Mahmood calls for creation of new provinces

Punjab Group of Colleges Chairman Mian Amer Mahmood has said creating new provinces is an urgent need as it would bring development, make politicians more accountable and provide people with justice and basic facilities in a better way. "Formation of new provinces would also reduce expenses," Mahmood said on Tuesday while speaking at a private university. He said Pakistan currently has four provinces, with Punjab alone comprising 51 percent of the population. Punjab, with its 130 million people, is bigger than three other units combined and this is why it is often criticized. Only 13 countries in the world have populations larger than Punjab, he added. He said Balochistan, though the largest by area, had a very small population at the time of independence, but its population has now increased rapidly. "We give power to the president and prime minister through our vote so they may solve people's problems. Supporting the government means supporting public welfare. "Around the world, governments work for public welfare and form smaller provinces so facilities reach people at their doorsteps," he said. Citing a World Bank report, he said, deprivation is widespread in the country. "In 80 years, we have only developed five cities. Facilities are confined to five capitals. Until powers are devolved to the grassroots, the country cannot progress," he added. Mahmood compared Pakistan with China and India. He said China has 31 provinces, India has 39 states, while Pakistan, despite being the fifth most populous country, has only four provinces. He said the world's top ten most populous countries developed by dividing their territories for better governance.

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ECP summons Punjab LG secy over polls delay

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday expressed disappointment over the prolonged delay in Punjab's local government elections, summoned the secretary of the Punjab Local Government Department in person, and scheduled a full bench hearing for Oct 8. The election supervisor met under the chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja to review the status of local government elections in Punjab. During the meeting, the ECP secretary briefed the Commission, stating that the tenure of local governments in Punjab had ended in 2021.

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Faisalabad gets electric bus service

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated Faisalabad's first electric bus service on Monday. The chief minister travelled on an electric bus from the University of Agriculture to Jinnah Bagh. Briefing her at the venue of the inaugural ceremony, Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar said 150 electric buses would be operated to ensure a smooth transport service in the division, including 30 vehicles to be launched in the first phase within Faisalabad city. The buses will initially operate from Yousuf Town to Saigol City for 22 kilometres and University Roundabout to Sidhupur for 18km, benefitting over 24,000 passengers daily. The fare has been set at Rs20 per ride. Charging stations have also been set up for the buses, the minister said. Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the upcoming launch of an 'ART Metro Bus Service' and an IT city in Faisalabad following completion of the Nawaz Sharif IT City in Lahore. A water and sanitation system costing Rs40 billion would soon be inaugurated in Faisalabad and a co-ablation machine would be provided at Allied Hospital for the treatment of cancer. "Trust me, Faisalabad will be developed into an even more advanced and beautiful city than Lahore," the chief minister asserted. She announced that electric-bus services would also be launched in Jhang, Chiniot and Toba Tek Singh. She said free travel would be offered to senior citizens, women, students, and special persons in public transport across Punjab. She added that citizens could now travel in air-conditioned electric buses for Rs20 instead of paying hundreds of rupees to ride run down buses. She said, "I don't burden general public with my projects as I shoulder their burden myself."

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NA condemns Imran Khan's 'inappropriate' behaviour towards journalist

The National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution condemning the 'inappropriate behaviour' of PTI founder Imran Khan towards senior journalist Aijaz Ahmed during a meeting at Adiala Jail. The resolution, moved by Khawaja Izharul Hassan, said the PTI founder used offensive language against the journalistic norms. It called for strict legal action and urged the Ministry of Interior to ensure the safety of Aijaz Ahmed. The resolution further said that press clubs, journalist bodies, and related forums must not face intimidation or obstruction. It demanded immediate action against those running malicious social media campaigns targeting journalists and urged that the perpetrators be punished under the law. Toshakhana 2.0 case hearing The Toshakhana 2.0 case against PTI founder and his wife Bushra Bibi witnessed its longest hearing at Adiala Jail, lasting for nearly seven-and-a-half hours. During the session, the prosecution’s witness, NAB Investigation Officer Mohsin Haroon, recorded his statement. However, cross-examination by the PTI founder’s counsel, Qousain Faisal Mufti, could not be completed. The proceedings were conducted inside the special court set up at Adiala Jail under the supervision of Special Judge Central, Shah Rukh Arjumand. Both the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi were produced before the court. The final two witnesses in the Toshakhana 2.0 trial—NAB Investigation Officer Mohsin Haroon and FIA Investigation Officer Malik Shah Parvez—appeared in court. Qousain Faisal Mufti Advocate, assisted by Barrister Salman Safdar, cornered Mohsin Haroon for seven-and-a-half hours. The prosecution team, led by Umair Majeed, was also present. The hearing was adjourned due to a power outage at the jail and will resume on October 1. Imran raises concerns over Peshawar rally arrangements PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has said that the PTI founder has issued important directives that will be shared in the upcoming parliamentary party meeting. Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail, he revealed that the PTI founder expressed reservations regarding the arrangements for the recent Peshawar rally. Raja noted that the founder questioned whether party officials intended to lead the people forward or leave them, referring to an incident where some workers displayed shoes during the event. He added that the PTI founder had received reports about the rally venue and was unhappy with the arrangements, stating that the site was poorly managed with dust rising across the grounds. Raja clarified, however, that this did not mean the founder was dissatisfied with the rally, but that organisational shortcomings had raised concerns. On internal party matters, he emphasised that Aleema Khan does not interfere directly in PTI’s affairs and only conveys the founder’s message to the public. He stressed that the founder’s clear directive is that party leaders and officeholders must take responsibility for running the party.

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Shujaat hails workers as PML-Q backbone

Pakistan Muslim League (Q) President and former prime minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has said that loyal and dedicated workers are the party's true assets and will never be overlooked. He stressed that the PML-Q leadership will continue to honour its workers and give them their due recognition nationwide. He made these remarks during a meeting with the party's central secretary general and special assistant to the Sindh chief minister, Muhammad Tariq Hassan, and PML Karachi Division President Muhammad Jamil Ahmed Khan on Sunday. PML-Q Senior Vice President and federal minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain was also present at the occasion. Chaudhry Shujaat welcomed the Pakistan–Saudi defence agreement, terming it a positive development. He also noted that Pakistan had avoided default. "The country is now moving towards progress and prosperity. I have always practised politics of tolerance, principles, and national unity," he added. He reiterated that "loyal and sincere workers are the assets of the party. They have never been ignored, and this practice will continue. We will give party workers and office-bearers across the country their rightful place and respect".

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Pakistan making rapid progress on economic, diplomatic, military fronts: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan had achieved economic stability and was now poised for growth, as he paid tribute to overseas Pakistanis during an interaction at the Pakistan High Commission in London, Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday. "Pakistan is making rapid progress on the economic, foreign relations and military fronts,” the PM said, adding that recent gains were the result of “sincerity, hard work and team efforts.” He further mentioned, “We can overcome every difficulty and make progress with cooperation, consultations, sincerity, persistent efforts and unity,” he said, stressing that Pakistan has regained 'dignity and respect in the comity of nations'. Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif @CMShehbaz visited Pakistan High Commission, London @PakistaninUK. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Muhammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, Minister for Information & Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar @TararAttaullah and… pic.twitter.com/ICskd8Dyn5 — Pakistan High Commission London (@PakistaninUK) September 28, 2025 The prime minister said his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) reflected the sentiments of Pakistanis and spotlighted the issues of Kashmir and Palestine. “Kashmir will get its freedom one day,” he said, adding that the people of Gaza are enduring 'oppression and brutality which is never seen before in the world'. Shehbaz noted that a recent meeting of Arab-Islamic countries with US President Donald Trump would yield 'encouraging results' on Gaza. He said 64,000 Muslims, including women and children, had been martyred. He also described his meeting with President Trump in Washington as 'constructive and productive', calling it a 'stepping stone' for better bilateral ties. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, Shehbaz Sharif had 'effectively represented Pakistan' at the UNGA, where Pakistan participated in about two dozens of meetings. Dar said eight Muslim countries, including Pakistan, Turkiye and Indonesia, had held talks with Trump on Gaza, with follow-up meetings under way. "مسلم ممالک کے سربراہان کے ساتھ بھی غزہ کے مسئلے پر امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ سے میٹنگ ہوئی تھی، امید ہے اس حوالے سے جلد حوصلہ افزا نتائج سامنے آئیں گے، واشنگٹن میں صدر ٹرمپ کے ساتھ ملاقات انتہائی مفید رہی، پاکستان اور امریکہ کے تعلقات میں بہتری آئی ہے اور اس ملاقات سے اس میں مزید… pic.twitter.com/Z3gcrKfdxo — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) September 28, 2025 Dar also credited Shehbaz with saving Pakistan from economic default in 2022, saying the economy had since stabilised. “Interest rate has come down to 11 per cent from a high of 22 per cent and inflation has decreased to five per cent from 30 per cent,” he claimed. Overseas Pakistanis attending the event praised Shehbaz Sharif’s UNGA speech, particularly his move of highlighting Kashmir and Palestine issues, and said it was 'among the most listened speeches' of the session. The prime minister later recorded his impressions in the High Commission’s guest book. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who attended the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, was earlier hosted by US President Donald Trump for talks at the White House on Thursday, in the latest sign of warming relations between Washington and the South Asian nuclear power. White House rolls out red carpet for PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Munir Shehbaz Sharif was among top officials from eight Arab and Muslim countries who met Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly this week to discuss strategy on ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Upon arrival at Andrews Air Base, the prime minister was welcomed by a senior US air force official. The prime minister's motorcade left the airbase in the ring of US security. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also accompanied the prime minister. Read More: PM hails historic response to Indian aggression On the US side, participants in the meeting included the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, and senior defense officials, along with President Donald Trump. Ahead of the meeting, the US president, while speaking to the media, called PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir 'great' people. PM calls for peace, dialogue at UNGA session Addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the decisive response of Pakistan’s armed forces to Indian aggression as one that 'will echo through the annals of history'. However, he called for peace, saying, “We have won the war, and now we seek to win peace.” PM Shehbaz said, “Pakistan’s foreign policy, guided by the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, is rooted in peace, mutual respect, and cooperation. We believe in the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue.” He recalled that, from the same podium last year, he had warned that Pakistan would act decisively against external aggression. “Those words of mine proved true. When in May this year, my country confronted unprovoked aggression from our eastern front, the enemy came shrouded in arrogance; we sent them back in humiliation, delivering a bloody nose,” he said. The prime minister declared that Pakistan had shot down seven Indian aircraft as an act of self-defence under the UN Charter in response to the India aggression. The prime minister also extended an offer to India for a comprehensive and result-oriented dialogue on all outstanding issues, emphasising that South Asia needs proactive, not provocative, leadership. Reiterating Pakistan’s resolve to defend the right of its 240 million people to the Indus waters, the prime minister warned that any violation of the treaty would be viewed as 'an act of war'.

