2 martyred in terrorist attack on security forces camp in K-P's Lakki Marwat

In a brazen overnight attack, terrorists belonging to the outlawed Fitna Al-Khawarij group targeted a security forces camp in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Lakki Marwat district on Thursday, martyring a police and a security official. According to security sources, the assailants launched a sudden assault late at night in the Shadi Khel area of the Bettani sub-division, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire that lasted approximately two hours. During the clash, Constable Irfanullah and security official Waseem were martyred. The funeral prayer of Constable Irfanullah was offered with full state honours at the Police Lines in Lakki Marwat. A police contingent presented a salute to the martyr, while senior officials laid floral wreaths on his coffin and offered prayers. Read More: Five injured in Afghan cross-border shelling A large number of mourners attended the funeral, including Lakki Marwat District Police Officer (DPO) Nazir Khan, Deputy Commissioner Hamidullah Khan, Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Murad Khan, along with other police officers, civil administration officials, and personnel from various departments. Paying tribute to the martyr’s sacrifice, DPO Khan stated that such timeless sacrifices by the police force were a guarantee for the establishment of lasting peace. He vowed that the sacrifices of the martyrs would never go in vain, and the war against terrorists would continue until the elimination of the last terrorist.

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Why Pakistan has emerged as the pivotal mediator in the Iran conflict

Ever since the US-Israeli war on Iran broke out on February 28, Pakistan's efforts to advance mediation have been difficult to ignore. The federal government has shuttled multiple peace proposals between both capitals, stretched its diplomatic bandwidth to get conflicting parties to the negotiating table, and, despite limited success in early April talks in Islamabad, it continues to acquire considerable support from both Iran and the United States in brokering a consensus on the path to de-escalation. The value of having no skin in the game These dynamics merit a deeper understanding of what constitutes Pakistan's role as a pivotal mediator in the conflict and the drivers that propel it to that status. First, Islamabad does not carry some of the constraints associated with Gulf countries and traditional US-focused mediators. For instance, Islamabad does not host any US military bases, making it a critical player in earning the trust of Tehran, which has attacked Middle Eastern countries, including mediators Oman and Qatar, for their perceived role in facilitating US attacks on the country. Islamabad preserves this trust by avoiding any appearance of military complicity — even tacit support for the US — which could bring it into the line of fire in the current war. Read More: Mojtaba Khamenei signals new Gulf chapter, calls for US exit from Hormuz On the other hand, Islamabad, as the destination of choice, provides ample geographical safety from core conflict flashpoints. For instance, Pakistan is not in close proximity to areas in the immediate periphery of the Strait of Hormuz, where fluctuating US-Iran tensions on opening up the waterway have sent substantial alarm across Middle Eastern economies. This matters to US negotiators, who have shown sensitivity to regions that could invite Iranian attacks, and similar threat perceptions for Tehran — which has seen much of its top leadership become the target of unwarranted Israeli-US attacks — make Islamabad a destination offering greater security and a stronger basis for negotiating in earnest. Gulf countries view Pakistan's role with a high degree of trust as well. This was apparent in the lead-up to the first round of "Islamabad Talks" when regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia partnered with Türkiye and Egypt to assess the contours of regional security in four-way talks in Islamabad. Pakistan also maintains very close ties with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and the leadership has made the most of its multivector foreign policy by making time-sensitive visits to countries such as Qatar to gauge prospects for de-escalation. Pakistan is also among the few countries to have the ear of US President Donald Trump, who has voiced his support for the top leadership brass. Energy dependency as a driver of diplomacy This proximity enables Islamabad to credibly facilitate the vital exchange of competing peace plans to the benefit of US-Iran talks, as well as account for expectations regarding an enduring de-escalation scenario, as seen through the lens of major Gulf partners, including Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. At the same time, Pakistan's geographical proximity to Iran — a close neighbour with a history of shared counterterrorism cooperation and energy ties — makes mediation a matter of strategic value when the economy is already on the margins. This reality, reinforced by growth risks and limited borrowing potential, makes it clear that Pakistan cannot afford to look the other way when drastic energy shocks from the Strait of Hormuz tensions affect global energy outlooks, as well as domestic energy supplies. Pakistan imports the lion's share of its gas from key Gulf countries. The energy factor lends Islamabad's mediation the additional immediacy that is central to seeing the conflict through for its domestic constituency as well. Pakistan's iron-clad relationship with China is also a positive reinforcer. This alignment is reflected in both countries' "five-point" peace plan, which calls for de-escalation and a resumption of peace talks. The federal government's history of opposing unilateral sanctions, firm regard for international law and refusal to take sides in the Iran-US conflict lends its mediating potential the promise of permanence, alignment with UN-backed dialogue principles, and rare credibility in brokering consensus. It is this practical reading of gradual but enduring peace talks momentum, geographical constraints, energy drivers, and close diplomatic proximity to both Tehran and Washington that gives Islamabad the leverage and endurance to emerge as a major mediator in the US-Iran war.

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Bajaur woman makes history with PAS allocation in CSS 2025

In a major milestone for the tribal districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Muneeba Hussain became the first woman from Bajaur to be allocated to the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) after successfully clearing the Central Superior Services (CSS 2025) examination. The 24-year-old candidate passed the competitive exam in her first attempt, securing a position in the top occupational group and bringing pride to the tribal district. Daughter of Dr Muhammad Arshad Hussain, Muneeba belongs to Wara Mamond in Bajaur. She holds a BS degree in English Linguistics from the National University of Modern Languages. Speaking to The Express Tribune, her father said that Muneeba had set her sights on CSS at an early stage. “She completed her FSc from Islamia College Peshawar and from the very first day of her higher education, she was determined to pursue CSS. She worked day and night to achieve this goal,” he said. Read More: FPSC notifies 327 posts for CSS 2025 He added that consistent hard work, coupled with family support and prayers — particularly from her grandfather — played a key role in her success. “Hard work never goes to waste. Even in today’s fast-changing, technology-driven world, students who remain focused on their education can achieve their goals,” he remarked. Muneeba termed her achievement a moment of pride for her family and province. She said her ambition had always been to accomplish something meaningful and make her family proud. Driven by a deep love for books and learning, she pursued CSS as a mission and achieved her goal. Her success is being widely seen as an inspiration for young women, particularly in the tribal districts, where access to higher education and competitive opportunities remains limited.

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Bars reject IHC judges' transfers

The Lahore Bar Association (LBA) and the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) strongly criticised the transfer of three Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges to provincial high courts and the constitutional amendments, terming them a threat to judicial independence. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, LHCBA Secretary Qasim Ijaz Sammra condemned the transfers carried out without the consent of the judges and alleged that the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments had undermined the independence of the judiciary. "Lawyers will raise a strong voice against these measures and continue their struggle to safeguard judicial autonomy," he said. LHCBA President Babar Murtaza said the legal community had been resisting such amendments for the past two years, alleging that the basic structure of the Constitution had been altered. He criticized the process of judicial transfers and warned that arbitrary decisions regarding seniority could undermine institutional integrity. He also announced that lawyers would hold a protest rally against the decisions. LBA President Irfan Hayat Bajwa described the recent developments as "the darkest day in Pakistan's judicial history," rejecting the constitutional amendments outright. He claimed that petitions filed against the amendments had yet to be heard and asserted that even the Chief Justice of Pakistan had now realised a loss of authority.

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Cabinet approves Pakistan’s first National Vaccine Policy

Federal Minister for National Health Syed Mustafa Kamal on Wednesday announced that the federal cabinet approved Pakistan’s first-ever National Vaccine Policy, paving the way for local vaccine production in the country. The approval was granted during a meeting of the federal cabinet held in Islamabad, with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in the chair. Speaking on the occasion, the minister termed the development a major milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare system. He noted that the country had, until now, lacked a comprehensive national policy on vaccines, adding that the newly approved framework was developed through extensive consultations with key stakeholders to ensure a robust and sustainable approach. Kamal highlighted the role of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Minister of State for Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) in shaping the policy. He emphasised that establishing local vaccine production capacity had become essential for the country, describing the initiative as a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the health sector. The federal cabinet also approved the formation of a special committee under the supervision of DRAP to determine vaccine prices and ensure quality standards. The policy aims to reduce reliance on imported vaccines, conserve foreign exchange, and make Pakistan self-sufficient in vaccine production. Pakistan, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, has, over the past five decades, provided life-saving vaccines to 160 million children and 130 million mothers. Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation’s vaccines chief, Kate O’Brien, said that vaccines have saved 154 million lives globally over the past 50 years, noting that more than 30 diseases can be prevented through immunisation.

