in some parts of Punjab is also spoken in certain areas of Azad Kashmir. Kashmiri, however, is a completely different language that is spoken in the Valley and in many parts of Azad Kashmir.” “Those who migrated from there speak that language, but in areas adjoining Punjab, Kashmiri is not spoken. Instead, the language of Pakistan's Potohar region is spoken there.” Also Read: Bilawal, Fazl slam Khawaja Asif over AJK remarks during heated NA session The defence minister said there should be a clear categorisation between those who had made sacrifices, those who continued to do so and those who had migrated and were living elsewhere. “I believe categorisation is my right and also the right of those people who are still making sacrifices in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.” Referring to the issue of reserved seats for migrants, Asif accused unnamed political forces of backing protesting elements for political gains. He said some parties believed that a larger number of seats in Punjab could increase their political influence, describing the matter as “all politics”. Asked about Fazl, who was approached by the JAAC to mediate with the government, the minister said he respected the veteran politician's role. “I respect Maulana's politics. If his efforts can help find a solution, it is for the government to decide. Personally, I have no objection to Maulana's mediation.” Asif also expressed support for resolving issues through negotiations. “I believe in dialogue, but at the same time, I also believe in expressing my views. Whether someone agrees with them or not, I respect their opinion.” Responding to a question regarding Fazl’s call for protesters to end their sit-in, the minister said he had no objection to contacts between the JUI-F chief, the government and political groups in AJK. “If there are talks with maulana, whether by our party or by political elements within Kashmir, who am I to object?” Background The recent unrest and deadly clashes broke out in areas, including Rawalakot, where the JAAC had been holding a sit-in outside the Combined Military Hospital Rawalakot. AJK police allege that armed JAAC members opened fire on deployed law enforcement in a planned attack, leaving four personnel dead and around 20 injured. JAAC, however, disputes this account, claiming security forces used tear gas and fired shells toward the hospital. According to the AJK police, three individuals linked to the JAAC and four law enforcement personnel were killed during the protests. JAAC, however, said in a statement on X that seven individuals were killed and dozens were injured when street firing was carried out in the dark after electricity was allegedly cut off. The clash came as the AJK government and the JAAC witnessed a face-off, as the election date for AJK was announced for July 27. Read More: Certain elements seeking to create instability in AJK despite repeated offers of dialogue: Rana Sanaullah AJK's 53-member legislative assembly includes 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees — people who fled Indian-controlled Kashmir in 1947 and 1965 and are now scattered across Pakistan. Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division (~434,000 people) and six from the Kashmir Valley (~30,000 people) — an already lopsided arrangement that many see as unfair. The region witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in October last year when protests led by the JAAC erupted over demands for constitutional and governance reforms. At least nine people, including three policemen, were killed during the unrest. The JAAC, which organised the protests and strike, had presented a wide-ranging charter of demands, including an end to the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees, and the scrapping of the quota system. Two days after the violence, the government and the JAAC reached an agreement covering 12 core and 13 additional points. Under the accord, both sides agreed to constitute a high-level committee to examine the issue of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly

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Review committee proposes overhaul of contentious telecom bill's provisions, upholds property rights