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GHQ case: ATC records 3 more testimonies

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Saturday recorded the statements of three more prosecution witnesses in a case related to an attack on the GHQ on May 9, 2023 following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan. Imran Khan, who is also one of the key accused in the case, attended the court proceedings through video link from his prison cell at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. Witnesses — Inspector Ismat Kamal, Inspector Tehzeeb-ul-Hasan, and Akbar Abbas — appeared in the court to give their testimonies. The ATC summoned three additional witnesses — Yaqoob Shah, Nazim Hussain, and Nida Javed — for the next hearing.

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Gandapur rules out support for military operations in K-P

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur categorically stated that his government would neither permit nor support any military operations in the province, stressing that the conflict should be addressed through negotiations. Speaking at a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in Peshawar on Saturday, Gandapur said the provincial administration stood firmly against forced evictions in the name of counter-terrorism drives. “We will not permit any operation, nor will we support it,” he told supporters. The chief minister reminded federal authorities of the heavy toll past campaigns had taken on the region. “In the war on terror, thousands of our people have been martyred. We do not want war, we want peace. Neither Imran Khan nor the K-P government will allow any kind of operation,” he said. شکریہ خیبر پختونخوا شکریہ پاکستان عمران خان زندہ باد پاکستان پائندہ باد#خان_کی_کال_پر_عوامی_ریفرنڈم #ستمبر27_خان_کی_کال#انقلاب_کی_للکار_پشاور_سے pic.twitter.com/nYLSy3Zpp9 — Ali Amin Khan Gandapur (@AliAminKhanPTI) September 27, 2025 He urged the federal government and its agencies to acknowledge that military campaigns were inflicting harm on the people and insisted that the conflict should be resolved through negotiations, echoing PTI founder Imran Khan’s stance. K-P chief minister urged Islamabad to engage in dialogue with Afghanistan to address cross-border terrorism, stressing that only negotiations could bring durable peace. “We do not want war, and we will raise our voices against it,” he added. Gandapur also called on the judiciary to uphold the constitution and deliver justice, particularly in cases concerning former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife. He reiterated PTI’s commitment to what he described as the struggle for “true freedom,” vowing that the movement would continue until its objectives were achieved. Protests force Gandapur off stage However, the rally descended into chaos after party workers refused to listen to Gandapur’s speech and staged a protest inside the venue. A section of participants began chanting slogans during the chief minister’s address, disrupting the proceedings. The protesters not only shouted against Gandapur but also threw bottles towards the stage, forcing him to cut his speech short. Read More: Security forces kill 17 terrorists in Lakki Marwat IBO: ISPR Following his departure from the microphone, PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan attempted to address the gathering. However, the protesting workers turned their slogans towards him as well, brandishing shoes in the air and chanting in defiance. The situation further deteriorated when male workers broke into the women’s enclosure, with police unable to prevent the breach. The disorder prompted many female participants to leave the venue. Gohar vows continued struggle for Imran’s release Later on, addressing the rally, Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar accused the government of electoral fraud and denounced it as a “puppet regime. Gohar said that the party’s rally in Peshawar was its eighth since February 8, but maintained that these gatherings were not intended as a show of strength. “This does not mean we are staging a power show,” he said, adding that Imran Khan’s popularity was unmatched. “Not just Pakistan, but the entire world acknowledges that Khan Sahib enjoys 90 per cent popularity — 200 million Pakistanis rise and sit at his signal.” Reflecting on recent setbacks, Gohar said that the party’s mandate had been “stolen” after the March 9 polls, compounding the “wounds of February”. “Even then, we had hope that an independent judiciary would safeguard our mandate,” he remarked. However, he lamented that after the passage of the 26th Amendment, “even that hope has dimmed.” Also Read: Pakistan LPG tanker attacked by Israeli drone off Yemen coast; all crew safe: Mohsin Naqvi He accused the authorities of committing injustices against PTI workers and supporters. “Stop the injustices, stop the operations, stop these convictions and disqualifications,” he urged, stressing that the voices of “70 to 90 per cent of Pakistan” could not be silenced. Gohar also reiterated Khan’s resolve to continue resisting political pressure and legal hurdles. “We will fight for the country and for the law,” he quoted Khan as saying. “I will not compromise, I will not strike any deal. If I live, I will live in this country… and I will not let my nation bow down.” Concluding his address, the PTI chairman vowed that the struggle for Khan’s release would continue across every forum. “Every effort will be made — on the streets, in the courts and in the assemblies,” he said. He expressed confidence that “with your efforts, Khan Sahib’s release will be made possible, and so will Bushra Bibi’s.” The rally, organised in Peshawar, drew PTI supporters from across the country, according to the party’s social media accounts. The event was streamed online after television channels refrained from broadcasting it live. Although, The gathering was marred by some organizational lapses, as reports emerged of male workers forcing entry into the women’s section, prompting several female attendees to leave early despite police efforts to restore order. Also Read: PM calls for urgent damage reports in flood-hit regions PTI leader Faisal Javed announced that video messages from Khan would be shown during the rally. A clip of the PTI chief addressing a previous gathering was screened, while other party leaders used the occasion to reaffirm their loyalty and opposition to military operations. Earlier, Peshawar’s Chief Capital Police Officer Mian Saeed Ahmad had issued detailed security and traffic plans to ensure the smooth conduct of the rally.

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US firms to invest in Pakistan's IT, energy sectors, Shehbaz says after meeting Trump

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that US President Donald Trump has directed the American companies to invest in Pakistans's key sectors including information technology, energy, agriculture, and minerals. Speaking to the media in New Jersey, the prime minister described his meeting with President Trump as 'very useful and important' for improving Pakistan's relations with the US. He noted that President Trump has expressed his desire of peace and played a commendable role in establishing ceasefires between Pakistan and India. Shehbaz Sharif maintained that Pakistan and the United States are giving a new dimension to their trade and economic ties. During the meeting, the discussions also covered the fair valuation of mineral resources and mutually beneficial trade agreements. Highlighting Pakistan’s economic progress, the prime minister said inflation has been brought down to single digits in just 18 months. He also pointed to steadily improving relations with Bangladesh, with positive developments occurring on both trade and diplomatic fronts. Answering a question, Shehbaz Sharif described the warm welcome he received in Saudi Arabia as 'unprecedented in 40 years' and praised Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir for leading the Pakistan Army with wisdom and strategy, saying that under his leadership India was 'defeated'. In addition, a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office stated that the meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also focused on regional security, counterterrorism, and intelligence-based cooperations. The prime minister emphasised the need to enhance cooperation in the security sector, thanked President Trump for the Pakistan–US trade agreement, and invited him to visit Pakistan. The official statement added that the prime minister offered investment opportunities to American companies in agriculture, IT, minerals, and energy sectors and expressed hope that under President Trump’s leadership bilateral relations would grow stronger and more enduring.