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K-P jirga rejects drone strikes, announces emergency assembly session

In a rare display of political unity, a joint jirga led by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday unanimously condemned ongoing drone strikes in tribal districts, deciding to convene a series of gatherings on the issue. The jirga, which included lawmakers from both government and opposition benches representing tribal districts, was told that relentless drone attacks continued to result in repeated civilian casualties and damage to local property. Participants agreed that the current situation was no longer tolerable, with innocent lives being lost to both terrorism and drone strikes. They agreed to hold a special provincial assembly session on Thursday, a cabinet meeting on Friday, and a grand tribal jirga at the Chief Minister’s House on Saturday. وزیر اعلی خیبر پختونخوا کی سربراہی میں حکومت اور اپوزیشن کا مشترکہ جرگہ، ڈرون حملوں کی مشترکہ مخالفت#CMKP #tribalaffairs #peaceinkp pic.twitter.com/uWjqVFkL05 — Information Department KP (@infokpgovt) April 29, 2026 Addressing the gathering, CM Afridi declared that civilian deaths from both terrorism and drone attacks were unacceptable. “The people of tribal areas cannot be forced to pay the double price in the shape of their lives,” he said. “Neither terrorism nor civilian deaths in drone strikes can be justified.” The jirga rejected the recurring pattern of civilian deaths being dismissed as mistakes. Members asserted that targeting innocent citizens under the pretext of errors must stop immediately. “Despite modern technology, the continuous loss of innocent lives due to so-called mistakes is unacceptable under any circumstances,” Afridi added. “Apologies cannot compensate for lost lives. The damage is irreparable.” Read: Jirga demands end to border hostilities The chief minister announced the postponement of his Lahore visit in light of the situation. He warned that the province cannot afford further instability, stressing that “decision-makers must understand that the blood of our people is not cheap.” It was revealed during the jirga that Rs26 billion has been allocated this year to the Counter-Terrorism Department and Special Branch to further strengthen the province’s capacity against terrorism. The jirga concluded with a consensus to adopt a joint strategy transcending political affiliations, pledging unified action against both terrorism and extrajudicial drone strikes.

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Families relive distressing phone calls

The oil tanker, sailing under the Somali flag, was transporting oil from Oman to Somalia when pirates seized it on April 21. Among the ten abducted Pakistanis, eight are from Karachi. Mehwish becomes emotional recalling the moment on April 21 when she was speaking to her husband, Yasir Khan, on the phone around 4:30pm; pirates then took control of the vessel. She says her husband abruptly ended the call, stating that pirates had taken over their ship. The next call came on April 24, made from the captain's phone, during which Yasir informed her that each hostage was guarded by an armed pirate equipped with heavy and dangerous weapons. Yasir has been working as a boiler operator in the shipping industry since 2009. Mehwish says he had left the profession after their 2010 marriage because he could not bear to stay away from his children. After a 16-year gap, he rejoined and boarded the ship on the 17th of this month. Yasir's elder son, seven-year-old Bashar, is pleading for his father to be brought back to Pakistan as soon as possible. His younger son, Umar, does not fully understand the situation but knows that "pirates are robbers" who have taken his father. Each Pakistani held by the pirates has a heartbreaking story. In an audio message circulating on social media, a man named Amin can be heard crying and telling his father that pirates are about to kill him, asking him to take care of his wife and two children. Amin's wife, Ayesha, told The Express Tribune that the message was received on April 21 and that he sounded extremely distressed. Amin had recently joined the merchant navy as a fitter. He travelled from Pakistan to Oman in early December, and his son was born in the last week of December. He has not yet seen his only child. Among the captives is Rafiullah, a resident of Manora Cantt in Karachi. His brother Sanaullah said that on April 24, the pirates allowed each hostage to make a five-minute call to their families. During that call, Rafiullah revealed that the ship, its cargo, and the pirates themselves all belong to Somalia. Sanaullah added that their parents are ill, so they have not yet been informed of Rafiullah's abduction. Kashif Umar, a resident of Buffer Zone in Karachi, has been associated with the merchant navy for the past 25 years. His son Izhar Umar said their last contact was on April 23, when his father reported that food supplies on the ship had run out. Social worker and human rights lawyer Ansar Burney told The Express Tribune that rumours are circulating about ransom demands, but no such demand has been made so far. He said no formal action has yet been initiated at the government level for the release of the Pakistani captives. Out of the ten Pakistani hostages on the oil tanker "Honour 25," one belongs to Sahiwal in Punjab and another to Swabi in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The remaining crew includes four Indonesians and three individuals from India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

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Punjab bets big on tourism with first-ever investment expo

The Punjab government held its first comprehensive tourism showcase in Lahore on Tuesday, terming it a milestone in efforts to transform the province into a globally recognised tourism destination. Organised by the Punjab Tourism Department, the "Magnificent Punjab Tourism & Investment Expo 2026" brought together public and private stakeholders to promote tourism as a key driver of economic growth, marking a step towards positioning Punjab as a competitive player in the global tourism economy. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb described the occasion as “a historic moment for Punjab”, saying that for the first time, the province’s full tourism potential had been presented under one platform. وزیراعلی پنجاب مریم نوازشریف کے ویژن کے مطابق میگنیفیسنٹ پنجاب کے بینر تلے صوبے میں سیاحت کے شعبے کو جدید خطوط پر استوار کرتے ہوئے پہلی بار پنجاب ٹورزم اتھارٹی کا قیام عمل میں لایا گیا ہے جس نے بکھرے ہوئے اور خستہ حال سیاحتی مقامات اور محکمے کو ایک چھت تلے متحد کر دیا ہے۔ اس نئی… pic.twitter.com/MRd7LO0uhA — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) April 28, 2026 “This is not just an expo. This is Punjab opening its doors to the world,” she said, highlighting the event, which included heritage cities, spiritual routes, cultural landscapes, eco-tourism destinations and investment-ready projects. Highlighting the economic importance of the sector, she said tourism was no longer a “soft sector” but a major contributor to global GDP, employment and national identity. “Today, Punjab steps forward to claim its rightful place in the global tourism economy,” she added, noting that the event also served as a platform to connect investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers, facilitating engagement on future projects. “Today, Punjab steps forward to claim its rightful place in the global tourism economy,” she added. وزیراعلی پنجاب مریم نواز کے "میگنیفیسنٹ پنجاب" ویژن کے تحت صوبے بھر میں سیاحت کے فروغ کے لیے 78 بلین روپے کی خطیر رقم سے ایک جامع ایکو سسٹم تیار کیا جا رہا ہے، جس میں صرف محکمہ سیاحت کے 28 بلین روپے کے علاوہ وائلڈ لائف، فاریسٹ، ایکو ٹورازم اور مری و ٹیکسلا جیسے تاریخی شہروں کی… pic.twitter.com/Ev1VI5fXBo — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) April 28, 2026 Officials announced an investment of approximately Rs78 billion in tourism infrastructure, with development work underway across 170 sites. Of these, 60 are expected to become fully operational by December 2026. “This expo is a platform of opportunity, an opportunity for investors to partner with government, for entrepreneurs to build experiences, and for the world to discover Punjab,” Aurangzeb said. Beyond destination promotion, the government emphasised the development of an integrated tourism ecosystem linking culture, hospitality, infrastructure, and digital innovation. Join us at #MagnificentPunjab Expo 2026 and experience the vibrant spirit of Punjab like never before! From rich heritage to breathtaking landscapes, we are proudly showcasing a province full of culture, opportunity, and global potential. 📍 Expo Centre, Lahore 🗓️ 28–29 April pic.twitter.com/9bKDhbB4d1 — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) April 28, 2026 A key highlight was the alignment of tourism with emerging sectors such as film and screen tourism. “Today, the world doesn’t just travel through maps, it travels through stories. When a place is seen on screen, it becomes a destination in reality,” she said. Officials said the upcoming Punjab Film City would play a central role in showcasing the province globally. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, tourism is being repositioned as a year-round engine of economic growth, employment, and international engagement, the government said. It added that focus remained on ease of doing business, investor facilitation and public-private partnerships to unlock the sector’s full potential. The event concluded with a message of openness and collaboration. “To our international guests, Punjab welcomes you. To the private sector, Punjab stands ready to partner with you. And to the people of Punjab, this is your moment.” Officials said the Magnificent Punjab Tourism & Investment Expo 2026 marked a milestone in efforts to transform Punjab into a globally recognised tourism destination — one that is not only visited, but experienced, remembered, and celebrated.

