IHC orders action against campus drugs

The hearing of a case pertaining to the use of drugs in educational institutions across the federal capital will be taken up on May 19 by a bench headed by Justice Raja Inam Amin Minhas of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). During the previous hearing, the court had issued notices to the Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, directing him to appear in person at the next hearing or ensure the presence of a responsible official fully conversant with the matter. The court had also instructed the police and Anti-Narcotics Force Pakistan to extend assistance in developing a surveillance mechanism for universities. The petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) by Advocate Kashif Ali Malik on behalf of the Lucky Foundation, seeking eradication of drug use in educational institutions. The matter is scheduled for hearing on 19 May.

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No move on constitutional amendment without consensus, says Sanaullah

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah pushed back on Saturday against speculation of an imminent constitutional amendment, saying no such move would proceed without broad political consensus among all stakeholders. Rumours about a proposed 28th constitutional amendment have been doing the rounds since last year and have gotten stronger as of late. Amid growing speculation, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said a day earlier that the government had not contacted his party regarding any proposed constitutional amendment, while warning that the passage of any such legislation would not be possible without its support. Speaking during a private television programme “Jirga”, Sanaullah remained non-committal when asked about the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment. Read: No move on 28th constitutional amendment, says law minister “It is settled that whatever amendment comes will be the 28th Amendment, because the 27th has already been done. So now, we should expect the 28th Amendment,” he said. However, he did not confirm whether such an amendment was under consideration, adding that the issues potentially linked to a 28th amendment were of fundamental importance and remained part of ongoing dialogue between political parties and their leadership. Responding to a question, he endorsed Bilawal’s stance that no constitutional amendment could be passed without the PPP’s support. “Yes, absolutely. He is correct in saying that no amendment can be made without them, and he is also right to the extent that they have not been informed that we are going to bring any 28th Amendment,” he said. He added, however, that the PPP was itself aware of the issues at hand and also had proposals for resolving them. “Consensus-building has not yet begun. Until there is consensus, no move will be made towards any amendment,” he said. Also Read: PPP pours scorn on govt's 28th tweak plan Discussing broader governance and fiscal matters, including local government systems, the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, population control, and resource distribution, he said the existing framework left the federal government with very limited fiscal space after debt servicing and defence expenditure. “The distribution of resources between the provinces and the federation under the NFC leaves the federation with almost nothing after paying external debt and defence charges,” he said, adding that the matter was under serious consideration and required a workable solution. Expressing concern over a potential future water crisis, the adviser said India was planning to construct five to six dams on the Chenab River, projects that he said could be completed by 2029–30. He warned that in such a scenario, India would be in a position to control the river’s flow. “India will weaponise water. When we need it, they may block it, and when we do not need it, they may suddenly release it, causing floods here,” he said. He added that Pakistan should urgently consider alternative strategies, including the construction of water reservoirs, to address the potential challenge.

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Imran's detention sparks showdown in parliament

