Senate panel orders action on medical seats

A Senate panel on Monday directed the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSRC) and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to take immediate measures to address vacant seats in medical colleges, examine fee disparities and strengthen monitoring of medical education institutions. The directives were issued by the Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, chaired by Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani. The panel asserted that it will not allow long-standing issues in medical education to remain unresolved, adding that, "every vacant seat, every fee increase and every regulatory gap must have a clear answer". The committee reviewed PMDC's preparedness for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026. It was informed that PMDC had rescheduled the MDCAT 2026 examination to Sunday, Sept 20, 2026, to ensure a transparent, secure and well-organised process and provide relief to candidates. The vice chancellors of universities conducting the MDCAT shared their input on various other matters, including vacant seats and the fee structure of medical colleges, particularly institutions charging higher fees. The minister for health informed the committee that several colleges had sought an increase in fees and that universities could not independently increase their fees. Of the 61 medical colleges considered, 35 had qualified on the prescribed criteria. The committee sought details justifying and scrutinising the fees, along with audited financial statements, for each of these 35 qualified institutions. PMDC was also asked to share the status of institutions that had not qualified but were nevertheless charging higher fees and displaying those fees on their websites. PMDC informed the committee that notices had been issued to non-compliant institutions and that monitoring was under way. The committee asked for details of the notices issued in this regard. The committee emphasised that any increase in fees should be supported by clear criteria and credible evidence, including educational standards, faculty strength, infrastructure and audited financial information. The issue of vacant seats in medical colleges was discussed at length. The minister stated that vacant seats were a genuine and broader concern and could not be attributed solely to fee levels or MDCAT eligibility percentages. The committee was informed that the ministry had examined the issue in comparison with other professional fields and that the declining interest in medical education also required consideration. The committee discussed increasing the number of seats in public-sector medical colleges as one possible measure. PMDC informed the committee that additional seats had already been allocated following inspections, including seats for Punjab, erstwhile FATA and Balochistan. The committee also discussed the position in Sindh in this regard. Members of the committee and vice chancellors of admitting universities explained that an increase in public-sector seats would require additional infrastructure, registration capacity and physical space. The chairman decided that a separate meeting would be held with the Government of Sindh and relevant representatives to examine the matter in detail. The committee stressed that vacant seats must be properly investigated before any further policy decision is taken. PMDC was directed to inspect private colleges having vacant seats and submit a report identifying the reasons for the vacancies. The committee expressed grave concern over the delay in providing the information required during its previous meeting and directed that the report be submitted within one month.

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Iran downplays concerns over Makkah pact