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Punjab bets big on tourism with first-ever investment expo

The Punjab government held its first comprehensive tourism showcase in Lahore on Tuesday, terming it a milestone in efforts to transform the province into a globally recognised tourism destination. Organised by the Punjab Tourism Department, the "Magnificent Punjab Tourism & Investment Expo 2026" brought together public and private stakeholders to promote tourism as a key driver of economic growth, marking a step towards positioning Punjab as a competitive player in the global tourism economy. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb described the occasion as “a historic moment for Punjab”, saying that for the first time, the province’s full tourism potential had been presented under one platform. وزیراعلی پنجاب مریم نوازشریف کے ویژن کے مطابق میگنیفیسنٹ پنجاب کے بینر تلے صوبے میں سیاحت کے شعبے کو جدید خطوط پر استوار کرتے ہوئے پہلی بار پنجاب ٹورزم اتھارٹی کا قیام عمل میں لایا گیا ہے جس نے بکھرے ہوئے اور خستہ حال سیاحتی مقامات اور محکمے کو ایک چھت تلے متحد کر دیا ہے۔ اس نئی… pic.twitter.com/MRd7LO0uhA — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) April 28, 2026 “This is not just an expo. This is Punjab opening its doors to the world,” she said, highlighting the event, which included heritage cities, spiritual routes, cultural landscapes, eco-tourism destinations and investment-ready projects. Highlighting the economic importance of the sector, she said tourism was no longer a “soft sector” but a major contributor to global GDP, employment and national identity. “Today, Punjab steps forward to claim its rightful place in the global tourism economy,” she added, noting that the event also served as a platform to connect investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers, facilitating engagement on future projects. “Today, Punjab steps forward to claim its rightful place in the global tourism economy,” she added. وزیراعلی پنجاب مریم نواز کے "میگنیفیسنٹ پنجاب" ویژن کے تحت صوبے بھر میں سیاحت کے فروغ کے لیے 78 بلین روپے کی خطیر رقم سے ایک جامع ایکو سسٹم تیار کیا جا رہا ہے، جس میں صرف محکمہ سیاحت کے 28 بلین روپے کے علاوہ وائلڈ لائف، فاریسٹ، ایکو ٹورازم اور مری و ٹیکسلا جیسے تاریخی شہروں کی… pic.twitter.com/Ev1VI5fXBo — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) April 28, 2026 Officials announced an investment of approximately Rs78 billion in tourism infrastructure, with development work underway across 170 sites. Of these, 60 are expected to become fully operational by December 2026. “This expo is a platform of opportunity, an opportunity for investors to partner with government, for entrepreneurs to build experiences, and for the world to discover Punjab,” Aurangzeb said. Beyond destination promotion, the government emphasised the development of an integrated tourism ecosystem linking culture, hospitality, infrastructure, and digital innovation. Join us at #MagnificentPunjab Expo 2026 and experience the vibrant spirit of Punjab like never before! From rich heritage to breathtaking landscapes, we are proudly showcasing a province full of culture, opportunity, and global potential. 📍 Expo Centre, Lahore 🗓️ 28–29 April pic.twitter.com/9bKDhbB4d1 — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) April 28, 2026 A key highlight was the alignment of tourism with emerging sectors such as film and screen tourism. “Today, the world doesn’t just travel through maps, it travels through stories. When a place is seen on screen, it becomes a destination in reality,” she said. Officials said the upcoming Punjab Film City would play a central role in showcasing the province globally. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, tourism is being repositioned as a year-round engine of economic growth, employment, and international engagement, the government said. It added that focus remained on ease of doing business, investor facilitation and public-private partnerships to unlock the sector’s full potential. The event concluded with a message of openness and collaboration. “To our international guests, Punjab welcomes you. To the private sector, Punjab stands ready to partner with you. And to the people of Punjab, this is your moment.” Officials said the Magnificent Punjab Tourism & Investment Expo 2026 marked a milestone in efforts to transform Punjab into a globally recognised tourism destination — one that is not only visited, but experienced, remembered, and celebrated.

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Pakistan, Cambodia agree to repatriate 54 nationals detained in scam raid: FO

The Foreign Office (FO) said on Tuesday that the government and Cambodia had formally agreed to repatriate 54 Pakistani nationals detained in Siem Reap province, following their arrest in a raid on a scamming compound. Reports indicate that over 200 Pakistani nationals are currently in custody in Cambodia. They were reportedly lured through deceptive means and later trafficked into illegal operations run by criminal networks. Following a crackdown by Cambodian authorities, they were arrested and remain in detention under difficult conditions. In a statement posted on his X account, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the Pakistan Embassy in Cambodia had actively pursued the matter with the Cambodian government. “This is in line with the instructions of the deputy prime minister/foreign minister to all Pakistan’s Missions that facilitating the Pakistani community abroad is a top priority,” the statement said. I wish to state the following in response to media questions regarding detained Pakistanis in Cambodia: The Pakistan Embassy in Cambodia has actively pursued the matter with the Cambodian Government. This is in line with the instructions of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign… — Tahir Andrabi (@TahirAndrabi) April 28, 2026 “Our embassy staff are taking steps to ensure the welfare of the detained Pakistanis,” the statement added, noting that the detainees would depart Cambodia once flight arrangements were finalised. It further said that, as a goodwill gesture, Cambodian authorities had agreed to repatriate all detainees without legal proceedings against them under the “Law on Combatting Online Scams”, which came into effect on April 7 and carried significant prison sentences and hefty fines. A multibillion-dollar scam industry has expanded in Cambodia in recent years, with thousands of people involved — some voluntarily and others coerced by organised criminal groups, according to experts. According to Amnesty International, the Cambodian government is deliberately ignoring widespread human rights abuses, including slavery, human trafficking, child labour and torture, being carried out by criminal gangs across more than 50 scamming compounds in the country. In its 240-page report last year, Amnesty said it interviewed more than 50 survivors from different countries and identified at least 53 scamming compounds in Cambodia. “Amnesty’s research reveals the horrifying magnitude of a crisis the Cambodian authorities are not doing enough to stop. Their failures have emboldened a criminal network whose tentacles extend internationally, with millions of people impacted by the scams,” the report said. Last week, the United States Treasury Department designated Kok An — a Cambodian senator who controls scam compounds across the country — as well as 28 individuals and entities in his network for defrauding Americans.

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Mercury may rise to 52°C in Punjab

Punjab authorities have issued a province-wide heatwave alert, warning of a sharp rise in temperatures in the coming weeks, with southern districts likely to face extreme conditions reaching up to 52 degrees Celsius. The advisory, issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), said May and June were expected to be the hottest months of the year, with temperatures across much of Punjab forecast to range between 43-45°C under normal conditions - and significantly higher during heatwave spells. Officials noted that temperatures in recent days have already been recorded 2-4°C above normal levels, signalling an early onset of intense summer conditions. According to the PDMA, a mild heatwave is expected to affect southern Punjab from April 29 to May 3, while the upper parts of the province may experience some relief due to a westerly weather system. The system, expected to influence the region from the night of April 27 through April 29 and again from May 3 to May 5, could temporarily lower temperatures by 2-4°C in northern areas. Despite this short-term relief, authorities warned that southern Punjab remains particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, with districts in the region historically experiencing the highest temperatures during peak summer months. PDMA Director General Umar Javed urged the public - especially children, women and the elderly - to take precautionary measures, including avoiding unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight and increasing water intake to prevent heat-related illnesses. Farmers have also been advised to plan agricultural activities carefully in light of changing weather conditions and to take necessary steps to protect crops and livestock. The advisory further directed all relevant government departments and district administrations to remain on high alert. Authorities have been instructed to ensure round-the-clock staffing at District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs), strengthen coordination mechanisms and maintain readiness for emergency response. Rescue services, including Rescue 1122, have been placed on alert to ensure immediate response capability, while motorway police have been directed to issue timely travel advisories and assist commuters during adverse weather conditions. Officials emphasised the need for timely dissemination of information through electronic and social media, alongside regular situation reports to monitor developments and respond effectively. The Pakistan Meteorological Department said continental air is currently prevailing over most parts of the country, contributing to hot and dry conditions. However, isolated rain and dust storms are expected in parts of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and surrounding regions over the next two days, particularly during evening and nighttime hours.

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Pakistan, Sri Lanka kick off joint counter-terrorism exercise 'Shake Hands-II' at Tarbela

Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Monday kicked off a joint counter-terrorism exercise at Tarbela aimed at enhancing professional capabilities and strengthening longstanding military-to-military relations, the military’s media wing said in a statement According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Shake Hands-II is a joint counter-terrorism exercise conducted between the armies of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. "The two-week exercise commenced on April 27 at Tarbela, with the participation of Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group and Special Forces from the Sri Lankan Army." The statement said the exercise aimed to enhance professional capabilities through joint training while further strengthening the longstanding military-to-military relations between the two friendly nations. “Participating troops will benefit from the exchange of operational experiences and expertise in counter-terrorism operations, contributing to improved interoperability and mutual understanding,” it added. Pakistan–Sri Lanka Bilateral Exercise Shake Hands-II is a joint counter-terrorism exercise conducted between the armies of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The two-week exercise commenced on 27 April 2026 at Tarbela, Pakistan, with the participation of Pakistan Army’s Special Services… pic.twitter.com/uMksnfckhp — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) April 27, 2026 Pakistan’s armed forces regularly conduct joint exercises with foreign militaries to exchange professional expertise and strengthen combat readiness. Last week, the Pakistan–Turkye Joint Commando and Special Forces Exercise Jinnah-XIII was successfully conducted in Turkiye, focusing on counterterrorism operations. Earlier in April, Pakistan and Egypt commenced their joint exercise, Thunder-II, at the Special Operations School in Cherat. In January, the Pakistan and United States armies conducted a joint military exercise titled 'Inspired Gambit–2026' aimed at enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation between the two forces.