The issue of access to jailed PTI founder Imran Khan dominated proceedings across both Houses of Parliament on Friday, with the National Assembly witnessing opposition threats of protest from Monday, while the Senate saw demands for a parliamentary committee to visit political prisoners. However, the government firmly rejected the demands, asserting that prison administration and meeting arrangements are governed strictly under existing legal and judicial frameworks. In the National Assembly, Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai demanded clarity on when the PTI founder's family would be allowed to meet him and when he would receive treatment of his choice, warning that the opposition would launch protests from Monday if there was no response. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said Imran Khan had been imprisoned for nearly three years and that the party was being denied equal treatment despite repeated legal recourse. He further lamented that the agreed procedures and court-directed SOPs were not being implemented in practice. "We have gone to the Supreme Court 15 times and to the High Court 24 times, but we have not received justice from the courts," he said, adding that even arrangements finalised with the Speaker were not being followed. He supported the opposition's demands and said the party was seeking justice for its leadership Meanwhile, in the Senate, opposition lawmakers led by Raja Nasir Abbas, Azam Swati and others demanded a bipartisan parliamentary committee to visit Imran Khan and other political prisoners, arguing that denial of access and continued incarceration were worsening political tensions. The government, represented by Rana Sanaullah, rejected the proposal, saying there was no constitutional or procedural basis for such a committee and that prison-related matters were already governed through judicial forums and established mechanisms. The session, chaired by Senator Sherry Rehman, saw sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches over Imran Khan's health, prison conditions and restrictions on meetings at Adiala jail. Opposition senators warned that continued incarceration of political workers and denial of access were aggravating the country's political tensions, while the government defended the existing legal and judicial framework governing prison matters. Leader of the Opposition Senator Raja Nasir Abbas said political victimisation and denial of rights were pushing the country deeper into crisis. "By jailing political workers, we are shooting ourselves in the foot," he said, proposing that a bipartisan Senate committee comprising government and opposition lawmakers be allowed to meet Imran Khan and other political prisoners before submitting a report to the House. "Let everyone stand against whoever is stopping us from visiting jails," he added, saying Parliament should not tolerate excesses against politicians. PTI Senator Azam Swati told the House that the PTI founder had "lost sight in one eye" and urged the state to ensure basic human rights for both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. "We need to unite at this time. Inhumane treatment is never justified," Swati said, while urging the government to "change its decisions and try to improve the situation." Senator Faisal Javed also slammed restrictions on access to Adiala jail, questioning why medical treatment, including treatment abroad, had previously been arranged for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif but not for Imran Khan. He demanded that PTI leaders and family members be allowed to meet the incarcerated party founder. Responding to the opposition's criticism, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said the government had consistently attempted to resolve issues through dialogue, but progress had been hindered by certain political attitudes. He maintained that both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were receiving the best medical treatment available in the country and said meetings in jail were being regulated under a mechanism approved by a larger bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC). According to Rana Sanaullah, the arrangement allows meetings twice a week, with separate schedules for lawyers and family members. He said PTI leaders, including Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, had assured the court that meetings would not be used for political messaging or media campaigns. However, he alleged that the understanding had repeatedly been violated through press conferences and international campaigns targeting state institutions. "Campaigns targeting state institutions and their heads were carried out abroad. Evidence regarding such activities can be presented whenever required," he said. The adviser further stated that a five-member medical board, constituted on the recommendation of PTI's own doctors, had endorsed the treatment being provided to the former prime minister. Rejecting the opposition's proposal for a parliamentary committee, Rana Sanaullah said there was no provision in the rules of the Senate or National Assembly allowing such interference in executive matters related to prison administration. He added that legal and judicial forums already existed for complaints regarding prison conditions or access. Referring to the May 9 unrest, he said attacks on state institutions could not be ignored, and those responsible would face consequences. Noting that an "action" which succeeds is called a revolution, he said a failed attempt to bring about a revolution amounted to treachery and carried consequences. He added that repeated attempts to march on Islamabad and confront the state had further strained the political atmosphere. The Senate session was later adjourned until Monday evening.

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Hostage crew’s video surfaces after 26 days in Somali pirate captivity