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Saudi defence pact not linked to Qatar attack: Khawaja Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has clarified that the recent defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not linked to the ongoing regional tensions — particularly Israel’s actions in Qatar — but is the result of years of sustained bilateral dialogue and cooperation. In an exclusive interview with British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan, Asif confirmed that the pact was not a reaction to recent regional developments. "This agreement is not a reaction to what happened in Qatar," he asserted. "It had been under negotiation for quite some time. While its finalisation may have been sped up, it was already in the offering," he added. Asif went on to elaborate on the long-standing relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, emphasising the continuation of a defence partnership that dates back over five decades. "We’ve had a military presence in Saudi Arabia for many years, sometimes reaching 4,000 to 5,000 troops. The relationship was a bit transactional, but now, it has been formalised," he stated, underscoring the enduring cooperation between the two nations. Read: PM hails historic response to Indian aggression, calls for peace and dialogue at UNGA session When asked if the agreement involved Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella, Asif declined to discuss the matter. "This is a defence pact, and such matters are not publicly discussed," he replied, avoiding direct engagement on the subject. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, declaring that "any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both," according to a joint statement. The pact was signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Riyadh at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The interview also touched upon Pakistan's domestic politics, with Hasan questioning the minister on the treatment of former prime minister Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023. Despite international condemnation, including a UN expert panel declaring Khan’s detention "illegal," Asif defended the government’s actions, though he did not provide specific details regarding the legal justification. When questioned about the allegations surrounding former prime minister Imran Khan’s Twitter account, Asif responded by stating that Khan is operating the account from his jail cell. Read: Indian official linked to murder plot, assassination plans in Nepal or Pakistan, US court alleges Hasan, however, pointed out that Asif had previously suggested the account was being run from India. In a candid exchange, Asif countered, "Who, then, is operating the account? What is the truth? Either he is operating it from his cell, or he should at least identify who is behind it." Asked about the evidence supporting his claims, Asif was reluctant to provide specifics. "I cannot disclose the evidence," he said. However, when pressed further about whether the claims were based on intelligence, he confirmed, "Obviously, it is based on intelligence. Nobody is stating it openly." The conversation then turned to broader geopolitical issues, such as Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir. Asif reiterated Pakistan's support for a potential referendum for Kashmiri independence and maintained that the issue of self-determination for the Kashmiri people remains central to Pakistan’s foreign policy. Addressing the current state of relations with the United States, he acknowledged a "transactional" dynamic with Washington, describing the relationship as often “flirtatious”. Asked about Pakistan’s relationship with China, Asif reaffirmed that China remains Pakistan's foremost strategic partner. "They are reliable, and they are our neighbour," he said, placing emphasis on the crucial role the bilateral relationship plays in Pakistan’s foreign policy outlook.

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No more connectivity woes as PTA approves Wi-Fi 7

In a game-changing move for Pakistan’s digital landscape, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has officially approved the use of the 6 GHz spectrum band for Wi-Fi 7, marking a significant leap towards enhanced connectivity. This decision not only brings Pakistan in line with global digital advancements but also positions the country as one of the first in the Asia-Pacific region to adopt this cutting-edge technology. Wi-Fi 7, the next-generation connectivity standard, promises ultra-fast data speeds, incredibly low latency, and unparalleled reliability. This leap forward is set to have a far-reaching impact, especially on households, small businesses, educational institutions, healthcare centers, and even smart city projects. By expanding bandwidth and reducing congestion on older frequency bands, Wi-Fi 7 will enable smoother, more efficient internet access across the country. As a result, users can expect faster downloads, smoother video calls, and overall improved internet performance. For many Pakistanis, this milestone isn’t just about faster internet – it represents a step towards bridging the digital divide. With an increasingly connected world, this move reflects PTA’s commitment to not only enhancing telecom infrastructure but also to making digital tools more accessible for everyone. The adoption of Wi-Fi 7 aligns with Pakistan’s broader vision of evolving into a secure, modern, and inclusive digital economy. As Wi-Fi 7 takes hold, the technology will also lower broadband delivery costs, easing the financial burden on consumers while fostering innovation across sectors. Whether in bustling urban centres or remote communities, the rollout of this technology promises to bring Pakistan closer to realising its aspirations as a global leader in digital connectivity.

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Reserved judgments must be announced within 90 days, JC panel proposes

The Judicial Commission’s subcommittee has proposed that reserved judgments must be announced within 90 days, as part of new rules being discussed to evaluate the performance of high court judges. The subcommittee meeting, chaired by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, reviewed procedures and rules aimed at assessing the efficiency and conduct of high court judges, according to sources. One of the key proposals discussed was linking judges’ performance to the timely disposal of cases, including a requirement to decide matters on the cause list daily. They further stated that all members of the subcommittee were directed to submit their recommendations in writing for further consideration. Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi had formed two committees, led by Justice Mandokhail, to prepare draft rules for the annual judicial performance evaluation of high court judges, as well as criteria for the selection of judges for the constitutional benches. The 26th Constitutional Amendment mandated that the Judicial Commission conduct annual performance evaluations of high court judges. If a judge is found to be inefficient, the commission may grant a period for improvement. If the judge’s performance remains unsatisfactory after that period, the commission shall send its report to the Supreme Judicial Council. Article 175A(20) also states that the commission may create separate rules to establish effective standards for the performance evaluation of high court judges.

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NADRA launches digital services for pensioners in Karachi

The National Database and Registration Authority has announced plans to increase the number of registration counters in Karachi from the current 359 to 550 by the end of the ongoing fiscal year, in a move aimed at facilitating citizens and enhancing service delivery. According to NADRA officials, the existing counters are operational in various mega and National Registration Centres throughout the city. As part of a wider effort to digitise and modernise its services, NADRA is also set to introduce a range of new online facilities. Among the most significant is the launch of an online “Proof of Life” feature via the Pak Identity mobile application, designed primarily to facilitate pensioners, particularly those who face challenges in fingerprint verification due to age or health conditions. Also Read: Declare property values or risk penalties, FBR warns taxpayers Speaking to The Express Tribune, NADRA’s Director of Media Syed Shabahat Ali said the new feature would provide a long-term solution for senior citizens who encounter biometric or technical difficulties. He further revealed that arrangements are being made to allow close family members, such as a son or daughter, to assist elderly users in completing the digital verification process. Ali urged citizens to ensure that all important events, such as births, marriages, marital status changes, and deaths, are duly registered with their respective union councils, as these form the foundation for accurate data within NADRA’s digital system. NADRA has started local manufacturing of ATM-style Self-Service Kiosks to facilitate identity card renewals and other registration services without the need for in-person interaction. Initially, the kiosks will be installed at Karachi mega centres, followed by a wider rollout at airports, railway stations, shopping malls, and other public spaces.

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LHC gives final warning to Rawalpindi officials over outrageous property rate hike

The Lahore High Court has granted Rawalpindi Commissioner Aamir Khattak a final 10-day extension to comply with a previous court order suspending the sharp increase in property valuation rates set by the deputy commissioner for Union Councils in Rawalpindi, including historic areas like Kotha Kalan I and II. In a significant ruling, Justice Jawad Hassan ordered that the rates, which had increased by as much as 5,000%, be re-determined within 10 days. Failure to comply will result in contempt of court proceedings against both the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema. The case was filed by senior PML-N leader Chaudhry Asif Ali, who argued that for over 50 years, property valuation rates in the area had only risen by 10-15% annually. However, in 2024, the Deputy Commissioner raised commercial property rates by an unprecedented 3,000–5,000%, and residential property rates by 500–3,000%, causing property transactions to come to a halt in these regions for the last two years. The situation worsened when a further hike of 1,000–3,000% was imposed starting July 1, 2025, which severely impacted the local property market. The LHC had previously instructed the officials to withdraw the inflated rates and consult stakeholders to determine new, fair valuations. However, both the Commissioner and DC failed to comply with this order, prompting the court to issue a final warning. The court has now emphasised that the rates must be revised, and a report on the matter must be submitted within 10 days. If the officials do not act, the court warned it would initiate contempt proceedings.

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From potholes to pay cuts: Food delivery riders risk it all in monsoon season

Abdullah Abbas waded through Lahore's flooded streets, struggling to push his motorcycle and deliver a food order on time. The water had risen to his torso, his jeans soaked and rolled up over sandals, leaving him vulnerable to electrocution and infectious diseases. "If I don't deliver the orders, my account will get blocked, which would leave me without money," Abbas told AFP in the old quarter of Lahore, known for its narrow, congested streets. "I need this money to pay my high school fees," added the 19-year-old, who is completing his last year of secondary school. Since June, monsoon rains in Pakistan have killed more than 1,000 people, swelling major rivers and devastating rural communities along their banks. Urban centres such as Lahore, a city of more than 14 million people, and Karachi, the country's largest city with more than 25 million people, have also suffered urban flooding in part because of poorly planned development. Abbas earns around $7 a day, above the average salary, but only when the sun is shining. To meet the average monthly pay of around $140, he was to work seven days a week for over 10 hours fitted around his studies. "Customers behave rudely and you have to handle all the stress," added Muhammad Khan, a 23-year-old rider, as he carefully navigated his motorbike through Karachi's muddy, pothole ridden roads. Pakistan, where 45 percent of people live under the poverty line, is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with limited resources dedicated to adaptation. By the middle of August, Pakistan had already received 50 percent more monsoon rainfall than last year, according to disaster authorities, while in neighbouring India, the annual rains kill hundreds every year. While South Asia's seasonal monsoon brings rainfall that farmers depend on, climate change is making the phenomenon more erratic. A report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said brown water inundating city streets is not only the result of climate change but "clogged drains, inadequate solid waste disposal, poor infrastructure, encroachments, elitist housing societies." Doctors warn that working repeatedly in damp conditions can cause fungal infections and flu, while exposure to dirty water can spread eye and skin infections. Gig economy workers attached to delivery apps made up nearly two percent of Pakistan’s labour force — around half a million people — in 2023, according to Fairwork, a project by the University of Oxford. Fairwork rated six digital labour platforms in the country and all of them have the "minimum standards of fair work conditions". International Labour Organization meanwhile says gig workers lack government protection and face systemic violations of international labour standards. Motorbike rider Muneer Ahmed, 38, said he quit being a chef and joined a bike-riding company to become "his own boss". "When it rains, customers try to take rickshaws or buses, which leaves me with no work," said Ahmed, waiting anyway on the side of the flooded street. "Rain is a curse for the poor," he said, watching the screen of his phone for a new customer. Daily wage labourers, often working in construction, also see their work dry up. It hs been nearly four days since labourer Zahid Masih, 44, was hired, he told AFP while taking refuge under a bridge with other masons in Karachi. "Jobs do come up, but only after the rain stops. There is no work as long as it is raining," says the father of three. "Sitting idle at home is not an option, as our stoves won't be lit."