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Punjab Assembly passes bill fixing minimum marriage age at 18 for males, females

The Punjab Assembly passed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 by a majority vote on Monday following a detailed and heated debate between treasury and opposition members, alongside key legislative business and a question hour session. The session, chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, began with a delay of 53 minutes. Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari termed early marriages harmful to girls’ health and education, stressing that young girls should be allowed to complete their education rather than being married off prematurely. During the proceedings, Uzma raised strong concerns, stating that for the first time, members were not provided copies of the bill. She stressed that it was essential for all lawmakers to have access to the draft legislation before its passage. On her complaint, the speaker directed that copies of the bill be immediately distributed among members. Speaking on the bill, Uzma emphasised that early marriages were harmful to young girls, arguing that proper documentation, such as national identity cards or birth certificates, should be mandatory for marriage. She noted that the legal age of marriage, previously 16, was now being raised to 18. The debate intensified when Treasury member Zulfiqar Ali Shah proposed that individuals under 18 seeking marriage should be allowed to do so with court permission, warning against placing legislation above societal values. His remarks drew a strong response from Uzma, who argued that young girls often lacked the awareness and maturity required for marriage and should not be subjected to such practices. Uzma further stated that both mental and physical maturity must be ensured before marriage and criticised practices where young girls were forced into marriages under social or cultural pressures. She also referenced support from the Federal Shariat Court for similar legislation passed by the Sindh Assembly. Following extensive debate, the bill was approved by a majority vote. The session concluded after the passage of the bill, reflecting deep divisions yet eventual consensus on legislative action against child marriage. During proceedings, Provincial Minister for Minerals Sher Ali Gorchani alleged that during the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, large tracts of pink salt land were allotted to favoured individuals through amendments in rules, claiming that up to 100,000 acres were distributed. Opposition member Iqbal Khattak raised concerns over checkpoints in his constituency, stating that citizens were being harassed in the name of checking.

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Punjab Assembly passes bill fixing minimum marriage age at 18 for males, females

The Punjab Assembly passed the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 by a majority vote on Monday following a detailed and heated debate between treasury and opposition members, alongside key legislative business and a question hour session. The session, chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, began with a delay of 53 minutes. Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari termed early marriages harmful to girls’ health and education, stressing that young girls should be allowed to complete their education rather than being married off prematurely. During the proceedings, Uzma raised strong concerns, stating that for the first time, members were not provided copies of the bill. She stressed that it was essential for all lawmakers to have access to the draft legislation before its passage. On her complaint, the speaker directed that copies of the bill be immediately distributed among members. Read More: Punjab amends child marriage law Speaking on the bill, Uzma emphasised that early marriages were harmful to young girls, arguing that proper documentation, such as national identity cards or birth certificates, should be mandatory for marriage. She noted that the legal age of marriage, previously 16, was now being raised to 18. The debate intensified when Treasury member Zulfiqar Ali Shah proposed that individuals under 18 seeking marriage should be allowed to do so with court permission, warning against placing legislation above societal values. His remarks drew a strong response from Uzma, who argued that young girls often lacked the awareness and maturity required for marriage and should not be subjected to such practices. Uzma further stated that both mental and physical maturity must be ensured before marriage and criticised practices where young girls were forced into marriages under social or cultural pressures. She also referenced support from the Federal Shariat Court for similar legislation passed by the Sindh Assembly. Following extensive debate, the bill was approved by a majority vote. The session concluded after the passage of the bill, reflecting deep divisions yet eventual consensus on legislative action against child marriage. During proceedings, Provincial Minister for Minerals Sher Ali Gorchani alleged that during the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, large tracts of pink salt land were allotted to favoured individuals through amendments in rules, claiming that up to 100,000 acres were distributed. Also Read: Child rights: Sindh makes marriage under 18 punishable by law Opposition member Iqbal Khattak raised concerns over checkpoints in his constituency, stating that citizens were being harassed in the name of checking. On April 14, the Punjab Assembly's Standing Committee on Local Government and Community Development set 18 years as the minimum legal age of marriage for both boys and girls across the province, abolishing the earlier provision that had permitted girls to marry at the age of 16. The committee unanimously approved a bill to curb child marriages and strengthen child protection laws in the province. It further declared child marriage a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offence, enabling immediate police action and preventing any private settlement of such cases. Under the proposed law, any person involved in facilitating child marriage, including the adult spouse, parents or guardians, Nikah registrars, or any other facilitator, may face up to seven years' imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs1 million. The law also categorised cohabitation after such a marriage as child abuse, carrying stricter punishment, and directs that all such cases be decided by the courts within 90 days.

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Punjab extends drone ban for 30 days

The Punjab government has extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for another 30 days, maintaining a complete ban on the use of drones in open spaces due to security concerns. According to a notification issued by the Home Department, the restriction on outdoor drone flying—initially imposed earlier this year—will remain in force until May 25. The decision was taken in view of the prevailing security situation and the need to safeguard public peace, protect sensitive installations, and prevent any untoward incidents. The order, issued under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, prohibits the use of drones in outdoor environments across Punjab. Authorities said the extension was deemed necessary to ensure continued vigilance amid potential threats to law and order. However, the government has allowed limited use of small drones for indoor activities. According to the notification, drones may be used inside halls and marquees during events and functions, subject to strict safety protocols. The responsibility for ensuring safe and confined usage of such drones rests with event organisers. The Home Department clarified that the ban does not apply to intelligence agencies and law enforcement bodies, which may continue to use drones for official and security purposes. "The decision has been taken in the larger interest of public safety, security, and maintaining peace and tranquillity," a spokesperson for the Home Department said. "All relevant authorities have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order." Officials said district administrations and police across the province have been instructed to enforce the restrictions without exception. Violations of Section 144 could lead to legal action, including registration of cases and arrests. The move comes amid increasing reliance on drone technology in both commercial and recreational spheres.

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Twin cities transport halt leaves thousands jobless

Ongoing stop-start dynamics in Iran–US peace negotiations have led to the complete suspension of major long-route heavy luxury transport services in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad for the past 12 days, leaving 2,632 bus hostesses entirely unemployed. Due to non-payment of rent, many bus hostesses in the Pirwadhai area have also been evicted from girls' hostels. Transport companies and bus owners have sent these workers on unpaid leave, telling them they will be called back once terminals reopen. The closure of approximately 45 small and large transport terminals in the twin cities has also brought associated businesses to a halt. These include goods transport operations, makeshift eateries, tea stalls, and cigarette kiosks within terminal premises. On a daily basis, around 5,000 small and large public transport vehicles—including buses, vans, Toyota Hiace coaches and luxury vehicles—depart from these terminals, with a similar number arriving. According to the Transport Federation, between 10,000 and 11,000 vehicles operate in and out of these terminals each day. As a result of the shutdown, nearly 20,000 drivers, conductors and helpers have also lost their livelihoods. Each transport terminal typically hosts five to ten small stalls selling tea, food, water and cigarettes, along with nearby roadside eateries. All have now closed, leaving their workers unemployed. The shutdown has also severely affected vehicle workshops, as business has come to a standstill. With vehicles off the roads, repair work has ceased entirely, leaving workshops deserted. The transport industry and its allied sectors have suffered near-total collapse within just two weeks. Spare parts shops located near terminals have likewise seen their businesses paralysed. Samina Shoaib, a bus hostess with a private company, said all hostesses were temporarily laid off eight days ago. "Our income largely depends on commission, and our salaries are minimal. We've been told to return home and wait for a call once operations resume," she said. A resident of Chakwal, she added that the company had also vacated the hostel accommodation previously provided near Pirwadhai. "We are now returning to our hometowns unemployed. Many have already left, and several may not return." Patron of the Transport Federation, Haji Zahoor Arian, opined that the 12-day closure of terminals in the twin cities has devastated business. "Terminal owners have been supporting employees with basic rations on a self-help basis, but this cannot continue indefinitely," he said. He suggested that if closures within the city are necessary, temporary roadside facilities should be allocated in areas such as Chungi No. 22 or Rawat to allow transport operations to continue.