A video showing 10 crew members of an Indonesian-flagged vessel held hostage by Somali pirates surfaced on Friday, sparking concern among their families and the public. In the footage, one of the abducted crew members, Second Officer Hussain Yousuf, is seen appealing to the government for urgent assistance to secure the release of all hostages. He is flanked by fellow Pakistani crew members as well as Indonesian colleagues, while armed pirates are visible in the background. Speaking in the video, Yousuf said 26 days had passed since the vessel was seized, adding that the crew remained unaware of any progress in negotiations for their release. Read More: HRCP expresses deep alarm over continued captivity of Pakistani crew by Somali pirates He described worsening conditions on board, saying food supplies had been exhausted and the pirates were providing only small portions of rice once every 24 hours. He added that the crew was being forced to drink contaminated water from the ship’s tank. صومالی بحری قزاقوں نے پاکستانیوں سمیت 17 یرغمالیوں کی نئی ویڈیو جاری کردی یرغمالی پاکستانی شہری یوسف حسین کی حکومت پاکستان سے اپیل یہ لوگ ابلے چاول اور ٹینک کا گندہ پانی پینے کے لیے دے رہے ہیں،بہت مشکل میں جلد سے جلد قزاقوں سے مزاکرات کریں ،ویڈیو میں بھاری اسلحے سے لیس قزاق بھی… pic.twitter.com/1IcDJ2jPCV — Shahid Hussain (@ShahidHussainJM) May 15, 2026 He urged the government and the shipping company to expedite negotiations to ensure their safe release. Meanwhile, families of the abducted Pakistani crew members are said to be in severe distress, making repeated appeals to authorities for the safe return of their loved ones. The children of the hostages expressed hope of celebrating the upcoming Eidul Azha with their fathers. The families have approached various government officials through the media and social platforms. Around two weeks ago, they met the Sindh governor in what was described as their first formal interaction with a government representative. The governor assured them of full cooperation and pledged to take up the matter with the federal government. Earlier, the families staged a symbolic protest at the Native Jetty Bridge, briefly blocking heavy port traffic to draw attention to their plight. They also warned of launching a hunger strike if their demands were not addressed promptly.

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President Zardari confers 47 military awards

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday conferred 47 military awards upon distinguished officers and soldiers to recognise their exceptional bravery, leadership and meritorious services rendered for the defence of the country. The awards were conferred at the Investiture Ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr that was attended by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, government dignitaries and families of the award recipients. Three personnel, including one officer and two jawans who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty, were posthumously awarded Sitara-i-Basalat for acts of gallantry and sacrifice. The recipients included Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Ali Shaukat Shaheed, Sepoy Soban Majeed Baloch Shaheed and Sepoy Israr Muhammad Shaheed. The president also conferred Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon 44 senior officers of the armed forces. The awards recognised their outstanding leadership and meritorious services. Among the recipients from Pakistan Air Force were Air Marshal Kashif Qamar, Air Marshal Amir Shahzad, Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat, Air Vice Marshal Shahid Mansoor Jehangiri, Air Vice Marshal Khalid Mehmood and Air Vice Marshal Tahir Mahmood. From the Pakistan Army, the awardees included Major General Muhammad Shahid Abro, Major General Malik Maqbool Raza, Major General Sibtain Rafique, Major General Ijaz Ahmad, Major General Malik Mohammad Shahzad, Major General Amer Ashfaq Kayani, Major General Qaiser Suleman, Major General Omer Naseem, Major General Luqman Hafeez, Major General Aamer Amin, Major General Syed Imran Arif, Major General Haroon Hameed Chaudhary, Major General Waseem Iftikhar Cheema, Major General Muhammad Hussain, Major General Shoaib Bin Akram, Major General Yasir Nawaz Janjua, Major General Kashif Khalil, Major General Syed Abbas Ali, Major General Ahmad Kamal, Major General Kashif Abdullah, Major General Rana Arfan Shakeel Ramay, Major General Muhammad Abbas, Major General Anjum Riaz, Major General Atique Ahmed, Major General Naveed Ahmed, Major General Sajid Amin, Major General Muhammad Intikhab Alam, Major General Muhammad Shahzad Khan, Major General Shahid Amir Afsar, Major General Nisar Ul Haq and Major General Jawad Riaz. The officers from Pakistan Navy who received Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) included Rear Admiral Mazhar Mahmood Malik, Director General Medical Services Rear Admiral Rizwan Sadiq, Rear Admiral Adnan Majeed, Rear Admiral Shahzad Hamid, Rear Admiral Azhar Mahmood, Rear Admiral Shahzad Iqbal and Rear Admiral Muhammad Khalid.