A committee constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review the controversial Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has proposed sweeping changes to the legislation, ruling out any access to or use of private property without the owner's consent and calling for clearer wording in several provisions to remove ambiguity. The development comes a week after the prime minister formed the committee following strong criticism from both government allies and opposition lawmakers, who demanded thorough scrutiny of the bill and amendments to its contentious clauses. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice on Wednesday, the committee reviewing the bill's Right of Way provisions submitted its interim report after conducting a detailed review of the proposed amendments and the existing legal framework governing Right of Way. Read More: PM forms committee to review contested telecom bill; directs proposals submission on priority The committee concluded that the primary objective of the legislation was to improve digital connectivity across the country while safeguarding citizens' rights, but noted that several provisions required further clarification. “Certain provisions required further clarification to remove any ambiguity,” the statement said. وزیراعظم کی قائم کردہ کمیٹی نے پاکستان ٹیلی کمیونیکیشن ری آرگنائزیشن ترمیمی بل 2026 میں رائٹ آف وے شقوں سے متعلق رپورٹ پیش کر دی اسلام آباد، 24 جون 2026 - وزارتِ قانون و انصاف نے کہا ہے کہ وزیراعظم اسلامی جمہوریہ پاکستان کی جانب سے پاکستان ٹیلی کمیونیکیشن ری آرگنائزیشن ترمیمی بل… — Hasnaat Malik (@HasnaatMalik) June 24, 2026 Addressing concerns relating to private property, the report stated that owner consent and a mutually agreed arrangement would remain a fundamental requirement in all such matters. “No action involving access to or use of the land, building, property, or assets of a private individual or private legal entity would be taken without the owner's consent and a mutual agreement,” it added. The committee recommended that the law clearly specify its applicability to land, buildings, properties, and assets owned, managed, or controlled by public institutions as well as federal, provincial, and local governments. It also proposed explicitly extending the framework to regulated private housing schemes, cooperative housing societies, and similar entities. The report further recommended that definitions relating to private land, private property, private individuals, companies, cooperative societies, and other forms of joint ownership be clearly incorporated into the legislation to avoid misunderstandings. Also Read: PPP will not pass disputed telecom bill containing 'draconian clauses': Sherry Rehman According to the press release, a clear distinction would be maintained between telecommunications infrastructure located above and below ground, right-of-way arrangements and related equipment, with separate procedures prescribed for each category. The committee also proposed a mechanism for resolving disputes involving licensed operators and public institutions, housing schemes, cooperative housing societies or similar entities. Under the proposal, such disputes would be referred to the appropriate government, which would be required to decide the matter within 45 days in accordance with the law. It further recommended that clear principles be established to guide the relevant government in assessing the necessity and appropriateness of any proposal, its public interest implications, and the compensation payable. The report said any person affected by a decision of the relevant government should have the right to appeal before the Telecommunications Appellate Tribunal established under Section 7A of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganisation) Act, 1996, with the tribunal's decision being final. The committee also recommended a review of the overriding clause to ensure consistency between the language and objectives of the law and to remove any ambiguity regarding citizens' rights. In addition, it proposed revisiting the penalty prescribed under Section 27B(1) and aligning it with the broader objectives, structure, and provisions of the legislation. According to the Ministry of Law and Justice, the committee had reached consensus on the broad principles, policy objectives, and necessary amendments. A draft of the proposed changes to the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, would be finalised within one week and submitted for further consideration and directions. The ministry said the government remained committed to promoting the growth of the telecommunications and information technology sectors while ensuring full protection of citizens' constitutional and legal rights. It stressed that there would be no compromise on the principles of private property rights, owner consent, the right to object, legal safeguards, and compensation. The ministry added that the objective of the Right of Way reforms was to provide the public with better, more reliable, and faster internet services, not to undermine any citizen's right to property. The bill, which seeks changes to a 1996 Act and was tabled by IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, was approved by the National Assembly on June 11 by a majority vote. Later, it was deferred by the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication, where it was referred on June 15. Questions over the motives behind the bill had grown stronger, particularly because of the government's push to have it approved by both houses of parliament. Following reservations raised by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) over the bill, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key ally of the government, also withheld its support, with Senator Sherry Rehman categorically stating that her party would not allow any legislation related to the information technology sector, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority or right of way to pass through the Senate unless it was thoroughly scrutinised and amended by the relevant standing committee. The prime minister later constituted a committee to review the bill and tasked it with addressing concerns raised over some of its provisions. The committee was mandated to examine the Right of Way framework under Sections 2(qb), 2(ma), 27A, and 27B of the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication had also clarified that the proposed Right of Way Bill 2026 would not allow the forcible acquisition of private land or unauthorised entry into citizens' private properties. According to the ministry, the property owners would retain the full right to raise objections, negotiate terms, and demand appropriate compensation before any work is carried out on their land.

