Gwadar University's abducted VC, three others recovered

The vice chancellor of Gwadar University, along with three others abducted 12 days ago near Mastung's Khad Kocha area, was safely recovered during a security operation on Sunday. According to security sources, VC Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir, Pro-VC Dr Syed Manzoor Ahmed, VC's Personal Staff Officer Dr Muhammad Irshad, and driver Hatam Khan were traveling by car to Quetta on May 13 when armed men intercepted them in the Khad Kocha area of Mastung. The assailants set up a blockade and forcibly abducted all four people. Following the incident, security forces launched an extensive search operation to ensure their safe recovery. Sources said the abductees were recovered from the Kardgap area of Mastung during a continued search and clearance operation. After their recovery, all four individuals were transported to Quetta. Security agencies remained actively engaged in efforts to trace and recover the kidnapped officials since the day of the incident. The successful recovery comes after nearly two weeks of sustained operations in the area. Balochistan has been witnessing a low key insurgency for over two decades. The province, the biggest in terms of area but smallest in terms of population, shares long and porous borders with Iran and Afghanistan; the latter is often accused of serving as a hotbed of terrorist organizations of various hues.

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Move to rein in illegal cattle markets

Illegal cattle markets that have mushroomed across the city ahead of Eidul Azha are now set to face criminal proceedings, as the city administration moves beyond warnings and decides to register FIRs against those responsible for setting up unapproved livestock sale points. A meeting chaired on Saturday by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi reviewed ongoing efforts by deputy commissioners to dismantle such markets in response to public complaints. Officials assessed operations aimed at removing unauthorised cattle markets established without planning or permission. Deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners briefed the meeting on enforcement actions, stating that a total of 21 illegal cattle markets had been dismantled so far. These operations were carried out across several parts of the city including Jamshed Quarters, Saddar, New Karachi, Garden, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Liaquatabad and Orangi. Officials noted that in Orangi alone, markets were removed from 10 different locations, while district-wise action included three sites in Karachi East, two in Karachi South, four in Karachi Central and two in Korangi. Authorities informed the meeting that daily operations were being conducted with police assistance. However, they added that vendors repeatedly return in small groups, occupying roadside spaces to resume informal sales, making enforcement an ongoing challenge. The meeting emphasised that effective action requires stronger coordination between police and town administrations. Commissioner Karachi stressed that unauthorised and unplanned cattle markets were disrupting sanitation systems and causing severe traffic congestion across the city, calling for immediate measures to address the issue. It was decided that FIRs would be lodged against those responsible for establishing illegal cattle markets. The commissioner directed all town municipal administrations, police and traffic authorities to fully cooperate in removing unauthorised setups. Officials noted that over 21 properly planned cattle markets have already been established in the city in consultation with relevant agencies. However, the proliferation of informal markets continues to create civic disruptions and inconvenience for residents. Separately, a review meeting on price control enforcement was also held under the commissioner's chairmanship, which examined anti-hoarding and anti-price gouging actions over the past two weeks. Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Rabia Syed presented a detailed report, stating that between May 9 and May 22, action was taken against 678 profiteers, resulting in fines amounting to Rs3.23 million. During this period, 20 shops were sealed and six profiteers were arrested. Assistant commissioners conducted inspections at 1,543 locations to monitor prices, the meeting was told. A comparative review of weekly enforcement was also presented. Between May 9 and May 15, action was taken against 383 profiteers, imposing fines of Rs1.97 million, sealing 16 shops and arresting six offenders, with inspections carried out at 1,812 locations. From May 16 to May 22, enforcement teams penalised 295 profiteers with fines totaling Rs1.26 million, while four shops were sealed during the period, alongside continued price checks across the city.

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CPEC 2.0 in focus as PM Shehbaz visits China