Iran sees no reason to be concerned ?that a new security pact between ?Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia is directed ?against Tehran, Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday as Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi. At a weekly news conference, Baghaei portrayed the pact—the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia on August 7—less as an anti-Iranian move than as evidence of a broader reassessment by regional countries of their security relationships with Washington. "Countries have reached the conclusion that they cannot rely on America's claim of providing security," he said, adding that Tehran seeks to interpret the new arrangement within the wider transformation of the regional security order rather than immediately treating it as a hostile military alignment. He said the pact showed a shift ?in regional countries' approach to security, with greater reliance on their own capabilities rather than ?outside powers. "Any plan that is based on the geopolitical and historical realities of the region, is comprehensive and inclusive, and correctly identifies the enemy and the threat, has a chance of helping to strengthen security and prevent instability and abuses by the Zionist enemy [Israel] and its allies," he added. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke by telephone with Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in what appeared to be an effort by Islamabad to prevent the new trilateral security arrangement from creating fresh friction with its neighbour. Dar's conversation with Araghchi focused on regional and international developments, with particular emphasis on the rapidly evolving situation in the region and efforts to promote peace. According to the Foreign Ministry, Dar also shared the contours of the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with his Iranian counterpart, explaining its objectives of strengthening strategic cooperation and contributing to regional peace and security. Araghchi thanked Dar for sharing the key aspects of the agreement, and the two ministers agreed to remain in close contact on matters of mutual interest. The conversation was particularly noteworthy because it came as Iran itself appeared to signal that its channels with Islamabad remain open. Speaking at a meeting of the federal cabinet, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday also sought to reassure that the Makkah accord is not an act of aggression but meant to promote peace and stability. Shehbaz said the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement was the culmination of several years of discussions and was intended to promote peace, development and prosperity rather than threaten any country. "The purpose is absolutely not aggression," he said, describing the arrangement as "completely defensive" and aimed at ensuring peace, stability and progress in the region. Shehbaz said Islamabad had begun discussions with its partners years ago and that, last year, the arrangement was given an official shape with the aim of eventually turning it into a formal agreement. He said Friday's signing of the trilateral agreement represented another extension of that process. "This was not something that came about today," he said. "Efforts on this agreement had been continuing for the past several years and, by the grace of God, they reached completion this Friday." The timing of the agreement, however, has inevitably drawn attention in Tehran. Iran has long viewed the expansion of foreign-backed security arrangements around the Persian Gulf with suspicion, particularly those involving Saudi Arabia, its principal regional rival, and has repeatedly criticised reliance on the United States for the region's security. Yet Tehran's initial reaction to the Makkah agreement has been notably restrained. Pakistan has historically maintained close relations with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye while also preserving a working relationship with neighbouring Iran. The challenge for the government has become more acute as the region has been reshaped by the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel, and by continuing disputes over the Strait of Hormuz. Shehbaz emphasized that the Makkah agreement should be understood as a defensive arrangement and as a source of strength not only for the three signatories but for the broader Muslim world. He congratulated Dar and Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts in bringing the agreement to fruition. Under its central security principle, an armed attack against any one of the three countries is to be treated as an attack against all three. The pact has been presented by its signatories as a framework for closer strategic and defence cooperation. Pakistani officials have also stressed that it is not intended to be an exclusive arrangement and have indicated that other Muslim-majority countries could potentially join. That possibility is likely to be watched closely in Tehran. Despite the signing, Pakistan appears determined to keep its diplomatic door open to Iran. Iran's immediate concerns, however, remain focused on the wider regional crisis, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and the terms of any future understanding with the United States. Baghaei said Iran was currently concentrating on discussions with Oman concerning arrangements for the waterway. He said Tehran was not negotiating with Washington, although messages continued to be exchanged through intermediaries. "The exchange of messages is a natural matter," he said, describing such communications as routine and related to day-to-day issues. His comments came after Araghchi had said the resumption of negotiations with the United States was impossible as long as Washington continued what Tehran regarded as violations of its commitments. Baghaei also warned that Iran could not guarantee the Strait of Hormuz would become a secure waterway while what he described as violations of the maritime blockade and other provisions of the understanding continued. The statements illustrate the difficult diplomatic environment in which Pakistan is trying to balance its relationships. Islamabad has deep strategic and economic ties with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye and sees greater cooperation among Muslim countries as a potential means of strengthening regional security. At the same time, Iran is Pakistan's immediate western neighbour, and Islamabad has consistently sought to prevent regional conflicts from spilling across its borders. The Makkah agreement therefore presents Pakistan with both an opportunity and a diplomatic test. For Saudi Arabia, the pact strengthens its security partnerships at a time when the kingdom has sought greater autonomy in determining its regional security arrangements. For Turkiye, it provides another mechanism for expanding strategic cooperation with two important Muslim-majority states. For Pakistan, it reinforces its role as a security partner while potentially expanding its diplomatic influence in the Muslim world. But Islamabad's effort to reassure Tehran indicates that it does not want the new arrangement to be interpreted as the formation of an anti-Iran bloc. The prime minister's language on Monday appeared deliberately designed to make that point. The PM described the agreement not as a mechanism for confrontation but as an instrument for "peace, development and prosperity." He said its purpose was defensive and that it should be viewed as a source of strength for the three participating countries as well as the wider Muslim community. The immediate reaction from Tehran suggests that Iran, too, is leaving room for diplomacy. Rather than condemning Pakistan's decision outright, the Iranian Foreign Ministry sought to emphasize its own assessment that regional states are reassessing their dependence on Washington for security. The parallel messages from Islamabad and Tehran, one stressing the defensive nature of the Makkah agreement, the other saying there was no reason to view it as directed against Iran, point to an effort by both sides to prevent a new strategic arrangement from damaging their bilateral relationship. That balancing act is likely to become increasingly important as the wider regional confrontation continues and as Pakistan seeks to position itself simultaneously as a security partner, a regional stakeholder and a diplomatic interlocutor. For now, Islamabad appears determined to make clear that closer defense ties with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye do not come at the expense of its relationship with Iran. And Tehran, despite its reservations about the changing regional security architecture, appears willing to keep the conversation going. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Monday he would seek conflict compensation from Iran as part of any peace negotiations, citing attacks and atrocities stretching back decades allegedly backed or perpetrated by Tehran. Iran is "asking for compensation for the damage done to them during the last five month Military Conflict... I am likewise demanding compensation from Iran, for all of the people that they have killed and gravely wounded with their roadside bombs and many conflicts," Trump posted.