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27 dismissed cops reinstated on condition of 'planting trees'

In an unusual move aimed at combining discipline with reform, Faisalabad police have reinstated 27 police personnel who were "compulsorily retired" for remaining absent from duty during Eidul Azha, subject to the condition that each officers plants 10 trees in his respective area. The personnel, including a sub-inspector, an assistant sub-inspector, head constables and constables, had been ordered into compulsory retirement by SP Madina Division Flight Lt (retd) Azhar Javed, over unauthorised absence from duty during the Eid holidays. The dismissed officials later filed appeals before City Police Officer (CPO) Faisalabad Tanveer Hussain, seeking reconsideration of the punishment. After reviewing the cases, the CPO modified the penalties and reinstated the officials, directing each of them to plant 10 trees and submit photographic evidence of the plantation. While restoring their jobs, the CPO emphasised that there would be no compromise on discipline within the force. However, he said corrective measures and opportunities for reform should also remain part of the accountability process. According to police records, more than 60 Faisalabad police employees have faced disciplinary proceedings during the past 18 months. In 2025 alone, 44 officials, including two station house officers (SHOs), were penalized over allegations ranging from links with drug traffickers to defiance of court orders. During the first six months of 2026, cases were registered against eight more officials on charges that included alleged connections with criminals and involvement in gambling activities. Many of those dismissed from service have challenged the decisions before the Service Tribunal, where their appeals remain pending.

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AJK govt asks JAAC leaders to surrender, assures due legal process