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Cancer patients in Rawalpindi to get free treatment at Holy Family Hospital

After successful treatment at Lahore’s Mayo Hospital, residents of Rawalpindi will soon benefit from free, cutting-edge treatment for life-threatening cancers, with the installation of a state-of-the-art cryoablation machine at the city’s largest medical facility, Holy Family Hospital (HFH). In compliance with the directives of the Punjab Health Department, the hospital administration has already submitted a formal requisition for the equipment. According to reports, after the successful treatment of five patients at Mayo Hospital Lahore using the first cryoablation machine—imported from China on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz—the provincial government has resolved to extend this facility to leading divisional headquarters hospitals across the province. Consequently, the provincial Health Department has called upon HFH, Rawalpindi, to formally request the machine’s installation. Medical Superintendent of HFH, Dr Ejaz Butt, stated that the requisition has been duly forwarded to the Health Department. Upon delivery, the machine will be installed in the hospital’s Radiology Department, where space has already been set aside. “We possess both the technical staff and the highly qualified doctors required to operate the cryoablation machine. We aim to ensure that it is fully functional within a year, thereby allowing us to commence free cancer treatment without delay,” Dr Butt affirmed. The cryoablation machine is particularly effective for cancers where surgery is unnecessary. It is capable of treating tumours of kidney, lungs, breast, liver, bladder, and various other parts of the human body with remarkable precision. Dr Butt further explained that once the machine becomes operational at HFH, cancer patients will be formally registered and treated in accordance with a structured schedule. He stressed that the provincial chief executive has shown exceptional foresight by procuring these advanced machines from China, thereby enabling cancer patients across Punjab to access lifesaving treatment free of charge.

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Unofficial results show PPP leads in Sindh local body by-elections

The unofficial results of by-elections for 28 local government seats across 14 districts of Sindh, including three in Karachi, showed the Pakistan Peoples Party emerging as the front-runner. The Election Commission of Pakistan has so far released unofficial results for 20 seats. According to the preliminary figures, PPP candidates secured victory on 17 seats, while Jamaat-e-Islami, the Grand Democratic Alliance, and one independent candidate won one seat each. Polling began at 8 am and ended at 4 pm. Voters' turnout remained relatively low across several constituencies. Overall polling process reportedly remained peaceful, however, some sporadic incidents of unrest were reported in Karachi. The by-polls were held for six chairmen, seven vice chairmen, 13 general members and two district council members. About 243,187 voters (133,038 men and 110,154 women) were eligible to cast their ballots at 168 polling stations. Major political parties, including PPP, Jamaat-e-Islami, JUI-F, TLP and PML-N, fielded their candidates, while several independents backed by the PTI were also in the run. Also Read: PM Shehbaz urges IMF to consider flood damages in bailout review By-elections in Karachi were held on five seats across East, West and Keamari districts, with 54 candidates in the fray. According to unofficial results, PPP’s Shahroze Ahmed secured the vice chairman seat in UC-8 of Sohrab Goth with 1,790 votes, defeating independent candidate Jaleel Ahmed Mughiri, who got 166 votes. PPP also won Karachi’s Bhitt Shah Town Committee’s general member seat with 714 votes, while his two independent rivals together managed just four votes. In Karachi’s Baldia Town UC-8, PPP’s Mohammad Faisal emerged victorious in the race for vice chairman, securing 3,132 votes. Independent candidate Hasnain Ali Chauhan followed with 1,084 votes, while Jamaat-e-Islami’s Yasir Hayat trailed with 796. In Manghopir's UC-10, PPP candidate Stephen Masih won the vice chairman seat with 891 votes, while the Awami National Party’s candidate secured 324 votes, according to unofficial results. PPP’s candidate Shehnila Amir won the chairperson seat in Orangi UC-1 with 3,801 votes. TLP candidate Muhammad Ali secured second place with 1,787 votes, while Jamaat-e-Islami’s Muhammad Khurshid Alam finished third with 1,288 votes. In Orangi Town’s Ward-4, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Mohammad Bilal Naseer narrowly edged out PPP’s Sheikh Azhar by securing 791 votes against 749. Strong showing in other districts of Sindh Outside Karachi, PPP maintained its dominance in other parts of Sindh. In Dadu district’s UC-64, the PPP's candidate won the ward member seat with 554 votes. In the same district, its district council nominee secured a convincing victory with 2,144 votes. In Mirpurkhas, the PPP candidate for vice chairman in UC-53 polled 3,186 votes, comfortably winning against independent rival who could only secure 540 votes. In Rohri’s UC-20 in Sukkur, PPP’s candidate triumphed with 2,677 votes, defeating JUI-F’s nominee, who secured 765. In Makki Shah Town, Sukkur, PPP’s Nazir Ahmed won the general member seat with 450 votes. PPP’s dominance extended to Badin’s Matli UC-5, where its candidate for the seat of chairman polled 2,218 votes. In Khairpur, the party secured two victories, a town committee member seat with 879 votes and the UC-12 chairmanship with 3,708 votes, defeating GDA’s Mukhtiar Ahmed, who received 417. Read: Security forces kill 13 terrorists in DI Khan IBO Independent candidates also registered wins. In Mirpurkhas’ UC-20, Owais secured 338 votes for the general member seat, leaving TLP’s Mohammad Rafiq behind with 71 votes. In Thatta’s UC-12, the PPP’s vice chairman candidate emerged victorious with 1,281 votes against independent candidate Waqas Ahmed who got 261 votes. The ruling party also posted back-to-back wins in Umerkot district, where its candidates dominated the contests for both district council member and union council chairman seats. For the district council seat in Umerkot, the PPP candidate bagged 4,080 votes, comfortably defeating an independent contender who managed 902 votes. In UC-19 of the same district, the PPP's winning streak continued as their candidate secured 4,134 votes in the chairman race. The nearest rival, an independent candidate, received 977 votes. However, a notable exception to PPP’s performance came in Umerkot’s UC-41, where GDA’s Mohammad Daim secured 1,256 votes, soundly defeating PPP’s Aftab Ali, who received only three votes. ECP noted that out of 67 scheduled by-elections across Sindh, 33 candidates were elected unopposed. No nominations were filed in two constituencies, while nomination papers of three candidates were rejected. One candidate voluntarily withdrew from the contest. Polling disruptions Although the ECP described the process as orderly, minor disturbances broke out in Karachi. Outside polling stations in UC-10 of Manghopir Town and UC-8 of Baldia Town, confrontations between rival political groups escalated into brief scuffles before police intervened to control the situation. At a polling station in Orangi Town’s UC-1, tensions rose when activists of a religious party alleged irregularities. Senior police officials and additional forces were called in to defuse the tension. The provincial election commissioner later sought reports from district monitoring and returning officers following complaints of polling delays and alleged misconduct. However, ECP officials dismissed accusations of irregularities, insisting the by-polls were conducted in a largely peaceful atmosphere.

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IHC judge fights ban on case hearings

Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri has moved an application in the Supreme Court seeking early hearing of his constitutional petition against an IHC order restraining him from hearing cases. He has requested the apex court to hear the petition this week — between September 23 to September 26. On September 16, a division bench of the IHC comprising Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Muhammad Azam Khan stopped Justice Jahangiri from performing his duties as it took up a petition accusing the judge of holding a dubious LLB degree Interestingly, the bench also sought assistance from Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan on the question of whether the petition was maintainable while appointing senior lawyers Barrister Zafarullah Khan and Ashtar Ali Ausaf as amici curiae. The bench noted that until the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) — the accountability forum, which has also been approached against Justice Jahangiri — decides the matter, the judge could not handle cases. On September 19, five IHC judges went to the SC in person to file separate constitutional petitions, making eleven different prayers including one seeking quashing of the IHC order barring Justice Jahangiri from judicial work. In his application submitted on September 22, Justice Jahangiri stated that it was a settled position in law that a restraining order could not be passed to stop a high court judge from performing his job. He said the case concerned important questions of law relating to the functioning judge of the high court and the independence of the judiciary, which were of grave concern to any jurisdiction. "The September 16 order opens the floodgates to litigation where any pending reference or complaint or petition against any judge, can permit a high court to prevent him from performing his function. "Hence, urgent intervention of this court is required to correct course and prevent such actions from straitjacketing the performance of judges of the high court." He said the order was passed without considering the bona fide of the person, Mian Daud Advocate, who filed a petition against him. In the absence of such bona fide, he said, the petition filed against him was not even maintainable. Hence, this determination must be made at the onset to close the door to any such mala fide litigation initiated against Constitutional functionaries. "The crucial decision to restrain a judge from performing his function was made without even hearing the counter position. The petitioner was never heard. "Hence, it is imperative that the objections to maintainability to the petition filed against the petitioner be considered at the very onset, to prevent the litigation from unnecessarily precluding the petitioner from dispensing justice in the high court that he serves in." The judge said he could only serve as a judge of the high court till a particular age, and time lost due to the operation of the impugned order could not be regained by him.