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Despite US–Iran deadlock, Trump again praises ‘great’ PM Shehbaz, ‘fantastic’ CDF Munir

US President Donald Trump has once again praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts aimed at facilitating peace and negotiations with Iran, despite another pause in the diplomatic process. His remarks came after Trump cancelled a planned visit by envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials. The Iranian foreign minister also left Pakistan following meetings with senior officials. “I think Pakistan is terrific. The field marshal (Asim Munir) is fantastic. I think the prime minister of Pakistan (Shehbaz Sharif) is great, and, you know, they would like to see something happen,” Trump said in a video posted by Pakistan TV on X. President Trump says Pakistan is terrific, Field Marshal is fantastic, and the Prime Minister is great. He says that they would like to see something happen.#USPakistanRelations #PakistanDiplomacy #Trump #IslamabadTalks #PakistanTV pic.twitter.com/ysmpq8bFEo — Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) April 25, 2026 However, he announced that he would not be sending his team to Islamabad, citing the long journey and travel costs. “But we’re not going to be travelling 15 or 16 hours to have a meeting with people that nobody has ever heard of,” he said, adding that it would be very expensive and that he is “a very cost-conscious person.” He reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, saying Tehran had “offered a lot, but not enough.” “They will not have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple. That whole deal is not complicated. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he said. This marks the second time this month that the US president has publicly praised PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Munir for their engagement in efforts to facilitate talks with Iran aimed at ending the conflict. Read: US-Iran peace process hits snag as Trump cancels trip of envoys, FM Araghchi leaves Pakistan On April 17, Trump had similarly lauded the Pakistani leadership, describing them as “fantastic people”. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, he wrote: “Thank you to Pakistan and its great prime minister and field marshal, two fantastic people!” The US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, killing dozens of top military officials, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, before a two-week ceasefire was mediated by Pakistan earlier this week. Tehran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, and restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for oil and gas shipments. Fighting later spread to Lebanon after Israel launched an offensive there, widening the conflict, as the United States and Israel continued attacks on Iran. As the conflict continued to expand and intensify, Pakistan emerged as a mediator alongside other regional powers in the escalating crisis. As the negotiation process began, the United States and Iran exchanged their respective positions, but early discussions yielded no progress. However, following sustained diplomatic efforts by Pakistan, both sides agreed to hold talks in Islamabad last week. But, Washington and Tehran failed to reach an agreement in Islamabad over the weekend during talks that were part of broader efforts to end the conflict. Washington remains locked in a costly impasse with Tehran as tensions between the two sides continue to disrupt global energy markets. Iran has reportedly tightened controls over the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil flows, while the United States maintains restrictions on Iranian oil exports. The standoff, alongside wider regional conflict, has pushed energy prices to multi-year highs and fuelled concerns over global inflation and growth. Iran has said its officials do not plan to meet US representatives to discuss an end to the conflict, which has escalated tensions across the region. The situation briefly appeared to ease earlier this week when US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire to allow more time for negotiations, following earlier inconclusive talks involving US and Iranian officials in Islamabad. On Friday, Trump told Reuters that Iran was expected to present an offer to address US demands but declined to provide details. However, as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, Trump announced he had cancelled a planned visit by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff for peace talks with Iran. Trump’s history of praising Pakistan leadership This was not the first time that Trump spoke highly for Pakistan's civil and military leadership as last year while addressing an international event on Gaza peace on October 13, 2025, he said, "I want to thank Prime Minister Sharif of Pakistan and also I have to say my favourite field marshal from Pakistan who's not here but the prime minister is here ... give him my regards." In other instances, too, he appreciated PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir, crediting them for helping avert escalation in South Asia. The Pakistan-US relationship experienced a significant thaw in 2025–2026, transitioning from a cold period to warm, strategic, and pragmatic engagement during Trump's second term. This shift was largely driven by a major reset in relations following President Trump's intervention in regional conflicts, particularly his role in brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May 2025. The first thaw in Pakistan-US relations came via secret counterterrorism exchanges, signalling substantive cooperation. In March last year, Trump unexpectedly praised Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts during a national address, prompting a policy shift. The short but intense May skirmish with India in May 2025 became a decisive turning point, showcasing Pakistan’s military discipline, strategic focus, and asymmetric capabilities - qualities that reportedly surprised Trump. Despite India’s repeated denials, PM Shehbaz continued to praise President Trump for his role in brokering a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, and nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, saying his intervention had helped save millions of lives. The praise was reciprocated, with Trump commending the premier and also lauding CDF Munir, as he reiterated claims that he had helped avert a war between Pakistan and India in May 2025. Ties between the countries took a further turn when Trump invited CDF Munir to a luncheon — the first such meeting for a Pakistani military chief — followed by a red-carpet visit to US Central Command headquarters for high-level talks. Following a ceasefire after the prolonged war in Gaza, Trump announced the formation of a “Board of Peace” that included Pakistan, again singling out PM Shehbaz for praise during its inaugural summit. Addressing the event, Trump said, “I like this guy,” referring to the premier, as he recounted efforts that led to last year’s ceasefire between Pakistan and India. He also praised CDF Munir during his remarks.

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Pakistan to continue 'sincere efforts' for peace, PM tells Pezeshkian after setback in US-Iran talks

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Pakistan would continue its "sincere and serious" efforts for peace in the region after the latest setback in talks between the United States and the Islamic republic. The development comes after US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned visit by envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials. The Iranian foreign minister also left the country after a visit with senior officials. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz and the Iranian president held a 50-minute “warm and cordial” telephone conversation on Saturday evening, during which they exchanged views on the prevailing regional situation and ongoing efforts for peace and stability. Read: US-Iran peace process hits snag as Trump cancels trip of envoys, FM Araghchi leaves Pakistan Reiterating Pakistan’s position, the prime minister said: “Pakistan would continue its sincere and honest endeavours to promote regional peace and security.” It added that PM Shehbaz appreciated the participation of the high-level Iranian delegation in talks held in Islamabad on April 11–12, while also welcoming Iran’s decision to send a delegation led by FM Araghchi to Islamabad today. Islamabad: 25 April 2026. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone call with His Excellency Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this evening. During their warm and cordial conversation that lasted fifty minutes, the two leaders had a… — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) April 25, 2026 Sharing details of his diplomatic outreach, the premier said his contacts with world leaders had helped build “broader consensus in support of sustained dialogue and diplomacy aimed at achieving lasting peace in the war-affected region”. He also lauded the “fruitful discussions” held between the Iranian leadership and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir during the latter’s recent visit to Tehran earlier this month. President Pezeshkian thanked PM Shehbaz, CDF Munir and FM Ishaq Dar for their “significant contribution to the peace efforts”. He also expressed Iran’s desire for peace and said he was confident that “the fraternal ties between Iran and Pakistan would continue to strengthen and expand in the future”. The prime minister also conveyed his “respectful greetings and regards” to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Also Read: Turkish FM says Iran's nuclear issue ⁠could ​be resolved at ​next round of talks in Pakistan Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue coordination on matters of mutual interest. The prime minister said in a later post on X that he had a "warm and constructive telephone exchange" on the evolving regional situation. "I appreciated Iran’s continued engagement, including the high-level delegation to Islamabad led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, whom I had the pleasure of meeting earlier today. I reaffirmed that, with the support of friends and partners, Pakistan remains committed to serve as an honest and sincere facilitator - working tirelessly to advance durable peace and lasting stability in the region." Had a warm and constructive telephone exchange this evening with my brother, President Masoud Pezeshkian, on the evolving regional situation. I appreciated Iran’s continued engagement, including the high-level delegation to Islamabad led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, whom… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 25, 2026   Washington remains locked in a costly impasse with Tehran, as tensions between the two sides continue to disrupt global energy markets. Iran has reportedly tightened controls over the Strait of Hormuz — a key shipping route that typically carries around one-fifth of global oil supplies — while the United States continues to restrict Iranian oil exports. The standoff, alongside broader regional conflict involving Israel, has pushed energy prices to multi-year highs, fuelling inflation and weakening global growth prospects. Iran has, however, stated that its officials do not plan to meet US representatives to discuss an end to the ongoing conflict, which has reportedly caused heavy casualties among Iranian and Lebanese civilians and rattled global markets. The situation briefly appeared to ease earlier this week when US President Donald Trump unilaterally extended a ceasefire on Tuesday, allowing additional time for negotiators to resume talks. Read: Pakistan envoy to US says Islamabad committed to diplomacy, regional stability Diplomatic efforts had seemed to regain momentum after an earlier round of inconclusive discussions involving US officials JD Vance, Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Those talks, held in Islamabad two weeks ago, failed to produce any breakthrough. On Friday, Trump told Reuters that Iran was expected to present an offer aimed at meeting US demands, though he did not specify its details. Subsequently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced a visit to Pakistan on Friday. Around the same time, Trump also said he would be sending a US delegation to Islamabad, reportedly including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, for further negotiations. However, as Araghchi arrived in Islamabad, the president announced that he had cancelled the planned visit by US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff for peace talks with Iran. When asked by Axios whether the cancellation signalled a possible resumption of hostilities, Trump said: “No. It doesn’t mean that. We haven’t thought about it yet.” Later, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, the US president said the decision was taken due to what he described as unnecessary travel and workload considerations.