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Tuesday vowed to proceed in accordance with the law if leaders of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) surrendered to authorities, while holding the group responsible for a series of violent attacks against law enforcement officials as well as public assets to destabilise law and order in the valley. For the last couple of years, the local administration and the JAAC have been at loggerheads over the abolishment of 12 reserved seats in the AJK Assembly allocated for the refugees hailing from the Indian-occupied Kashmir who settled in Pakistan after 1947. Addressing a joint press conference, AJK Chief Secretary Flight Lieutenant (Retd) Khushal Khan and Inspector General of Police (IG) Captain (Retd) Liaqat Ali Malik outlined the government's stance on the law and order crisis in the valley that led to the negotiation deadlock. Appealing to the public, Khan urged citizens to avoid what he termed "misleading protests" and focus on their own welfare. Addressing JAAC members and supporters directly, he said the government would ensure due legal process for those involved if they voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement authorities. According to Khan, the government accepted key demands of the movement, including subsidised electricity tariffs, resulting in a financial burden of Rs8-9 billion on the exchequer. He added that after gaining public support, the JAAC gradually expanded its list of demands from three to eight and eventually to 38 demands, creating what he described as a cycle of continuous agitation. Khan maintained that 36 of the 38 demands included in an agreement with the Action Committee had been fully implemented, costing the governments of Pakistan and AJK between Rs20 billion and Rs25 billion. "The committee was expected to oversee the implementation process, but instead chose to sabotage it," he alleged. The region’s top secretary said the group's objections initially centred on the composition of the implementation committee, prompting the government to make changes in response to its concerns. Despite repeated boycotts and new demands from the JAAC, he said, the government continued to implement the agreed measures and launched various development projects that had reached the tendering stage. The apex secretary stated that the proscribed outfit was supposed to oversee the implementation process, but instead, it chose to sabotage it. Explaining why some demands could not be accepted, Khan said certain proposals were financially unviable. "For example, the removal of advance income tax would have caused a loss of Rs35 billion to the AJK government," he elucidated. He noted that while AJK's annual revenue stood at approximately Rs70 billion, the region relied heavily on financial support from the federal government of Pakistan. "The Government of Pakistan contributes around Rs300 billion to cover AJK's budget deficit, while we also benefit from several indirect forms of support in the form of projects and other resources." Dispute over reserved seats The chief secretary also addressed the controversy surrounding 12 reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, claiming that the JAAC refused to participate in a committee formed to resolve the matter. According to Khan, the committee insisted that the reserved seats be abolished before any further dialogue could take place. He further said that the JAAC had demanded the removal of the "accession to Pakistan" clause from the AJK Interim Constitution and from the oath taken by the AJK parliamentarians. "They also spoke about revisiting the Karachi Agreement, which exposes their actual intentions under the guise of public welfare," the chief secretary highlighted. The Karachi Agreement, signed in April 1949, had transferred administrative control of Gilgit-Baltistan and subjects including defence, foreign affairs and communications from the AJK government to Pakistan. Khan said discussions between the government and the committee on May 30 had been marked by what he described as an "offensive" attitude from JAAC representatives. "They threatened to launch a long march, while some participants even referred to it as an armed incursion." The chief secretary said the government had proposed three options for resolving the reserved seats dispute: convening an all-parties conference, referring the matter to the Supreme Court, or debating it in the Legislative Assembly. "All three options were rejected," he lamented. Following the collapse of negotiations, Khan alleged that JAAC supporters began mobilising across the region and attempted to disrupt supplies to border areas. They stopped food supplies from reaching border posts and called on citizens to shut down markets after June 9 in support of their strike, he said. He added that the administration subsequently sought assistance from paramilitary forces to maintain law and order. The chief secretary thanked the business community for continuing commercial activities despite calls for strikes and blockades. "People in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur divisions stood with the government, while residents of Rawalakot also pledged support and distanced themselves from the protesters," the top bureaucrat maintained. Read: Govt calls on JAAC to abandon 'violence', says no direct talks ongoing although AJK PM welcome to try Casualties, cases and arrests The AJK IGP detailed that the incidents of violence in the recent unrest led to the deaths of at least four law enforcement personnel, while 97 were wounded. To hold the miscreants responsible, 155 suspects were placed under the fourth schedule, Malik said, adding that at least 145 cases were registered against those involved in the unrest. Providing an update on the retaliatory law enforcement actions, the police chief further stated that police had arrested 572 suspects and all previously dismissed cases had been “reinstated”. Malik maintained that the government's priority remained the restoration and preservation of peace throughout AJK. He stated that authorities had not prevented peaceful demonstrations and had expressed willingness to address legitimate public demands.  