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, on Saturday for what the Chinese Foreign Ministry described as an “important high-level exchange” between the two countries as they mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. I have arrived in the beautiful and dynamic city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, as part of my official visit to China. I am deeply grateful to the leadership of Zhejiang Province for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation. We look forward to strengthening practical… pic.twitter.com/T60RoRsDrh — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 23, 2026 “China hopes that both sides will take the visit as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen cooperation across the board, and write a new chapter in building an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. The visit — from May 23 to 26 — is expected to highlight a new chapter in the 75-year-old China-Pakistan relationship, which has long been recognised for mutual trust and enduring cooperation despite changing international circumstances, according to a commentary published on China’s CGTN website. At a ceremony held in Islamabad on Thursday, PM Shehbaz praised the “steadfast” Pakistan-China friendship, saying China had consistently stood by Pakistan during both prosperity and hardship. “Earthquakes, floods, peace and difficult times — China has always supported Pakistan in an unwavering fashion,” he said. Delighted to be in beautiful Hangzhou, China with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif @CMShehbaz and members of Pakistan delegation. Look forward to several engagements including leadership meetings and participation in Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Hangzhou tomorrow… pic.twitter.com/wh6nowxxBH — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 23, 2026 Over the past 75 years, Pakistan and China have maintained steadily expanding ties. In 2015, the two countries elevated their relations to an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and later agreed to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, said the visit reflected Pakistan’s willingness to attract more Chinese private enterprises and inject fresh momentum into bilateral economic cooperation. Read More: PM Shehbaz arrives in Hangzhou on four-day official visit to China Economic cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), launched in 2013, remains the cornerstone of bilateral ties. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, in a recent article, described CPEC as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, saying it had attracted more than $25.9 billion in direct investment and created over 260,000 jobs in Pakistan. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met Wang Hao, Party Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee in Hangzhou on Saturday and discussed matters related to bilateral cooperation. PHOTO: APP According to Chinese officials, CPEC projects have added over 8,000MW to Pakistan’s power capacity, developed 510km of roads and 886km of transmission lines, while Gwadar Port has been expanded into a major regional hub capable of handling large cargo vessels. The Suki Kinari Hydropower Project in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is also generating 884MW of clean energy, reducing dependence on coal and lowering carbon emissions. Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said CPEC had significantly strengthened Pakistan’s energy security, infrastructure and regional connectivity while laying the foundations for a modern economic framework. During the seventh round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in January, both countries agreed to align development priorities further and accelerate work on an upgraded version of the corridor, commonly referred to as CPEC 2.0. Also Read: Pak-China friendship 'time-tested and unbreakable', says PM Shehbaz on 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations “CPEC is now entering its second phase, marking a strategic shift from infrastructure development to industrialisation, innovation and inclusive growth,” Iqbal said, adding that both sides hoped to transform the project into a corridor of “hope, innovation, opportunity and prosperity.” Expert on Pakistan-China and Afghanistan affairs, Rashid Safi, described PM Shehbaz’s visit as strategically important for regional stability, economic cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations. He said the visit was taking place at a critical moment as both countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, economic challenges and regional security concerns. “In this context, the visit is being viewed as a major effort to give a new direction to the future partnership between the two brotherly countries,” he told APP. According to Safi, the visit goes beyond formal diplomacy and is aimed at achieving progress in economic cooperation, investment, technology, media, information technology, industrial collaboration, agriculture and regional connectivity. He said the prime minister’s first stop in Hangzhou was particularly significant because the city is regarded as one of China’s leading centres for advanced technology, e-commerce, artificial intelligence and the digital economy. Safi added that the prime minister’s expected visit to Alibaba Group headquarters would carry special importance as Pakistan seeks to accelerate digitalisation, e-commerce expansion and IT exports. He added that under CPEC 2.0, both countries were now placing special emphasis on industrial zones, exports, youth employment, agricultural reforms, technology transfer and regional trade connectivity. “Pakistan seeks to accelerate economic growth through the relocation of Chinese industries, manufacturing and investment, while China sees Pakistan as an important trade, logistics and economic hub in the region,” he said. Regional and global developments are also expected to feature prominently during the visit, particularly tensions involving the United States and Iran, the Middle East situation, developments in the Arabian Sea, energy supply routes, Afghanistan and broader regional stability. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif @CMShehbaz and Pakistan delegation met H.E. Wang Hao, and his delegation, Party Secretary of Zhejiang Province, in Hangzhou this evening. The Prime Minister underscored the vitality of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative… pic.twitter.com/oNtc6LSMYK — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 23, 2026 Safi said both Pakistan and China favoured dialogue, diplomacy and economic cooperation over conflict, arguing that connectivity and confidence-building remained essential for regional prosperity. He also praised China’s governance and public security systems, saying many Chinese cities had become examples of discipline, safety and public trust. “In various Chinese cities, both local residents and foreign tourists enjoy an extremely secure environment,” he said, adding that public activity late into the night and the safe movement of women, families and foreigners reflected the success of China’s governance model. According to Safi, the long-standing Pakistan-China friendship extends beyond diplomacy, with both countries consistently supporting each other during difficult periods. “That is why Pakistan-China ties are globally recognised as an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership,” he said, adding that celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations reflected the commitment of both nations to shared development, regional stability, economic cooperation and a more connected Asia. (With additional input from Agencies)

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Bilawal inaugurates Shahrah-e-Bhutto