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Trump meets Shehbaz, Muslim leaders to tackle Gaza crisis

US President Donald Trump held meetings with leaders of Muslim-majority nations, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday to discuss the escalating Gaza crisis. Key issues raised included the release of hostages, ending hostilities, and plans for Israel’s eventual withdrawal from Gaza. Trump also outlined Washington’s vision for post-war governance in the territory, explicitly excluding Hamas from administrative control, according to US media. The US reportedly encouraged Muslim and Arab nations to consider contributing military support to facilitate Israel’s withdrawal and to provide funding for reconstruction and stabilisation efforts in Gaza. PM Shehbaz joined the discussions amid growing international concern over the conflict, while Trump praised the collective efforts of participating leaders. “You all have done an excellent job, which is commendable,” he remarked. Turkiye's President Tayyip Erdogan, Jordan's King Abdullah, Egypt's Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto and United Arab Emirates' Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan were also present in the meeting.

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Can Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi meet in jail? IHC weighs in

The Islamabad High Court has issued notices to the federal and provincial authorities on a petition seeking permission for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s incarcerated founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, to hold conjugal meetings in jail. In response to the petition, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir on Tuesday directed the Islamabad chief commissioner, the Punjab government, the inspector general of prisons and the jail superintendent to respond to the plea filed by a citizen, Shahid Yaqub. The petitioner argued: “Under Section 545-A of the Prison Rules 1978, family life is supported. By not providing this facility, prison authorities are violating the law.” His lawyer added that inmates are entitled to meet their spouses inside prisons. Read More: Prisoners granted conjugal rights Yaqub claimed the couple’s right to marital relations was being denied. “Prisoners should be allowed to meet their wives or husbands inside jails. Denying this right violates international laws and Supreme Court rulings,” the petition said. The court adjourned the hearing until September 30 after seeking replies from the parties. Neither Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi nor PTI are petitioners or respondents in the case. PTI has already distanced itself from the application. Procedure for conjugal visits in jail There is a legal process for a prisoner to meet the spouse. The inmate or the spouse must apply to the jail superintendent first. If the permission is denied, the application may be taken to the deputy commissioner. In case the deputy commissioner also rejects it, application can be filed in the relevant trial court. If the trial court dismisses the request, the matter can be taken to the high court. Such meetings require a designated family room inside the prison. However, according to sources, Central Jail, Adiala, does not currently have a facility for spousal meetings. What are conjugal visits? Contrary to popular belief in Pakistan, prisoners also have rights. One of these is the right to conjugal visits, which allow married inmates to meet their spouses in privacy while serving the sentence. In such visits, prisoners and spouses are provided a room to spend time together. In Sindh, following a Supreme Court order on prison reforms and conjugal rights, the provincial home department issued a 2010 notification stating that the spouse of a prisoner would be allowed to meet them either during the day or at night once every three months. Imran Khan’s arrest and May 9 riots The former prime minister was ousted from office in 2022. A year later, he was arrested following his conviction in the Toshakhana case, receiving a three-year prison sentence. In 2024, a special court formally indicted Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the so-called Toshakhana 2.0 case, deepening their legal troubles. Following his arrest, riots erupted nationwide, with party leaders and workers staging protests that targeted both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act. As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan’s nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more. Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi convicted in £190m case Earlier this year, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were convicted in the £190 million case. Imran was sentenced to 14 years in prison, while Bushra Bibi received a seven-year jail term. Accountability Court Judge Nasir Javed Rana announced the order in a courtroom inside Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail. In addition to the prison sentences, the court imposed fines of Rs1 million on Imran and Rs500,000 on Bushra. If the fines are not paid, Imran will serve an additional six months in prison, and Bushra Bibi will face an extra three months. What is the £190 million case? The case alleges that Imran Khan and others involved adjusted Rs50 billion—equivalent to £190 million at the time—that was transferred by the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) to the Pakistani government. As PM, Imran obtained cabinet approval for this settlement on December 3, 2019, without disclosing the confidential details of the agreement. The arrangement had stipulated that the funds would be submitted to the Supreme Court. According to NAB officials, him and his wife received land worth billions of rupees intended for the construction of an educational institute. Also Read: Imran, wife booked in forgery case over Toshakhana watch NAB filed the reference on December 1, 2023 against eight accused persons including Imran and his wife. The court on January 6, 2024 declared the rest of six accused proclaimed offenders as they did not face the trial and escaped to foreign countries. The court indicted Imran and Bushra on February 27, 2024. The prosecution presented 35 witnesses, whom the defense later cross-examined. Key witnesses in the case included PM's former principal secretary Azam Khan, former defense minister Pervez Khattak and former federal minister Zubaida Jalal. Three different judges presided over the case at various stages of the trial while the final investigative officer, Mian Umar Nadeem, was cross-examined after 38 hearings. The accountability court provided the accused 15 opportunities to complete their statements under Section 342. However, no witnesses were presented by the defence.

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Sindh govt hospital staff to boycott OPDs over pay hike demands

Employees of government hospitals across Sindh have announced a boycott of all outpatient departments (OPDs) from Tuesday until their demands — including a 50% rise in disparity allowance and a 70% increase in salaries — are met. The protesters have urged the provincial government to raise salaries of all permanent staff from grade 1 to 22 by 70%, ensure timely payments of group insurance and benevolent fund, and categorically rule out any deductions from pensions. Leaders of the Grand Health Alliance, which includes the Pakistan Medical Association, Young Doctors Association, Young Nurses Association, Allied Health Professionals Association Sindh, Sindh Paramedical Staff, Young Paramedics, and Sindh Employees Alliance, said the strike will affect all OPDs and administrative offices, with only emergency services to remain operational. The decision was taken during a GHA meeting at Karachi’s Civil Hospital, attended by several senior figures including Sindh Employees Alliance Chairman Haji Muhammad Ashraf Khaskheli. Union leaders stressed that the boycott was not a political move but an attempt to secure long-denied rights for government health workers. “This action has been taken for the approval of legitimate demands,” they said, warning that the shutdown would continue until the government takes “concrete and positive steps.” They further vowed that employees across Sindh’s government hospitals stood united on a single platform and would not hesitate to make sacrifices for their rights.

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SC gives govt 45 days to allow civilian appeals against military court verdicts

The Supreme Court has called on the federal government and Parliament to pass legislation within 45 days to allow an independent right of appeal against convictions by military courts. The apex court stressed that this safeguard is essential to ensure due process and the constitutional right to a fair trial. This directive came in a decision on a set of Intra-Court Appeals (ICAs) heard by a larger bench of the apex court under Section 5 of the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023. The appeals challenged the October 23, 2023 judgment in Constitution Petition No 24 of 2023 and related cases. In that ruling, a five-member bench (by a 4-1 majority) had declared certain provisions of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 unconstitutional, and had barred the trial of civilians in military courts following the unrest on May 9–10, 2023. In its latest order, announced on May 7, 2025, the Supreme Court set aside that earlier judgment and reinstated Section 2(1)(d)(i) & (ii) and Section 59(4) of the Army Act. These provisions allow civilians to be tried under military law if accused of luring military personnel from duty or committing offences under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, related to defence establishments. However, the court clarified that this authority is limited and not a blanket permission to try civilians in all cases. Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, who authored the 68-page majority judgment, stated: "Although the Army Act includes formal due process protections, the absence of an independent right of appeal to a civilian court makes its application to civilians constitutionally incomplete. The provisions themselves are not unconstitutional, but this gap must be addressed through legislation." Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, in a concurring opinion, emphasised that an independent right of appeal before a civilian forum is a basic component of due process and the right to a fair trial under Article 10-A of the Constitution. Until Parliament passes the required amendments, the court said that military court convicts may approach High Courts. These courts would then assess whether due process was followed and if the convictions were supported by adequate evidence. The 45-day deadline was set to “cure the defect” and align military justice with constitutional protections. The court also reiterated that while peaceful protest and assembly are protected rights, violence, destruction of property, and attacks on military installations cannot be justified under the guise of fundamental freedoms. The May 9–10 incidents, it noted, posed serious threats to national security and required a firm but lawful response. By restoring the challenged provisions of the Army Act, the Court showed deference to Parliament’s legislative authority but also insisted on necessary legal safeguards. “Law should be saved rather than destroyed,” wrote Justice Mazhar. He added that while the judiciary interprets the law—not writes it—it must still ensure compliance with the Constitution.

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Sindh declares holiday in 14 districts for Sept 24 by-polls

The Sindh government has declared a public holiday on September 24 in 14 districts of the province to facilitate voters during upcoming by-elections, according to a notification issued on Monday. The Sindh education department has also issued instructions to the district education officers and the Directorate of Private Schools in this regard. The letter, sent to the departments concerned, said polling stations would be set up in schools located in the relevant constituencies. Authorities also directed the district education officials and the private schools directorate to extend full cooperation in the arrangements. The districts where the holiday will be observed include Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Matiari, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Dadu, Badin, Thatta, Karachi East, Karachi West and Keamari. Authorities said the decision was aimed at enabling citizens to cast their votes without difficulty. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken notice of reports that government employees may boycott election duties during the local government by-polls. According to a letter from the Sindh Joint Election Commissioner to the provincial chief secretary, the commission cited social media reports suggesting some staff had threatened to refuse election assignments. “A boycott by government employees could affect the electoral process,” the letter warned. It directed the district administrations to take immediate steps to ensure the availability of assigned polling personnel. The commission has mentioned that most of the polling staff are from the education department. Earlier, the ECP had announced that by-elections would be held the same day for 52 vacant local government seats across Sindh, including several in Karachi. Officials said arrangements were being finalised to ensure smooth polling in all districts where seats have become vacant. A total of 23 candidates will contest the upcoming by-elections in Hyderabad, while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) nominees have already secured seven seats unopposed. Three seats remain vacant as no eligible candidates came forward.