The police chief also noted that the federal government had provided approximately Rs120-125 billion to the AJK government to meet its administrative requirements. Concluding the press conference, Malik said the activities of the banned outfit had disrupted peace and stability in the region and pledged that the law enforcement agencies would continue efforts to maintain public order. AJK premier accepts call for ‘meaningful dialogue’ from ‘stubborn’ JAAC Meanwhile, AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said that the JAAC sought mediation from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to resolve outstanding issues with the government. Rathore shared a video message on X from Fazl, which outlined the message from the group. “Isn't this what we've been asking from them since Day 1?” Rathore asked, maintaining that the government always insisted on the continuity of dialogue. He added that he personally appealed to JAAC on numerous occasions to call off their lockdown, end its campaign of agitation and return to the table. The premier lamented that it raised slogans against “so-called political interference in AJK's affairs” and had now approached the JUI-F chief to overcome the negotiation deadlock. Remarking on the new JAAC stance, he said, “This required no mediation until they decided to bully the state.” In the video shared by the AJK PM, the JUI-F leader accepted the role of a mediator and said he needed time to convince the government to convene negotiations. Fazl said he received a letter from JAAC leaders Sardar Umar Aziz, Khawaja Mehran, and Shaukat Nawaz Mir to arbitrate in the tense conflict with the AJK government. Isn't this what we've been asking from them since Day 1? We asked them not to leave dialogue. They showed zero flexibility. I personally appealed to them on numerous occasions to call off their lockdown, end their campaign of agitation and return to the table. They ignored.… pic.twitter.com/DPnCaDIeM0 — Faisal Mumtaz Rathore (@PMofAJK) June 23, 2026 He called on the committee to quit protesting while he tried to bring the government to the table for talks. Additionally, he urged the JAAC to abandon all actions that could lead to the intensification of the conflict so that a “pathway for talks” could be carved out. The JUI-F chief hoped the JAAC, as well as the government, would show flexibility to pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the conflict. On the other hand, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also shared his views about the ongoing unrest in AJK and said, "The nefarious and external agenda-driven voices coming out of AJK against Pakistan and the Kashmir cause must be responded to in the strongest possible terms." The minister highlighted that the Kashmiris were the ones who paid the price for migration and continued "to pay the price in IIOJK". "The people of AJK, who live here in peace and tranquillity for many decades guarded by soldiers from all over Pakistan, and surely brave hearts from AJK too, need to recognise the sacrifices of Kashmiris of IIOJK and the muhajirs of 1947 and later years. Belittling these sacrifices is negating the Kashmir cause." Asif further said that in his opinion, the Kashmiri identity was defined by the "sacrifices and struggles waged over almost eight decades by Pakistanis, including Kashmiris and all others, not by birth certificates". My remarks about the crisis in AJK were frank and honest, Alhamdolillah. Those who have sinister agendas may try to twist them but they cannot take Kashmir out of me or out from Pakistan or take Pakistan out of Kashmir. The sacrifices of Kashmiris who crossed over into Pakistan… — Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) June 23, 2026 Background The recent unrest and deadly clashes broke out in areas, including Rawalakot, where the JAAC had been holding a sit-in outside the Combined Military Hospital Rawalakot. AJK police allege that armed JAAC members opened fire on deployed law enforcement in a planned attack, leaving four personnel dead and around 20 injured. JAAC, however, disputes this account, claiming security forces used tear gas and fired shells toward the hospital. According to the AJK police, three individuals linked to the JAAC and four law enforcement personnel were killed during the protests. JAAC, however, said in a statement on X that seven individuals were killed and dozens were injured when street firing was carried out in the dark after electricity was allegedly cut off. The clash came as the AJK government and the JAAC witnessed a face-off, as the election date for AJK was announced for July 27. Read More: Certain elements seeking to create instability in AJK despite repeated offers of dialogue: Rana Sanaullah AJK's 53-member legislative assembly includes 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees — people who fled Indian-controlled Kashmir in 1947 and 1965 and are now scattered across Pakistan. Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division (~434,000 people) and six from the Kashmir Valley (~30,000 people) — an already lopsided arrangement that many see as unfair. The region witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in October last year when protests led by the JAAC erupted over demands for constitutional and governance reforms. At least nine people, including three policemen, were killed during the unrest. The JAAC, which organised the protests and strike, had presented a wide-ranging charter of demands, including an end to the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees, and the scrapping of the quota system. Two days after the violence, the government and the JAAC reached an agreement covering 12 core and 13 additional points. Under the accord, both sides agreed to constitute a high-level committee to examine the issue of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly.