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday inaugurated the 39-kilometre Shahrah-e-Bhutto Expressway and also performed the groundbreaking of its strategic extension from Qayyumabad to Karachi Port. The PPP chief said the project is a major milestone for Karachi's urban mobility, transport efficiency and economic connectivity. The inauguration ceremony of the Sindh government's flagship infrastructure project was held at the Kathore Interchange near the M-9 Motorway, where Bilawal, accompanied by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, formally opened the high-speed corridor for traffic. Before the ceremony, Bilawal, again accompanied by Sindh CM Syed Murad Ali Shah, arrived at Shahrah-e-Bhutto and personally drove on the expressway during its inaugural run, also paying the toll tax himself. The newly inaugurated Shahrah-e-Bhutto Expressway stretches approximately 39 kilometres from Jam Sadiq Bridge to Kathore Bridge. It has been developed as a six-lane controlled-access corridor with a speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour. The project includes six interchanges, two main toll plazas, five weigh stations, and an underpass, and has been completed at a total cost of Rs54.814 billion. Addressing the ceremony, the PPP chairman said the completion of Shahrah-e-Bhutto reflected his party's commitment to modern infrastructure, public welfare and long-term urban planning. "Karachi is the economic engine of Pakistan, and its future depends on modern connectivity, efficient transport systems and sustainable infrastructure," he said. "The Pakistan Peoples Party does not believe in empty slogans - we believe in delivering projects that improve the lives of people." He said Shahrah-e-Bhutto would significantly reduce travel time between central Karachi and the M-9 Motorway while easing traffic congestion on existing routes. "This expressway is not merely a road; it is a new economic corridor that will support trade, investment, industrial growth and employment generation," he added. The PPP chairman further said the extension project from Qayyumabad to Karachi Port would strengthen connectivity between the city's industrial zones, port infrastructure, and national highways. "Karachi Port is the backbone of Pakistan's trade economy, and this extension will provide a direct, efficient and modern route for cargo movement and commuters alike," he said.

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Govt extends Fawad Asadullah Khan’s tenure as IB chief

The federal government on Friday extended the tenure of Fawad Asadullah Khan as director general of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) after granting him a four-year extension in service. According to notifications issued by the Establishment Division, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a four-year extension in the contract of Fawad from July 14. A separate notification stated that following the extension, he had been appointed director general and would continue to serve in the position until further orders. Sources said the prime minister approved the extension after expressing confidence in his performance as additional director general of the IB, and to ensure continuity in government policies. According to the sources, the government was satisfied with his role in counterterrorism, counterintelligence, economic security and coordination among security institutions. Fawad is regarded as a career officer of the IB who rose through the ranks from assistant director to additional director general. During a career spanning four decades, he served in sensitive positions and supervised key operations, the sources added. He is also the first officer from the IB cadre to be promoted to Grade 22. In recognition of his services, he has been awarded the Tamgha-e-Shujaat, Sitara-e-Shujaat and Hilal-e-Imtiaz during Marka-e-Haq operations.

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22 killed as deadly clashes erupt between TTP, JuA factions in K-P's Kurram

Over a dozen terrorists were killed in deadly clashes between the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its breakaway faction TTP-Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA) as tensions came to a boil between the commanders from both sides in Kurram tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, sources told The Express Tribune on Friday. The deadly fighting in the Manato area of Central Kurram followed a TTP Central Shura decision to take disciplinary action against some commanders of the JuA faction. Sources added that the clashes started after JuA fighters were allegedly asked to surrender arms or comply with the directives of local TTP commanders. The infighting reportedly left 19 JuA fighters dead, while three TTP members were also killed, the sources claimed. Read: Pause in fighting Sharing further details, sources further stated that a jirga had been convened to address rising tensions and resolve the dispute; however, the situation deteriorated when firing broke out between the two factions during the tribal assembly. Meanwhile, the JuA has vowed to avenge the killings and circulated images of their slain members on social media, according to sources. In a separate development, security sources said that during a recent military operation in Shawal and Spinwam areas of North Waziristan, a senior terrorist commander identified as Jan Mir alias Tor Saqib was killed along with around 30 other militants. They added that Jan Mir was considered an expert in explosives and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and was known for his tactical expertise.

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Court allows Karachi police to tighten grip on ‘Cocaine Queen’ network

Karachi’s Darakhshan and Garden police have intensified action against facilitators of the alleged “Cocaine Queen” Anmol alias Pinky after a district and sessions court on Thursday granted permission to arrest and interrogate a key suspect in two cases. The court allowed police to arrest and investigate Muhammad Sameer, said to be a close associate of Pinky, in connection with the cases. The investigating officer was directed to conduct his interrogation at the Central Jail, where he is currently incarcerated. According to the police, Sameer was arrested in June 2021 in a hashish recovery case and remains in custody. Meanwhile, Pinky is on physical remand with the police. Read: IG vows to unmask 'Pinky drug cartel' operatives During interrogation, Pinky reportedly disclosed the names of riders involved in the supply of narcotics, including Sameer. Police said the suspect allegedly used a motorcycle to deliver drugs and also handled the transfer of proceeds from narcotics sales through bank accounts. Police said further interrogation of the suspect is required and sought his custody on remand for investigation. Separately, the complainant in the murder case against Pinky failed to appear before the court to record his statement under Section 164. According to the written proceedings issued by the judicial magistrate for District South at the Judicial Complex in Central Jail, the complainant was scheduled to record his statement in the case, but he did not appear. Also Read: After 'Cocaine Queen', 70+ dealers found linked to empire Court sources said the complainant could not attend the proceedings due to a parent’s illness. Subsequently, the judicial magistrate left the Judicial Complex without recording the statement. The investigating officer and lawyers also did not appear in court. Special Public Prosecutor Shakeel Abbasi stated that the complainant in the case was a social worker.

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