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PTI, TTAP leadership fully behind Sept 27 long march to Islamabad: K-P CM Afridi

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday announced that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s entire political leadership, alongside its allies such as the opposition coalition Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), was on board for a long march to Islamabad on September 27, warning that the public's anger over ongoing injustices may become unmanageable. Speaking on a private news programme, 'Capital Talk', he said that the "entire political leadership of PTI, both federal and provincial, is on board for the protest, including our allies, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan. We have collectively decided on the date of 27". Afridi stated that the protest was a last resort after democratic avenues to secure PTI founder Imran Khan's release were exhausted. He lamented that Imran was being treated like a "kidnapped individual" rather than a political prisoner, held in "solitary confinement and isolation for the past seven to eight months". “We are not able to meet him, his sisters are not able to meet him, and his doctors and lawyers are not being granted permission,” Afridi stated, adding that requests to the prime minister, the National Assembly speaker, and the Islamabad High Court to intervene had all failed. “When you push a large political party pursuing all legal and constitutional avenues against the wall, the only method that remains is that of protest,” he asserted, citing the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. Outlining the party’s demands, Afridi called for Imran to "be given justice and for his cases to be heard strictly on merit", adding that the media be allowed to cover the "proceedings to uncover the fact that these are politically motivated cases". He further demanded that the former premier be immediately granted access to his doctors for medical treatment and to his legal counsel. CM Afridi urged reflection on the burden placed on the PTI’s central leadership, which he said had been forced to placate crowds chanting slogans for a march on D-Chowk. READ: PTI divided over Sept 27 long march “On September 27, the people and youth will show up in large numbers, and no one will be able to manage their anger,” he warned. He noted that the public's mind was fixated on past events, as well as injustices against Imran, his sisters and incarcerated PTI leaders. “The nation is watching all this and is angry.” Responding to a question regarding questions raised by Aleema Khan, Afridi clarified that she was a "non-political person and has nothing to do with politics". "When we explain to her the facts and figures, I am sure that we will be able to make her understand," he added. When questioned about allegations of striking a deal, CM Afridi dismissed them as an attempt to mislead the public. “Anyone sincere with Imran Khan and PTI will not level such accusations on public platforms,” he remarked. He also categorically denied rumours of a meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on August 4, terming them as “utterly baseless”. Questioning the performance of the federal government, Afridi criticised the economic downturn, noting a drop in GDP growth from 6% during Imran’s tenure to 3% at present. He also highlighted limited agricultural and industrial growth, a $35 billion trade deficit, and a significant brain drain of youth and professionals from the country. Responding to a question as to why the federal and provincial governments cannot sit and work together, Afridi accused the authorities of pushing PTI against the wall, adding that after the regime change operation, peace in K-P was disturbed. Despite this, he expressed his willingness to engage with the Afghan government on behalf of the country to settle ongoing disputes. READ MORE: Force alone can't ensure lasting peace: CM Afridi Afridi further claimed that he could "bring peace and end terrorism within 100 days", noting that he had already submitted a policy and made a Provincial Action Plan for this purpose. He maintained that the PTI would call off the long march if directed by Imran. “I have promised the nation that this political office I hold is due to Imran Khan. Even if I were to lose my office, my government, or my life, I do not care,” he stated. Earlier, Afridi announced a long march towards Islamabad at a rally in Peshawar on August 5, declaring that, according to his team, the march would continue until its objectives were achieved. The announcement, however, appeared to catch even some party leaders off guard, with several of them expressing complete ignorance about the plan when approached immediately afterwards. It was also learned that the local PTI chapter in K-P was opposed to the proposed long march, with the hashtag "27 September Long March Na Manzoor (unacceptable)" being pushed on social media. A senior party leader, however, said that from the campaign for Imran's release to the latest long march announcement, Afridi had often made such announcements in the heat of the movement and discussed them with the party leadership afterwards. He said PTI had not been consulted at any level and that no one knew what the K-P chief minister was planning. He added that close aides of the chief minister were trying to put the responsibility for the Sept 27 announcement on the party, but "that's a lie" because the party had no prior knowledge of it. When asked whether the party had been taken into confidence, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said that, on Imran's instructions, Afridi was in charge of the street movement and could take decisions at his own discretion. Imran was ousted as prime minister through a parliamentary vote of no confidence on April 10, 2022, and a year later, on May 9, 2023, he was detained by the authorities in the Al-Qadir Trust case, leading to widespread riots across the country, serving as the fodder for more cases against the PTI founder. Since August 2023, the PTI founder has been serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. Furthermore, Imran and Bushra Bibi were also convicted on December 20, 2025, to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana-II case, which pertains to allegations that the couple unlawfully retained a Bulgari jewellery set gifted by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit to Saudi Arabia. The PTI founder also faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) in connection with the May 2023 protests.