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Man shot dead on way to court

A 22-year-old man was shot dead by armed assailants while on his way to attend a court hearing in Kabirwala, allegedly as a result of a long-standing tribal feud. The deceased, identified as Mursaleen Tayyab Hanjra, came under attack near Jhandeer Kassi in the jurisdiction of Nawan Shehr Police Station. Police and family sources said more than eight armed suspects allegedly ambushed him and opened fire with Kalashnikovs and rifles, leaving him critically injured. The attackers reportedly fled the scene towards the Mamdal area after the shooting. The incident is said to be linked to an old rivalry between the Hanjra and Kartwana communities in the Head Sardar Pur area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Sarai Sidhu Police Station in Kabirwala police circle. Family members immediately called Rescue 1122 for medical assistance. However, Mursaleen Tayyab succumbed to his injuries before help could arrive. On the complaint of the victim's father, Muhammad Tayyab Hanjra, Nawan Shehr Police registered a case against the nominated suspects, identified as Muhammad Hanif Kartwana, Muhammad Asif Kartwana, Muhammad Kashif Kartwana, Qaiser, Sagheer Ahmed, Abdul Razzaq and Muhammad Bilal, along with other unidentified accomplices. Following the killing, members of the Hanjra community staged a protest by placing the victim's body on Multan Road outside the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital in Kabirwala. The demonstration continued for nearly two hours, causing traffic disruption and drawing a large crowd. The protesters chanted slogans against DSP Kabirwala Chaudhry Munawar Gujjar and the SHO of Sarai Sidhu Police Station, accusing police of failing to act against proclaimed offenders allegedly associated with the rival group. The victim's relatives claimed that wanted suspects frequently remained present in residential areas of Muhammad Pur Nasheb and Sardar Pur but were not arrested despite police being aware of their whereabouts. They alleged that timely action by law enforcement could have prevented the killing. The victim's mother and other family members were seen mourning during the protest and demanded arrest of the suspects. The bereaved family appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the Inspector General of Police Punjab to ensure the arrest of the accused and take action against those responsible for negligence. Police said investigations are underway and efforts are being made to arrest the suspects named in the case.

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Water crisis hits 14 Pindi localities

A severe water crisis has emerged in 14 localities at the Rawalpindi-Islamabad border after the Capital Development Authority (CDA) revoked No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for 20 tube wells and water borings installed with official permission in areas from Faizabad to Koral Chowk and adjoining localities. Residents have been deprived of water for the last three days, triggering protests by women, children and other residents. Private water tanker operators have raised prices, with small tankers now selling for Rs2,500 and large tankers for Rs3,500. Local philanthropists collected donations and purchased large tankers to distribute water free of cost. WASA and the district administration have been accused of remaining absent from the situation. CDA revoked NOCs of 15 tube wells operated by the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA). Four tube wells established during former president Pervez Musharraf's tenure through Asian Development Bank support and operated by a community-based NGO were also shut down and their equipment seized. The closure has completely halted water supply in Rahmatabad, Ghareebabad Blocks A, B, C and D, Gulrez, Jabbar Colony, Banaras Colony, Dhoke Chaudhrian, Mumtaz Colony, Nayyar Colony, Chaklala, Dhoke Munshi and adjoining informal settlements, forcing residents to search for water with containers in hand. According to the WASA Managing Director, 15 tube wells costing Rs1.16 billion were planned along Islamabad Expressway service roads under a Punjab government project. Nine have been completed and six are under construction, but IESCO has yet to provide electricity connections. Although CDA later restored the NOCs, implementation has not taken place. Residents said four tube wells installed in 2002 with support from the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and Japan had supplied water on a no-profit, no-loss basis through a community-based operator. After nearly 26 years, their permits were revoked and machinery confiscated. NOCs for private household borings were also cancelled, with operations, challans and fines initiated against residents. WASA says water supply can resume within 24 hours if electricity connections are provided to its completed tube wells. A CDA spokesperson maintained that the land falls within Islamabad's jurisdiction and cannot be used by another district without its approval. Hundreds of men and women led by Haider Ali, Yasir Bhatti, Raja Nasir, Amjad Ali Shah and Fayyaz Khan staged protests and warned that if water is not restored within 24 hours, sit-ins will be held outside the offices of the commissioner, deputy commissioner and WASA. Residents said Federal Parliamentary Secretary Daniyal Chaudhry had approved two additional tube wells for the area, but work has not yet begun. PTI MPA Tanveer Aslam also raised the issue in the Punjab Assembly, where the government suggested waiting until 2029 for a new dam project. Residents have appealed to the prime minister, interior minister, chief minister and commissioner for immediate intervention.

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