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Expressway delays draw minister's ire

Minister for Communications Aleem Khan on Sunday expressed dissatisfaction over the delays in the beautification and upgradation works on the Islamabad-Murree Expressway. He directed the officials of National Highway Authority (NHA) to expedite the completion of the ongoing development works, emphasizing that green belts should be fully developed, more trees be planted, and aesthetically pleasing landscaping must be ensured along the Murree Expressway. Highlighting that work has been started five months before, the minister stressed that it must now be brought to completion as early as possible.

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Punjab orders educational institutions to install colour-coded bins

The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made it mandatory for all government and private educational institutions in the province to install colour-coded bins for waste segregation under its new ‘Smart Waste Management’ initiative. According to an order, issued by EPA Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, the move aims at promoting recycling, safe disposal and landfill reduction in line with Pakistan’s environmental commitments and Sustainable Development Goals. Under the order, every school must install clearly labelled bins in prominent locations to separate waste into five categories: paper (yellow), glass (green), organic/biodegradable waste (grey), metal (red) and plastic (orange). The bins are to be maintained hygienically and emptied regularly. Institutions can also use the Punjab Waste Management Helpline 1139 for collection and transportation of segregated waste. EPA field offices will conduct periodic inspections to verify compliance and ensure awareness programmes for students and staff. Schools that meet the criteria will receive an EPA Smart Waste Management Compliance Certificate, which must be displayed prominently at the main gate as a public demonstration of compliance. The directive — issued under Section 6(1)(t) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997 — is part of the province’s Climate Resilient Action Plan 2024, which prioritises waste segregation, recycling and institutional capacity-building to cut environmental stress and build resilience. The EPA has forwarded the order to all relevant government departments, district education authorities and private school associations to ensure effective implementation.

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PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan's commitment for peace, stability in region

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability and progress in the region. He said, Islamabad was prepared to move beyond recent hostilities with India but insisted that any dialogue must be based on equality and fairness. Speaking at a gathering of overseas Pakistanis in London, the premier announced that a ceasefire had come into effect after a four-day military conflict, declaring that Islamabad retaliated with a befitting reply to India for its unjust aggression. “We want peace, we want progress, we want prosperity, and we want the eradication of unemployment in Pakistan,” he specifically mentioned. Read More: Kidnappers kill Ziarat assistant commissioner, son Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed that Pakistan sought peace not only on the battlefield but also through investment and economic partnerships. “We turned Pakistan into a formidable military force. Now is the time to build an equally strong economy,” he added. Despite tensions, the prime minister reiterated that Islamabad had consistently pursued dialogue with New Delhi on long-standing disputes, including Kashmir, water-sharing, trade and counter-terrorism. “I have made this offer many times, and the world knows it,” he said. “We want to sit down and talk with you, to find a way forward and address the challenges that have plagued our relationship for decades.” He warned that relations could not normalise without resolving the Kashmir dispute. PM Shehbaz said, Pakistan and India are neighbors in the region and good relations between the two nations depend on sorting out the issues amicably and peacefully through dialogue, not through force. The prime minister hailed Pakistan’s May 10 victory as a historic milestone that, which delivered a ‘powerful message to the enemy’. Also Read: Seven terrorists killed in DI Khan IBO: ISPR “From Karachi to Peshawar, the entire nation bowed in gratitude before God,” he said, adding that the victory had enhanced respect for Pakistan’s green passport globally. The premier also condemned ongoing violence in Gaza and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. He urged the international community to act to end the suffering of Palestinians, pledging that Pakistan would remain a voice for justice at global forums. He lauded overseas Pakistanis as “ambassadors of Pakistan” who not only contribute to the economy but also defend the country’s political narrative abroad. Highlighting their contribution, he revealed that overseas Pakistanis sent a record $38.5 billion in remittances last year, which he described as the backbone of the economy. Read: President, PM call for global unity to uphold peace, justice Turning to domestic challenges, PM Shehbaz acknowledged the importance of foreign investment and financial aid in stabilising the economy but urged the nation to strive for self-sufficiency. “We must get rid of debts and stand on our own feet,” he said. “When we make Pakistan a great economic power, the world will listen to us.” With more than 60 per cent of the population comprising youth, he called for skill development in IT, artificial intelligence and vocational training. Concluding his address, the prime minister emphasised, “The unity of political and military leadership in pursuit of a common vision of a great Pakistan and God willing, we will make it a reality.”

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1,006 perished, over 3m rescued in nationwide operations during floods: NDMA

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has revealed that at least 1,006 people have lost their lives during recent rains and floods while 3.02 million individuals have been rescued in flood-hit regions across Pakistan since June 26. The authority on Sunday released fresh figures, revealing that torrential rains and flash floods had prompted 5,768 rescue operations nationwide. During these operations, 273,524 relief items were distributed, while 662,098 people received medical treatment at 741 camps established under the coordinated efforts of the NDMA, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), the Pakistan Army, and other rescue services. The NDMA figures show Punjab accounted for the highest number of fatalities, with 304 deaths — including 110 children, 143 men, and 51 women. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) reported 504 deaths, that included 90 children, 338 men, and 76 women. Sindh reported 80 deaths, including 35 children, while Balochistan confirmed 30 fatalities. Gilgit-Baltistan lost 41 people, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) 38, and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) nine. Flood-related incidents also left 1,063 people injured nationwide. Punjab again reported the highest number of injuries, with 661 individuals affected. K-P reported 218 injuries, Sindh 87, Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) 52, AJK 37, Balochistan five, and ICT three. Punjab reported the highest number of rescues, with 2.81 million people evacuated through 4,749 operations. Sindh followed with 184,011 rescues in 753 operations, while K-P evacuated 14,317 people in 211 operations. According to NDMA, 12,569 homes have been damaged nationwide, 4,128 destroyed and 8,441 partially damaged — while floods have also claimed 6,509 livestock. Relief distributions included tents, blankets, hygiene kits, ration bags, and food packs, alongside equipment such as solar panels, de-watering pumps, and generators. A total of 1,690 camps were established, comprising 741 medical camps that treated over 662,000 people and 949 relief camps providing shelter to 152,252 individuals. At least 239 bridges and 1,981km of roads have been destroyed or damaged. K-P reported the loss of 52 bridges and 437km of roads, AJK 94 bridges and 201km of roads, and G-B 87 bridges with 20km of roads. The NDMA said that coordinated efforts to deliver relief supplies, restore infrastructure, and support rehabilitation are still continuing.

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IHC moved over Imran's alleged jail posts

A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking to declare as illegal the alleged "inflammatory posts" made from the X (formerly Twitter) account of PTI founder Imran Khan during his imprisonment. The petition, submitted by citizen Ghulam Murtaza Khan through Barrister Zafarullah, argues that posts made from the official account of a convicted prisoner while in jail are unlawful, inflammatory, and malicious. It requests the court to direct the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency and the PTA to investigate and determine who has been operating the PTI founder's account.

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Balochistan govt asks citizens to report missing, terror-linked relatives

The Balochistan government has directed citizens to promptly report any missing family members or those suspected of joining anti-state groups, warning that failure to do so will invite strict legal action under anti-terrorism laws. According to an official notification by the Home Department, parents, siblings, guardians, and relatives bear the legal and moral responsibility to inform the nearest police station or relevant authorities if a family member disappears or is suspected of joining anti-state or terrorist groups. The Home Department issued the notification through advertisements in local newspapers, making it clear that any delay or failure to report such disappearances will be treated as a punishable offence under Section 202 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), read with Section 11-E(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997. It warned that if a missing person is later found to be affiliated with terrorist organisations or involved in terrorism-related activities — including providing financial, logistical, or shelter support to terrorists — their family members will face legal action. These cases will be prosecuted under Sections 118 and 202 of the PPC and relevant ATA provisions. The Home Department stressed that families withholding such information will be considered facilitators, accomplices, or supporters of anti-state elements, and legal proceedings will be carried out under Sections 7, 120A, and 120B of the PPC and Section 11(1)(a)(EEE) of the ATA. Also Read: K-P to get first CyberKnife, PET scan for cancer care Furthermore, if an individual is found to be in contact with hostile groups or involved in terrorism, their family members may also be booked under Sections 107, 109, and 114 of the PPC and Sections 11-E(1) and 11-F of the ATA. The government urged citizens to promptly report such cases to police stations or intelligence agencies. The notification referenced relevant sections of the ATA — including 11-W, 11-Q, and 11-E(1) — empowering citizens and the state to act in the national interest. Issued “in public interest,” the notification reiterated that failure to comply will be treated as facilitation of terrorism and dealt with under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws.