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Twin cities reopen transport, bus terminals following week-long shutdown

The federal capital’s district administration on Saturday announced the restoration of transport services, allowing all types of public and goods transport to enter the city after a temporary suspension imposed for security reasons for possible US-Iran talks that never materialised. The development comes amid a fresh setback in the peace process after US President Donald Trump cancelled a planned visit by envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials. According to a statement issued by the deputy commissioner’s office, all bus terminals across Islamabad were reopened, except for the Faizabad bus terminal, which would remain closed until further notice. Read: US-Iran peace process hits snag as Trump cancels trip of envoys, FM Araghchi leaves Pakistan The Punjab Mass Transit Authority announced the resumption of Metro bus and electric bus services from Sunday. In Islamabad, the Metro bus would operate between Saddar Station and Shaheed-i-Millat Station, while Parade Ground and Secretariat stations would remain closed until further notice. The electric bus service would also be fully restored from Sunday morning, offering improved intra-city commuting facilities. وفاقی دارالحکومت میں ٹرانسپورٹ کے حوالے سے ضلعی انتظامیہ کا اہم اعلان تمام قسم کی پبلک اور گڈز ٹرانسپورٹ کو شہر میں داخلے کی اجازت دے دی گئی، شہر بھر میں فیض آباد کے علاوہ تمام بس اڈے بھی کھول دئیے گئے ہیں جبکہ فیض آباد بس ٹرمینل کو تاحکم ثانی بند رکھا جائے گا — DC Islamabad (@dcislamabad) April 25, 2026 Tthe Islamabad district administration also reopened hiking trails in the Margalla Hills. Hiking enthusiasts would be allowed access from Sunday, while recreational spots, including Daman-i-Koh and Lake View Park, were also reopened to the public. وفاقی دارالحکومت کے شہریوں کے لیے اہم اعلان ضلعی انتظامیہ اسلام آباد کی جانب سے ہائکنگ ٹریلز کو کھول دیا گیا، ہائکنگ کے شوقین افراد کل سے مارگلہ ٹریلز پر جا سکیں گے جبکہ انتظامیہ کی جانب سے دامن کوہ، لیک ویو سمیت تمام پارکس بھی پبلک کے لیے کھول دئیے گئے ہیں — DC Islamabad (@dcislamabad) April 25, 2026 In Rawalpindi, the Metro bus service would resume from Sunday, operating between Saddar Station and Islamabad’s Shaheed-i-Millat Station.  Additionally, the Punjab government’s electric bus service and all EV transport routes in Rawalpindi will become fully operational from Sunday. According to a statement from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, the Rawalpindi district administration has fully reopened all entry and exit points of the city for all types of traffic, including private, public and goods transport. However, Pir Wadhai Adda will remain closed until further notice. The District Administration Rawalpindi has fully opened all entry and exit points of the city for all types of traffic, including private, public, and goods transport. However, Pir Wadhai Adda will remain closed until further orders. — DC Rawalpindi (@DCRawalpindi) April 25, 2026  

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Man held for likening Tarnol crossing with Strait of Hormuz

Police have arrested a man for a social media post likening the Tarnol Railway Crossing to the Strait of Hormuz, as heightened security measures remain in place in the capital amid regional tensions. The arrest was made after an FIR was registered on the complaint of Sub-Inspector Shahid Asghar on behalf of the state. The case has been lodged under Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant), 341 (wrongful restraint) and 511 (attempt to commit offences) of the PPC. According to the complaint, the accused, identified as Khurram, had shared a post on social media stating, "Tarnol Railway Crossing is no less than the Strait of Hormuz. If it is closed, all our problems will be resolved". Police said the suspect was taken into custody and his mobile phone was examined, where evidence of the post was found. The development comes at a time when extraordinary security arrangements are in place across Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of a possible second round of talks between the US and Iran.

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11 injured in Karakoram Highway crash in K-P's Shangla

At least 11 people were injured in a traffic accident on the Karakoram Highway in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Shangla district late on Friday. Rescue 1122 Shangla District Emergency Officer Eng Malik Sherdil Khan told The Express Tribune that the incident occurred near the Maira area within the jurisdiction of Shangla after nightfall, reportedly due to poor visibility on the main highway. He said that as per initial reports, a collision between a carpool vehicle and a van left multiple passengers seriously injured. Residents, along with police and rescue teams, immediately launched a rescue operation. He said personnel from Rescue 1122 reached the scene promptly and provided first aid to the injured before moving them to nearby medical facilities. Patients with critical injuries were shifted to Ayub Medical Complex. PHOTO: RESCUE 1122 He said that all the injured were initially taken to the Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Maira. However, due to the severity of injuries, eight critically wounded individuals were later referred to Ayub Medical Complex in Abbottabad for advanced medical treatment. A local bystander said that the passengers travelling in the carry van were reportedly from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while those in the car belonged to the Bisham and Chakesar areas of Shangla district.

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Islamabad Police arrest man over social media post equating Tarnol Phatak to Strait of Hormuz

The Islamabad Police arrested a man for allegedly equating the Tarnol railway crossing to the Strait of Hormuz, it emerged on Friday. Washington has imposed a blockade on Iran's trade by sea, while Iran has prevented ships from sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway at the entrance to the Middle ​East Gulf. Nearly two months after the US and Israel began their war on Iran on February 28, there is little sign of peace ​talks resuming during an uneasy ceasefire. The closure of the strait has disrupted the supply of a fifth of the ⁠world's oil and gas supplies and caused a global energy crisis. A first information report registered at Tarnol Police Station by Sub-Inspector Shahid Asghar on Tuesday under Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant), Section 341 (punishment for wrongful restrains) and Section 511 (punishment for attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or for a shorter term) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) said that the suspect posted content suggesting that blocking Tarnol Phatak in a manner similar to the Strait of Hormuz could help resolve prevailing issues. The FIR said that, in the context of the current national situation, such remarks amounted to a violation of Section 144, which was imposed in Islamabad to maintain public order and prevent actions that may incite unrest. Read: Islamabad maintains security lockdown amid uncertainty over US-Iran talks Acting on a tip-off from a special informant, the Tarnol police apprehended the suspect at Tarnol Chowk, the FIR added, saying that a subsequent examination of his mobile phone corroborated the information received. The FIR further said that the suspect violated the orders of the authorised authorities and incited the public to block Tarnol Phatak. It said the suspect was taken into custody and that legal proceedings had been initiated in accordance with the law. It added that strict action was being taken against individuals who spread content on social media that could disrupt peace or encourage unlawful activities. For nearly a week, the federal capital has been waiting for peace talks between the United States and ​Iran to take place there and large parts of the city ‌remain sealed off by authorities. Key roads leading into Islamabad are shut down, and a strict security cordon envelops the administrative centre, the so-called "Red Zone". In the adjacent "Blue Area", cafes have run out of fruit, markets are deserted and with no service at bus terminals, weekend commuters are struggling to get home. The current lockdown is the second in two weeks. Islamabad was first sealed off for talks between the US and Iranian delegations on April 11 that ended without a deal. The city briefly reopened, then locked down again as Pakistan waits to host a second round that has yet to materialise.