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PTI divided over Sept 27 long march

The PTI was not taken into confidence before the announcement of a long march towards Islamabad on September 27, the party's central information secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram confirmed on Sunday, contradicting K-P Information Minister Shafi Jan's claim that the decision was taken in consultation with the party and its allies. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced a long march towards Islamabad at a rally in Peshawar on August 5, declaring that, according to his team, the march would continue until its objectives were achieved. The announcement, however, appeared to catch even some party leaders off guard, with several of them expressing complete ignorance about the plan when approached immediately afterwards. It was also learnt that the local PTI chapter in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is opposed to the proposed long march, with the hashtag "27 September Long March Na Manzoor (unacceptable)" being pushed on social media. Apparently responding to questions over the choice of Sept 27 as the date for the march, K-P Information Minister Shafi Jan said on social media that the decision to march towards Islamabad on that date had been taken through mutual consultation between the party and its allies. He further said PTI wanted to move forward with its allies and was also in contact with religious parties. He claimed that the Islamabad march would not be limited to a single day and could continue for several days. Seeking to dispel the impression that the announcement was half-hearted, he said the party would head towards Islamabad with full preparations to secure the basic rights of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan. "The doors of PTI are open to political parties against the current federal government; if the Peoples Party wants to break free from the government, it should leave its constitutional office and join the opposition; mandate-thieving rulers will now have to answer in the people's court," Shafi wrote. A senior party leader, however, said that from the campaign for Imran Khan's release to the latest long march announcement, Sohail Afridi had often made such announcements in the heat of the movement and discussed them with the party leadership afterwards. He said PTI had not been consulted at any level and that no one knew what the K-P chief minister was planning. He added that close aides of the chief minister were trying to put the responsibility for the Sept 27 announcement on the party, but "that's a lie" because the party had no prior knowledge of it. When asked whether the party had been taken into confidence, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said that, on Imran Khan's instructions, K-P CM Sohail Afridi was in charge of the street movement and could take decisions at his own discretion.

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Pakistan’s envoy seeks greater trade, investment to deepen US ties

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, on Sunday called for greater trade and investment to further deepen bilateral ties between the two countries. He was speaking at a special event organised by the Pakistani American Press Association (PAPA) to mark the 250th anniversary of US Independence and Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day. According to a statement by the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington on X, prominent community members, media professionals, public officials and other distinguished guests attended the event to celebrate the enduring values underpinning the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and the United States. Read: Natalie Baker hails evolving US-Pakistan partnership on America's 250th anniversary The statement said Ambassador Sheikh emphasised the importance of strengthening Pak-US ties through greater trade, investment and economic cooperation. Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh participated in a special event organized by the Pakistani American Press Association (PAPA) to celebrate the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence and the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan. Prominent community members, media professionals, public… pic.twitter.com/usp53bMDkB — Pakistan Embassy US (@PakinUSA) August 9, 2026 He also highlighted “fairness, objectivity, and impartiality as core values of the noble journalistic tradition and a true reflection of a democratic society”. The ambassador commended Pakistani-American media professionals for their efforts to bridge the gap between the two countries and their people. According to the embassy, Ambassador Sheikh presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to distinguished recipients in recognition of their “dedication and providing multitude of services to the community”. He also appreciated PAPA’s leadership for organising the event and its continued engagement with the Pakistani-American community. Earlier, US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie Baker lauded the partnership with Pakistan on America's 250th anniversary, saying the United States was committed to a partnership that delivered lasting security and shared opportunity for generations to come. "America's 250th anniversary is a moment of renewal. It is a chance to strengthen our institutions, reaffirm our leadership, and build partnerships rooted in mutual respect and reciprocity. With Pakistan, we are building on sovereignty, strength, and shared prosperity, translating mutual respect and aligned interests into real results," said Natalie in a statement issued by the US Embassy in Islamabad.