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Karachi’s Shahrah-e-Bhutto to be opened for public this month: Sharjeel Memon

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Thursday said that Shahrah-e-Bhutto, a highway linking Karachi with the M-9 Motorway, would be opened to the public this month, reducing travel time for citizens by nearly an hour. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Memon described the project as a “game changer”, saying it would significantly improve the city’s traffic and transport system. He also said that a new road was being constructed from Karachi Port to Taj Haider Bridge to further enhance connectivity. He said that several previously stalled development schemes had also been revived, adding that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the local government department were jointly working on major infrastructure initiatives, including a modern Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Read: CM sets Eid deadline for Shahrah-e-Bhutto completion Memon further disclosed that during President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China, a memorandum of understanding was signed for a desalination plant project under which a Chinese company would set up a facility to convert seawater into usable water. He said the project was expected to help address Karachi’s water shortage. He added that agreements in the livestock and agriculture sectors were also signed during the visit, describing them as major diplomatic and economic achievements. The minister said the Sindh government was also taking measures to provide relief to salaried individuals. Referring to anti-narcotics operations, he said a notorious drug dealer had been arrested, while officials found negligent during the operation had been suspended. Responding to questions about misinformation on social media, Memon expressed concern over the spread of fake news and propaganda, saying the purpose of the PECA law was to curb misinformation. Also Read: Shah inspects major road projects, orders acceleration of work On another question, he said no formal announcement regarding a possible 28th Constitutional Amendment had been made so far. Addressing concerns about the Public Service Commission, the minister said anyone with evidence of irregularities should approach the relevant forum, assuring that action would be taken on all legitimate complaints.

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Major, 4 soldiers martyred in sanitisation operation in Balochistan's Barkhan: ISPR

Major Tauseef Ahmed Bhatti and four other military personnel were martyred during an area sanitisation operation in Balochistan’s Barkhan district on Wednesday, the military’s media wing said. “On the morning of May 13, 2026, troops of Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps Balochistan commenced an area sanitisation operation at general area Nosham of Barkhan District to eliminate terrorists of Indian backed Fitna Al Hindustan,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. بلوچستان میں سیکیورٹی فورسز کی کامیاب کارروائی میں بھارتی پروردہ سات دہشت گر جہنم واصل، افسر سمیت پانچ بیٹے مادر وطن پر نثار pic.twitter.com/wT79J5xo6U — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 13, 2026 It said the troops located and engaged a group of terrorists. “During fire exchange seven terrorists of Indian backed Fitna Al Hindustan were sent to hell,” the ISPR added, further saying that weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from them. Read: 22 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operation in K-P, military says ‘Fitna al-Hindustan’ is a term used by the state to refer to all terrorist groups operating in Balochistan. The ISPR said that Major Bhatti, 31, a resident of Pakpattan district, was martyred, along with Naik Fida Hussain, 36, from Sukkur; Sepoy Zakir Hussain, 32, from Skardu; Sepoy Suhail Ahmed, 21, from Khanewal, and Sepoy Muhammad Ayaz, 24, from Rahim Yar Khan. بلوچستان میں مادر وطن پر میجر سمیت پانچ بیٹے نثار pic.twitter.com/LqgdO8AR6l — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 13, 2026 The military’s media wing said the sanitisation operation in the surrounding areas was continuing to eliminate any other “Indian-sponsored terrorists” present. “Relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm e Istehkam’ (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” the statement concluded. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to Major Bhatti and the four soldiers who were martyred during the operation. In a statement, the interior minister expressed sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyrs. Naqvi said Major Bhatti and the soldiers fought bravely and sent seven terrorists “to hell”. He said the security personnel had foiled the nefarious designs of “Indian-sponsored terrorists” through their sacrifice and courage. “I salute the sacrifice of Major Tauseef Ahmed Bhatti and the other martyrs,” the minister said, adding that every drop of the martyrs’ blood was a guarantee for the protection of the country. “Every martyr, including Major Tauseef Ahmed, is the crown of our heads,” he said. The interior minister said the martyrs sacrificed their precious lives for the homeland and attained the high status of martyrdom. “Major Tauseef Ahmed and the other martyrs will always remain alive in our hearts,” he added. شہداء کے خون کا ہر قطرہ مادر وطن کے تحفظ کی ضمانت ہے، وزیر داخلہ@MohsinnaqviC42 pic.twitter.com/uevjv5Z1o2 — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 13, 2026  

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