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FO calls out India's 'fabricated' Pahalgam narrative

The Foreign Office on Thursday rejected what it described as India's propaganda campaign of "baseless allegations" linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident, and called on New Delhi to demonstrate responsible behaviour and refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and actions. The Foreign Office did not specify what statements or allegations it was referring to. However, an Indian media outlet claimed in a recent investigation that the mastermind behind the Pahalgam attack was taking shelter in Pakistan. It claimed the suspect allegedly possessed a Pakistani identity card with a Rawalpindi address. Meanwhile, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a veiled warning to Pakistan a day ago. On April 22 last year, unidentified attackers killed 26 people in Pahalgam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). India immediately blamed Pakistan without presenting evidence, an allegation Islamabad categorically rejected. Tensions escalated the following day, April 23, 2025, when India undertook a series of hostile measures, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty. In a statement issued today, the FO said: "At a time when Pakistan, along with its international partners, is undertaking concerted diplomatic efforts for regional and international peace and security, it is deplorable that India has once again resorted to a campaign of baseless allegations and propaganda to link Pakistan with the Pahalgam incident." Calling the development "unfortunate|, the statement said that amid an ongoing regional crisis, India remained focused on "weaponising its false narrative against Pakistan for narrow domestic political gains". "After receiving a befitting reply to its misplaced adventurism in the form of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos last year, such allegations constitute yet another chapter from India's playbook of creating a smokescreen for its continued sponsorship of terrorism across the region," it added. The FO said such propaganda campaigns could not distract the international community from India's continued occupation of IIOJK and its denial of the right to self-determination to Kashmiris, in violation of relevant United Nations resolutions. It further stated that such "gimmicks" could not conceal what it termed India's undermining of regional peace and security through "inflammatory rhetoric, repeated provocations and aggressive military posturing", including its unilateral move to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, which it said violated international law. "We hope that the international community will call on India to demonstrate responsible behaviour and to refrain from all rhetoric and actions that may serve as a spoiler to ongoing efforts aimed at regional and international peace and security," the statement concluded. A day ago, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar marked one year since what he described as the "Pahalgam false flag operation", stating that India had failed to present evidence for its allegations against Pakistan over the attack. The situation had further deteriorated following the Pahalgam attack in the early hours of May 7, 2025, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children and the elderly. In response, Pakistan's armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets. Later, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos in retaliation, targeting Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases and other strategic locations. On May 10, 2025, United States President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following overnight diplomatic efforts. The agreement was subsequently confirmed by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.

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FM Dar urges UNSC president to press India to restore Indus Waters Treaty

Pakistan on Thursday urged the United Nations to call upon India to restore full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), warning that New Delhi’s “illegal” decision to hold the accord in abeyance carried grave peace, security, and humanitarian consequences for the region. The development comes after the completion of one year since India placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following last year’s April 22 attack in Pahalgam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), in which 26 people were killed by unidentified assailants. According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Mission to the UN, the country’s permanent representative, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, handed over a letter from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to the president of the UN Security Council, Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei of Bahrain. Also Read: FO rubbishes India’s ‘false narrative’ linking Pakistan to Pahalgam attack “The letter draws the attention of the Security Council, one year after India’s illegal decision to hold the IWT in abeyance, of its grave peace and security, and humanitarian consequences,” the statement said. It urged the Security Council to take cognisance of the situation and call on India to restore full implementation of the treaty, resume all treaty-mandated cooperation and data-sharing without delay, desist from any form of water coercion, and comply fully with its international obligations in good faith. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, today handed over a letter addressed by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 to the President of the UN Security Council, Ambassador Jamal Fares Alrowaiei of Bahrain. The letter draws… pic.twitter.com/JRNhsPpfc6 — Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) April 23, 2026 The statement added that the permanent representative also briefed the Security Council president on what it described as the "regurgitation of baseless allegations and propaganda by India" at a time when Pakistan was engaged in mediation efforts to promote regional and international peace and security. Ambassador Iftikhar further underscored that the “unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute — a longstanding item on the SC’s agenda — was the root cause of instability in South Asia that necessitated a just and lasting settlement in accordance with relevant SC resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people”, the statement concluded. The IWT of 1960 stands as one of the most carefully negotiated and legally robust transboundary water agreements in modern international law. Concluded between Pakistan and India with the good offices of the World Bank, the treaty was designed to remove water from the volatility of politics and conflict and to anchor it firmly in law, engineering discipline, and neutral dispute resolution. It is a binding international instrument governed by the foundational principle of pacta sunt servanda — that treaties must be honoured in good faith. Read: Pakistan accuses India of violating Indus Waters Treaty At the heart of the IWT lies a permanent and unqualified allocation of rivers. Article II vests the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej — exclusively in India, while Article III accords Pakistan exclusive rights over the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. This allocation was the treaty’s foundational bargain. India’s access to the western rivers is permitted only within the narrow confines of Article III(2) of the Indus Waters Treaty, read with Annexures D and E, allowing limited, non-consumptive uses such as run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects. These permissions are subject to strict design and operational constraints, including limits on pondage, prohibition of storage for flow regulation, and a ban on engineering features enabling control over water flows to Pakistan. These safeguards were intended to protect Pakistan as the lower riparian and prevent water from becoming a strategic tool. Pakistan’s objections to projects such as Kishanganga and Ratle stem from concerns over excessive pondage, gated spillways, and drawdown mechanisms, which it says violate treaty provisions and could affect downstream flows, particularly during lean seasons. The dispute entered a more troubling phase in April 2025, when, following a terrorist incident in Pahalgam, India announced that it was placing the Indus Waters Treaty “in abeyance”. Read More: India skips IWT case proceedings at The Hague Earlier this year, India unilaterally approved the Dulhasti Stage-II Hydropower Project on the Chenab River, an action that violates the treaty’s provisions governing the western rivers and infringes upon Pakistan’s legally protected rights under the binding international agreement. The unilateral suspension and expedited approval of upstream projects, including the withholding of hydrological data, diversion of river flows, and alteration of natural regimes, constitute deliberate water weaponisation, jeopardising Pakistan’s agriculture, food security, hydropower generation, and ecological stability. Under the IWT, customary international law, and Article 51 of the UN Charter, Pakistan has clear legal avenues to respond. International law expressly prohibits the use of water as a weapon against downstream populations, making strict enforcement of the IWT essential not only for bilateral stability but also for the integrity of global water governance norms.

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Used imported mobiles become costlier after 175% FBR hike

The federal government has increased taxes on used imported mobile phones after raising their customs valuation by up to 175%, making 62 models of various brands more expensive. According to documents available to The Express Tribune, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has revised the customs valuation of imported mobile phones through its Directorate General of Customs Valuation, issuing a new valuation ruling under which taxes will henceforth be collected based on revised values. Officials said the increase in customs valuation has directly raised the tax burden on imported mobile phones. Following the new ruling, 62 models of various well-known brands have become costlier. The new framework applies to all used mobile phones regardless of their condition. It further requires that imported mobile phones must have been activated at least six months before import, and importers are required to provide activation details, which will be verified by customs authorities. The previous valuation ruling has been withdrawn and replaced with Valuation Ruling No. 2070. Prices have been determined on the basis of market and import data, with officials warning that the cost of importing used mobile phones is expected to rise significantly. Under the revised structure, the customs value of a used iPhone 15 Pro Max has been increased from $460 to $505, while the iPhone 15 Pro has been raised from $390 to $472. The iPhone 15 Plus has increased from $320 to $390, and the iPhone 15 from $310 to $378. Similarly, the iPhone 14 Pro Max has been revised from $360 to $413, the iPhone 14 Pro from $290 to $350, and the iPhone 14 from $210 to $275. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has been increased from $295 to $374, while the iPhone 13 Pro has been raised from $225 to $293 and the iPhone 13 from $170 to $225. For older models, the iPhone 12 Pro Max has been increased from $215 to $274, the iPhone 12 Pro from $155 to $222, and the iPhone 12 from $120 to $156. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has been revised from $145 to $211, the iPhone 11 Pro from $125 to $160, and the iPhone 11 from $95 to $133. The customs value of the iPhone XS Max has been kept unchanged at $95, while the iPhone XS has been increased from $66 to $73. The iPhone XR has been raised from $76 to $80, and the iPhone X from $57 to $70. The iPhone 8 Plus has been increased from $47 to $78, while the iPhone 8 has been revised from $38 to $45. The iPhone 7 Plus has increased from $26 to $35. For entry-level models, the iPhone SE (2nd generation) has been increased from $25 to $52, while the iPhone SE has been revised from $25 to $47. The iPhone XS R3 has also been increased from $25 to $47. Among Android devices, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has increased from $255 to $305, the S23 Plus from $160 to $260, and the S23 from $140 to $250. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G has been raised from $160 to $260, while the S22 Plus 5G has been increased from $75 to $180. The Galaxy S22 5G has been revised from $80 to $130. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has been increased from $69 to $150, and the S21 5G from $50 to $110. The Galaxy S20 Plus has been revised from $46 to $94, while the S20 has been increased from $41 to $75. The Galaxy S10 Plus has been raised from $25 to $60, the S10 from $25 to $54, and the S10e from $25 to $49. For the Note series, the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has been increased from $115 to $145, the Note 20 from $59 to $95, the Note 10 from $41 to $60, and the Note 9 from $25 to $50. Google Pixel devices have also seen significant revisions. The Pixel 9 Pro XL has been increased from $260 to $348, while the Pixel 9 Pro has been raised from $195 to $290, and the Pixel 9 from $150 to $215. The Pixel 8 Pro has increased from $188 to $215, and the Pixel 8a from $98 to $120. The Pixel 7 Pro has been revised from $119 to $145, while the Pixel 7 has been increased from $59 to $105. The Pixel 6 Pro has been raised from $55 to $110, the Pixel 6 from $32 to $94, the Pixel 6a from $28 to $82, and the Pixel 5 from $18 to $47. The Pixel 5a 5G has also been increased from $18 to $47. OnePlus models have also been revised, with the OnePlus 12 increased from $184 to $211, the 12R from $105 to $176, the 11 from $92 to $121, the 10T from $60 to $90, and the 10 Pro from $65 to $113. The FBR has clarified in the valuation ruling that used mobile phones imported in commercial quantities without packaging or accessories will be assessed according to the values listed in the relevant table, regardless of condition or grading. It has also been made mandatory that such mobile phones must have been activated at least six months before export, and importers will be required to declare activation periods, subject to verification by customs collectors. If any brand or model is not included in the list but is imported in commercial quantity, its valuation will be determined under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1969. If declared invoice values are higher than the prescribed customs values, duties and taxes will be applied on the higher value. The ruling further states that freight differences for air and sea shipments will also be included in valuation. Customs field formations have been directed to strictly implement the new ruling.