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Sharjeel moves NCCIA over social media posts linking him to Raza’s murder

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has approached the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over what he described as false, fabricated, and malicious allegations circulating on social media linking him and his son, Rawal Memon, to the alleged murder of young Wafflix owner Mir Raza Ali. A formal written complaint was submitted to the deputy director of the NCCIA Karachi Zone on Aug 9, 2026, through his lawyer, Advocate Syeda Malaika Naqvi of Naqvi Law Associates. The complaint named unknown individuals and accused them of operating social media accounts, allegedly harassing the complainant, creating and disseminating false and malicious content, and damaging the reputation and standing of Memon and his son. Read: Murder charge added to Mir Raza case after re-postmortem report The complaint said the complainant did not know the identities of the individuals allegedly operating various social media accounts, pages and groups. It claimed that content against Memon and his son was being circulated as part of an alleged organised smear campaign. The complaint referred to four Facebook accounts and pages — Muhajir Community, Khan Zada in ALTAFI LUSHKAR Group, Karachi Beauty and Karachi Stories — and included screenshots relating to the accounts as Annex-A. According to the complaint, various posts, videos and statements against Memon and his son began circulating on the accounts, pages and groups on Aug 9, which the complainant described as false, baseless, fabricated and malicious. It said the alleged content was intended to damage their reputation, honour and social standing. The complaint said the material circulating on social media alleged that a guesthouse in Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi, where Mir Ali Raza was allegedly tortured and killed, was owned by Memon. It further said social media posts claimed that Memon’s son, Rawal, left for London immediately after the incident and subsequently moved around with a bodyguard. The complaint also alleged that the social media content sought to create an impression that the medical board related to the case had been changed “overnight”. It said Memon and his political party had also been accused of protecting those allegedly involved in the incident and obstructing the police investigation. It added that attempts had also allegedly been made to link the guesthouse and people associated with it to certain other incidents in the past. Memon described all the allegations as baseless and contrary to facts. The complaint maintained that similar wording, claims and posting times had appeared on different social media pages. Also Read: Sindh IG dissolves Mir Raza probe team after post-mortem reveals firearm injury According to the application, claims concerning ownership of the guesthouse and Rawal’s departure for London and alleged movement with a bodyguard appeared in more or less identical wording on at least four different pages. The complainant said the pattern appeared to indicate that the matter was not limited to a few isolated social media users but could be part of an alleged organised and coordinated online campaign. The complaint called for an investigation into the possible role of elements associated with certain political parties, mentioning the Jamaat-e-Islami and Muttahida Qaumi Movement. Memon also expressed apprehension that those behind the social media accounts could be using fake names, bot networks or proxy handlers to conceal their identities. The complaint asked the NCCIA to identify, through modern technical and forensic investigations, the individuals operating the accounts. It also expressed concern that the continued circulation of the alleged content could harm the reputation, mental peace and personal security of the complainant and his son. The application cited various provisions of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, as amended in 2025, in connection with the alleged dissemination of false and defamatory material on social media. It specifically referred to Section 20, relating to offences against the dignity of a natural person; Section 24, concerning cyberstalking; and Section 26-A, inserted through the 2025 amendment and relating to the dissemination of false information or defamatory content. The complaint also requested that, if any other relevant provisions of PECA or the Pakistan Penal Code were found applicable during the investigation, action be taken under those provisions. The complainant urged the NCCIA to take immediate notice of the matter, initiate a formal inquiry and conduct an independent investigation. It called for a forensic and technical audit of the social media accounts and pages, and sought IP logs, device and SIM registration data and information about the relevant users to trace the individuals operating the original accounts. Read More: Mir Raza re-postmortem blows hole in suicide theory The complaint also asked the NCCIA to trace links among those allegedly involved in the online campaign, its funding and the source of the content, and determine whether it was part of an organised campaign. The complaint sought an independent inquiry to establish the facts, registration of an FIR or case against those responsible, and action under PECA 2016, as amended in 2025, the Pakistan Penal Code or other applicable laws while assuring the NCCIA of full cooperation with the investigation and inquiry.

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Minister back smaller units

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has backed the creation of smaller provinces and new administrative units, stressing it was imperative to restructure governance in order to bring political and financial powers, resources and public services closer to citizens. In a video message released on Saturday, the minister noted that the purpose of creating smaller provinces and administrative units should be to ensure more effective governance. He argued that while the 18th Amendment had transferred powers from the federal government to the provinces, a similar devolution had not taken place from provinces to districts.

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