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President Zardari visits Kashgar Free Trade Zone, stresses on deeper Pak-China economic ties

President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday visited the Kashgar Free Trade Zone — the only facility of its kind in southern Xinjiang and a major trade and logistics hub. During the visit, Zardari urged a private Chinese airline to expand its operations in Pakistan to boost connectivity and deepen cultural ties. The president, who is on a ten-day state visit to China since Sept 12, was received by Yao Ning, CPC Party Secretary of Kashgar. He was briefed on the zone’s rapid growth since its establishment in 2015. Spread over 3.56 square kilometres, the zone combines bonded warehousing, logistics, processing, customs clearance and air freight services. It maintains trade links with 118 countries, exporting electric vehicles, batteries, solar cells, high-tech goods and auto parts. Read More: Pakistan, China to boost cooperation from Xinjiang to northern areas Officials informed Zardari that the zone is connected by road, rail and air to both Asia and Europe, and has its own international airport. It is also linked with Sost port in Gilgit-Baltistan — 400 kilometres away — and Gwadar port, 2,000 kilometres away, making it a vital gateway for imports and exports. During his tour, the president also visited stalls showcasing products from Central Asia, Europe, South Korea and Japan. He was briefed on the Digital Trade Centre, established in 2024, which now hosts more than 5,400 companies. He also toured the cross-border e-commerce exhibition centre displaying duty-free products from Central Asia, Europe and beyond. Zardari was updated on the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative — including an Uzbekistan-backed industrial park offering 72-hour warehouse-to-warehouse delivery and a Kyrgyzstan-backed park under development for auto assembly and LED production. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Sindh Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Pakistan ambassador to China and the Chinese envoy to Pakistan accompanied the president. Air connectivity Later in the day, the president met Serene Air CEO Yunchun Yang, who shared the airline’s expansion plans for Pakistan. Zardari urged the airline to enhance its connectivity and services. Yang, who holds a PhD from the University of California and leads a semiconductor firm with operations in China, Sweden and the US, pledged further investment in Pakistan’s aviation sector. Serene Air is the first Chinese private investment in Pakistan’s aviation industry and the first Pakistani airline to operate direct flights to Beijing. Yang also highlighted the company’s joint projects with the Pakistan Air Force on JF-17 avionics. Academic linkages The president also visited Kashgar University, the leading higher education institution in southern Xinjiang, where he was welcomed by Party Secretary Ding Bangwen, faculty and students. Established in 1962 and upgraded to university status in 2015, the institution now has three campuses and over 40,000 students and faculty, including several hundred foreigners. Enrollment is expected to rise to nearly 50,000 in the coming years. Zardari praised the university’s contributions across science, engineering, agriculture, social sciences, arts and culture. He called the institution the closest Chinese university to Pakistan and a vital bridge for academic and cultural exchange. Also Read: Mustafa Kamal has daughter vaccinated publicly to dispel HPV vaccine rumours Highlighting the Pakistan-China Strategic Cooperative Partnership, the president underscored the importance of youth and education in strengthening long-term ties. He was also briefed on the Centre for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which supports Belt and Road research and collaboration. Engaging with Pakistani students — many from Gilgit, Hunza, Dir and Chitral — Zardari asked about their studies and living conditions. The students said their tuition and accommodation were fully funded by the Chinese government along with stipends for food and expenses. Zardari urged them to excel in their fields and contribute to strengthening Pakistan-China friendship.

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'Illegal Afghans involved in terrorism'

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that there is credible evidence that illegal Afghan nationals were involved in terrorism and serious crimes in Pakistan. In an interview with a German magazine, the DG ISPR said Pakistan hosted millions of Afghan refugees for 40 years. He said that Pakistan made elaborate arrangements for the dignified return of Afghan refugees to their country. He said that Pakistan extended the deadline for the return of Afghan refugees to their country multiple times on humanitarian grounds. The main reasons for giving refuge to the Afghan refugees were foreign interference and civil war, which no longer exist, he said. The DG ISPR said that American weapons left behind after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan are being used in terrorist activities in Pakistan. Even the US has also expressed concern over the use of these weapons in terrorist activities, he added. In response to a question, Sharif said that violent incidents in India were the result of the Indian government's increasing extremist policies. India always presents its internal issues as external and external issues as internal problems, he said. The DG ISPR said that India was involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan under state sponsorship, adding that there is credible evidence of serving Indian army officers' involvement in such activities. Pakistan has also presented evidence of Indian terrorism to the international community multiple times, he remarked. When asked about the Kashmir issue, he urged the international community to play its role in resolving the longstanding dispute. He emphasised that Pakistan rejects all non-state actors across the board. He said there is no room for any armed groups in Pakistan, adding that no group or individual other than the state has the authority to declare jihad. The DG ISPR said that Pakistan has not only played the role of a frontline state in the war against terrorism but has also made immense sacrifices. During the recent Pakistan-India conflict, Marka-e-Haq, US President Trump played a strategic leadership role. The US has declared the banned Majid Brigade a global terrorist organization, he said. In response to another question, the DG ISPR said Pakistan has constructive and strategic relations with its brotherly country China. He said that several terrorists killed in Balochistan were included in the list of so-called missing persons.

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IHC puts off hearing of Imran acquittal plea

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday deferred hearings on applications seeking early scheduling of acquittal pleas filed by PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana II case. Justice Raja Inam Ameen Minhas, who presided over the matter, remarked that a decision on fixing the acquittal pleas would be taken after reviewing the roster. "We will examine the cases listed for Monday and then decide," the judge observed. The court was hearing the petitions moved by Khan and Bushra Bibi. On their behalf, Barrister Salman Safdar, Ali Bukhari and Sardar Masroof Advocate appeared before the court.

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Pakistan extends airspace ban on India until Oct 24

Pakistan has extended the suspension of its airspace for Indian airlines until October 24, the Civil Aviation Authority announced on Friday. According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by Pakistan’s Civil Aviation, the country’s airspace will remain closed to all aircraft owned, operated, or leased by Indian airlines and operators. The ban includes military flights as well. The restriction took effect from September 19 and will continue until October 24 at 4:59 am. The Civil Aviation Authority clarified that the ban covers all altitudes—from ground level to unlimited heights. Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines in a tit-for-tat response to measures taken by India following the April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The restriction is causing significant losses to Indian airlines, that have to take much longer routes to reach destinations in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.

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Defence pact with KSA reflects true 'friendship'

Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed the historic Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) on Wednesday during the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Riyadh. Experts in geo-strategic matters opine that Pakistan's strategic capability is India-centric and not for accomplishment of any religious or ideological objectives. These experts are of the view that neither Pakistan nor KSA have any aggressive ambitions against any country; therefore, any confusion being created in this regard is based on assumptions with malicious objectives. The defence systems of Pakistan and KSA are for their people and respective territories, the experts said, adding that people linking it with recent events do not understand the essence of historic Pak-KSA relations. They are only trying to create anxiety and unwarranted speculations, the experts said, adding that Pakistan-KSA defence pact is a result of decades of friendship and not due to some recent events or incident.

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KSA defence deal sets stage for new Islamic power bloc: JUI-F chief

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday welcomed the strategic defence agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, saying the deal “marks the beginning of the joint defence of Islamic countries”. Addressing a gathering at the conclusion of the Sindh Peace March in Karachi, Fazl said the new bilateral pact between Islamabad and Riyadh reflected the need for a shared security strategy. “This defence agreement is in line with our ideology and manifesto and marks the start of a common defence strategy for the Islamic world,” he said, urging Muslim states to identify and remove obstacles to unity. The JUI-F chief said the accord should galvanise Muslim nations to resolve their differences and present a united front. “Now both countries must step forward and lead the Islamic world in keeping with their capacity,” he said. Read More: Pak-Saudi mutual defence agreement is outcome of decades of friendship: experts Fazl also welcomed recent dialogues in the Arab and Islamic world, including the Doha conference, describing them as early but necessary steps toward greater unity. “The Arab-Islamic summit in Doha was a positive start for Islamic unity. Expectations were high, but it was a step toward building an Islamic bloc,” he added. Recalling his longstanding call for a united bloc among Muslim states, he said that such unity was central to his party’s manifesto. “I said a week ago at a rally in Rawalpindi that Muslim countries must form a bloc. Until Muslim states stop fighting each other, the world will keep them subdued,” he said. The JUI-F chief framed his party as a voice for the wider ummah, saying the movement stands not only for Pakistan but also for causes including Palestine and Al-Quds. “JUI-F is the voice of the Ummah, of Palestine and of those who have sacrificed for Al-Quds,” he told supporters. Turning to Palestine, he reiterated that Pakistan has long held that Israel’s presence on Palestinian land is illegitimate. He urged that a strong stance in support of Palestine must be maintained on every platform. Any form of flexibility or compromise, he warned, would only strengthen Israel’s position. Also Read: Blast near Chaman border claims at least five lives Fazl also praised activists joining humanitarian convoys to Gaza, saying he salute Pakistanis taking part in flotillas and vowed their efforts represented the nation. “Some of our youth joined the flotilla to Gaza — we salute them. They represent our nation’s concern,” he said. He lauded the Sindh Peace March turnout and criticised the security situation in parts of the country. “From one end of Sindh to the other we held a peaceful march. I want to note there is no real peace in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; in Balochistan people are picked up and made to disappear,” he said, adding that JUI-F had raised its voice against injustices in Quetta. He also warned of hurdles to his party’s campaign but said their struggle would remain peaceful. “Obstacles are being placed in our path, yet our peaceful struggle continues. When JUI-F gives voice to the people, you will see how Islamabad can be occupied peacefully,” he said. He closed by reaffirming his party’s posture on religious and national questions, saying JUI-F would continue to stand for what it sees as Pakistan’s and the Ummah’s interests.

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IHC reinstates Hafeezur Rehman as PTA chairman

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday reinstated Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman as chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), suspending an earlier verdict that had ordered his immediate removal. A division bench of the IHC set aside the single bench ruling by Justice Babar Sattar, which had declared Rehman’s appointment legally flawed and directed his dismissal. The single bench decision, issued just a day earlier, had held that the appointment process did not comply with legal requirements and could not be upheld. Read More: Court voids hiring, sacks PTA chairman Justice Sattar’s detailed verdict spans 99 pages and had proposed that a senior PTA member serve as acting chairman until a permanent, legally valid appointment is made. Rehman had challenged the IHC decision following the single bench ruling. The original petition was filed by digital rights activist Usama Khilji through Advocate Asad Ladha, contesting Rehman’s appointment under the Ordinance of 1972. Rehman argued that he was first appointed as Member (Administration) on May 24, 2023, and promoted to chairman the following day. Following the challenge, he filed an intra-court appeal. After hearing arguments, the division bench suspended the single bench order and reinstated Rehman to his post, effectively allowing him to continue as the head of the telecom regulator.

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Pakistan, IAEA finalise new Nuclear Cooperation Framework

Pakistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency have formalised a new cooperation agreement—the Country Programme Framework (CPF) 2026‑31—aimed at advancing nuclear science and technology for socio‑economic development. Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Chairman Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar and IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation Hua Liu were the signatories of the agreement signed on Wednesday. The CPF will guide technical cooperation between Pakistan and the IAEA, focusing on several priority sectors. These include food and agriculture; human health and nutrition; climate change and water resource management; nuclear power; and radiation and nuclear safety. Also Read: PM Shehbaz holds talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Dr Anwar said the agreement reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. With assistance from the IAEA, he said, Pakistan will continue to employ modern technologies to advance in areas such as food security, health, energy, and environmental protection. Founded in 1957, Pakistan has been an IAEA Member State for decades. The new CPF will serve as a framework for planning and deploying resources and nuclear‑technology transfers aligned with national development goals.

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SPSC announces results for health, education posts

The Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) has announced the final results for various posts in the Health Department and the School Education and Literacy Department (SELD), with a total of 26 candidates declared successful, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. The results cover the posts of Malaria Superintendent (BPS-16) in the Health Department and Instructor/Lecturer (BPS-17) in the disciplines of Physics and Fine Art under SELD. The Malaria Superintendent positions saw seven candidates selected—four on rural quota and three on urban quota. The successful candidates, in order of merit, are Umair Hameed, Tayaba, Rashid Ali, Dua, Sania Raj, Rashda Parveen, and Sidra. For the post of Instructor/Lecturer in Physics (BPS-17), nine candidates were declared successful. The merit list includes Aasim Aijaz, who secured the top position, followed by Syed Muhammad Shahan Hyder, Muhammad Aashib, Mansoor Ahmed, Muhammad Muzammil, Adil Khan, Moin Ahmed, Farhan Ahmed Khan, and Rab Nawaz. The selected candidates include five from the rural quota and four from the urban quota. In the Fine Art discipline, 10 candidates were recommended against the 19 advertised posts. Among the successful male candidates under the rural quota are Moharm Ali, Mir Sabir Ali, Babar Rehman, Saeed Ahmed, and Imran Ahmed. In the female category, five candidates were declared successful - Nazia Yaqoob, Rabail, and Nazia from the rural quota, while Numrah Ghohar Nayab and Bushra qualified under the urban quota. The commission confirmed that a total of 10 Fine Art posts have been filled, including five male rural, three female rural, and two female urban seats. SPSC stated that all constitutional and quota policies applicable in Sindh were strictly followed throughout the recruitment process. The pre-interview written tests were held in August 2025, followed by interviews in September 2025. Final merit lists and detailed marks of the successful candidates have been uploaded to the official SPSC website.

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Pakistan, 15 countries voice concern over security of Global Sumud Flotilla

Pakistan and 15 other countries have jointly expressed serious concern over the safety and security of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led maritime mission aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and break the Israeli naval blockade. In a rare multilateral statement, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain and Türkiye called for the flotilla’s protection under international law, as citizens from these countries are participating in the initiative. “We share the objectives of peace and humanitarian aid delivery, together with respect for international law, including humanitarian law,” the joint statement read. The ministers urged all parties to “refrain from any unlawful or violent act” against the flotilla and reminded the international community that any attack on the vessels in international waters or illegal detention of its participants would constitute a violation of international law and would entail “accountability.” From Spain to Gaza The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising over 50 civilian vessels, sailed from Barcelona on August 30, carrying a diverse group of doctors, trade unionists, lawmakers, and prominent human rights and climate activists. The mission is described as the largest of its kind since the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla, which ended in a deadly Israeli raid. Among those on board are American actress Susan Sarandon, Portuguese actress Sofía Aparicio, and Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who was previously detained and deported by Israeli authorities in June during a similar attempt to breach the blockade.

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Commemorative stamps issued to mark Suparco's conquest of space

Pakistan Post on Tuesday issued a special series of three commemorative postage stamps to mark Suparco Day, celebrating the country’s recent achievements in space exploration. The stamps highlight the successful launches of iCube-Qamar, PAKSAT-MM1, and EO-1, representing a transformative era in Pakistan’s national space programme. iCube-Qamar, launched on May 3, 2024 aboard China’s Chang’e-6 mission, was Pakistan’s first lunar cube satellite. It successfully validated lunar orbit operations and captured images of both the moon and the sun. Read More: Dust that spies, maps that talk, and dogs that code PAKSAT-MM1, launched on May 30, 2024, is a geostationary communication satellite designed to enhance broadcasting, telecommunications, and internet services—supporting Pakistan’s socio-economic development goals. EO-1, launched on January 17, 2025, is Pakistan’s first indigenous electro-optical Earth observation satellite. It provides high-resolution imagery for agriculture, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. The release of these stamps on SUPARCO Day not only honours these landmark missions but also symbolises Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to advancing space science and technology.

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PM Shehbaz orders assessment of flood damages for rehab plan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed all provinces and relevant institutions to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damages caused by the recent rains and floods so that an effective rehabilitation plan could be prepared. Chairing a meeting in Islamabad, he praised the "timely and effective actions" taken by provincial chief ministers in response to the weather-related challenges, but stressed the need for coordinated efforts. He urged federal and interprovincial bodies to "collaborate closely to estimate the full extent of damages." PM Shehbaz said, assessments must account for human and financial losses as well as 'the destruction of crops and losses in livestock.” He advised officials to seek satellite-based data from Suparco and called for immediate measures to protect crops against post-flood diseases. He added that targeted efforts were needed to cultivate suitable crops in flood-affected areas and emphasised restoring infrastructure, with priority to repairing damaged roads. He directed all ministers and agencies to remain engaged with affected communities throughout the recovery process. During the meeting, the chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and other officials briefed the PM on reconstruction and rehabilitation measures. He was also informed that damage assessments for sugarcane, cotton and rice crops are underway and expected to be completed within 15 days as water levels recede. During monsoon rains and flash floods since June 26 across country, 998 people have lost their lives. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) recorded the highest casualties with 504 deaths, followed by Punjab with 283, Sindh 71, G-B 41, and Balochistan recorded 26 deaths. Punjab topped the list of injured with 660 cases, while K-P reported 214, Sindh 87, Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) 52, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 37, and Balochistan five. The calamity also caused widespread damage to properties. In K-P alone, 3,217 houses were damaged — 700 completely and 2,517 partially. Damage has also been reported in other regions: 2,411 houses in AJK, 1,260 in G-B, 1,009 in Balochistan, 281 in Sindh, and 238 in Punjab.

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Report exposes forced conversions through marriages

The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), in collaboration with the Legal Aid Society (LAS), on Monday launched a research report and documentary examining the drivers of forced conversions through marriages (FCM) and their impact on survivors, minority communities, and wider society. The launch took place at a national dialogue in Islamabad, which brought together legal experts, rights activists, and criminal justice professionals to discuss practical steps for tackling the issue. Justice Dr Syed Muhammad Anwer attended the ceremony as a chief guest. The report, presented by LAS Director Maliha Zia, draws on survivors’ testimonies and clarifies the concepts of ‘force’ and ‘consent’ in cases of FCM. It categorises the motivations of perpetrators — including religious and ideological factors, trafficking, as well as the vulnerabilities of survivors, particularly women and girls from minority communities. A documentary by filmmaker Aisha Gazdar was also screened highlighting the human dimension of forced conversions and marriages. NCHR Chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha said the practice is a ‘deeply entrenched problem’ in Pakistan, disproportionately affecting girls and women from minority communities despite constitutional safeguards. She noted that the commission has taken suo motu notices in several cases where minor girls were abducted, forcibly converted, and married to their abductors. In some instances, they were provided relief through NCHR’s intervention. CEO LAS Haya Emaan Zahid warned that survivors of FCM often face severe psychological trauma, physical and sexual abuse, and social stigma. “This practice not only devastates individuals but also undermines communal solidarity and damages the culture,” she said. The event concluded with a panel discussion where experts and activists exchanged insights and stressed the need for stronger protection mechanisms to safeguard the rights of minorities in Pakistan.

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