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Future of warfare being written in Indian Ocean: naval chief

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf on Thursday said that the future of warfare was being shaped in the Indian Ocean due to its vast contribution to global trade, cautioning that any disruption could significantly impact global supply chains and energy prices. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the naval chief made the remarks at the conclusion of a two-day international conference titled “Emerging Technologies and the Future Warfare”, hosted by the Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCE) in Karachi, where he attended as chief guest. The conference aimed to bring together maritime experts, academia and defence industry representatives to discuss evolving geostrategic trends and the impact of technology on modern warfare. A two day international conference on Emerging Technologies and the Future Warfare, hosted by Maritime Centre of Excellence, culminated at Karachi, bringing together maritime experts, academia and defence industry representatives on one platform. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/NkU4A7kXm7 — DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) April 23, 2026 Addressing participants, Admiral Ashraf underscored the importance of close collaboration between industry, end-users and academia to drive innovation, adaptability and operational relevance. “Such collaboration would promote indigenisation and self-reliance, helping build a cost-effective and globally competitive defence ecosystem for Pakistan with export potential,” he said. Read: Pakistan Navy’s deterrence: neutralising India’s signaling Highlighting the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean, he reiterated that the region was central to global trade flows and warned that any disruption could have far-reaching consequences for economies linked to it. The conference also highlighted the increasingly blurred lines between civilian and military applications of advanced technologies, noting that this trend presented both opportunities and challenges for Pakistan’s defence ecosystem. Participants discussed how rapid technological advancements were transforming warfare by reshaping operational concepts, force structures and outcomes. The event was attended by senior military leadership, policymakers, diplomats, academics, industry experts and students from various universities. It concluded with a reaffirmation of the need for sustained intellectual collaboration to effectively navigate technology-driven transformations and harness future trends in warfare. Earlier this year, the Pakistan Navy conducted a “Passage Exercise” with a Royal Oman Navy ship, KHASAB, involving a flotilla comprising sail ships and a vessel of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency. A day later, the navy carried out a comprehensive exercise in the North Arabian Sea, testing surface-to-air missiles, loitering munitions and an unmanned surface vessel, the ISPR said. Last year, during hostilities between Pakistan and India in May, the Pakistan Navy said it had prevented the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant from undertaking any maritime action in the North Arabian Sea through a coordinated strategy. “Not only did the Pakistan Navy restrict the Indian Navy to its own waters, but it also ensured the safety of Pakistan's maritime trade routes and coastal regions,” officials had told The Express Tribune.   Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also commended the Pakistan Navy for its readiness and professionalism, stating that the naval forces were fully prepared to launch an operation akin to the historic Operation Dwarka. However, he said the Indian Navy avoided confrontation after witnessing the befitting response from Pakistan’s ground and air forces.

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GB election: 664 candidates file papers

A total of 664 candidates have filed nomination papers for the Gilgit-Baltistan general elections scheduled for June 7, 2026. The candidates will contest elections on 24 constituencies across the region. Constituency Gilgit-2 has attracted the highest number of candidates, with 58 contenders, while Diamer-4 has the lowest, with 11 candidates in the race. In Gilgit district, 34 candidates have filed papers from Gilgit-1, 58 from Gilgit-2, and 32 from Gilgit-3. In Nagar, 38 candidates are contesting from Nagar-1 and 30 from Nagar-2. Hunza's lone constituency has drawn 38 candidates.

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PM Shehbaz reaffirms commitment to eradicate polio as cases drop sharply in 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s resolve to completely eradicate polio from Pakistan, noting encouraging progress as only one case has been reported so far in 2026. Chairing a high-level review meeting on polio eradication at the Prime Minister’s House, the premier appreciated the tireless efforts of anti-polio teams working across the country and reiterated that eliminating the disease remains a national priority. The prime minister emphasised that sustained coordination between federal and provincial authorities, frontline workers, and partner organisations would remain essential to achieving the goal of a polio-free Pakistan. During the briefing, the meeting's participants were informed that only a single polio case had been reported this year from Sujawal district, compared with 74 cases in 2024 and 31 cases in 2025, reflecting a significant downward trend. No cases have been reported so far in 2026 from Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, or Azad Jammu and Kashmir. وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت انسدادِ پولیو پر اہم جائزہ اجلاس اجلاس کے شرکاء سے گفتگو کرتے ہوئے وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ وہ ملک سے پولیو کے موذی مرض کے مکمل خاتمے کے لیے پُرعزم ہیں۔ اجلاس کو بتایا گیا کہ 2024 میں پولیو کے 74 کیسز اور 2025 میں 31 کیسز رپورٹ ہوئے۔ خیبر… pic.twitter.com/cx9obbnrD5 — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) April 22, 2026 The officials further informed the meeting's members that the number of polio-affected districts declined from 67 in the first quarter of 2025 to 23 in the first quarter of 2026. National household coverage during anti-polio campaigns remained consistently high at 98%. The participants were told that improved access and enhanced vaccination efforts in the southern districts of KP had significantly reduced the number of children missing polio drops. A substantial decline in local transmission of the poliovirus was also recorded in the Quetta Block. Read More: Lingering threat of polio In Karachi, encouraging environmental surveillance results showed that poliovirus was not detected in 10 out of 12 environmental samples collected in March. Similarly, no polio case has been reported in Dera Ismail Khan district since September 2025, while the number of high-risk union councils in Bannu dropped sharply from 62 to just six. The members were also informed that a strategy was being finalised to integrate the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) with the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) at the federal and provincial levels. Efforts were also underway to link certain interventions of the Benazir Income Support Programme with anti-polio measures to further strengthen outreach. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal, Minister of State for National Health Services Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, and Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, along with senior officials, attended the meeting. Despite significant progress in recent years, Pakistan remains one of the few countries in the world where polio is still crippling children, with health authorities warning that continued vigilance and public cooperation are essential to stopping transmission.

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Balochistan sees revival of 3,700 closed schools

The Balochistan government on Tuesday said it was making headway in education by bringing out-of-school children back into classrooms and reopening long-closed institutions. Speaking at an event at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, along with senior officials, shared progress on the ongoing campaign. Education Minister Rahila Hamid Durrani and Secretary Lal Jan Jaffar were also in attendance. Officials said more than 3,700 previously closed schools have been made functional, with around 100,000 children enrolled—offering many a renewed chance at education. The chief minister said over 12,000 teachers have been recruited on merit, underscoring the government's commitment to ending the practice of selling jobs. He acknowledged past setbacks in the education sector but said reforms are now gaining traction. Despite these gains, significant challenges persist. Officials noted that nearly 58% of children in the province remain out of school, many of them now beyond the typical school-going age. Earth Day Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Tuesday said that Earth Day reminds us of the fact that the protection and survival of the natural environment is a shared responsibility of all of us, for which collective awareness and practical measures are indispensable. In his message on the occasion of Earth Day, he said that Balochistan is a province rich in natural resources and diverse ecosystems, where there are important natural assets from coastal mangroves to juniper and chilgoza forests in high mountainous areas, which play a key role in climate protection, water resource stability and public employment. He said that however, challenges such as climate change, prolonged drought and land degradation are affecting the province, which requires urgent and collective measures to address. The Chief Minister stated that the Balochistan government is committed to promoting sustainable development, expanding forest areas, and protecting biodiversity. He urged the people to play a full role in planting trees, conserving water and protecting natural resources. The CM expressed satisfaction that Alhamdulillah Balochistan is the first province of Pakistan to have established its own Climate Endowment Fund and has also formulated a regular policy for its transparent and effective use, which is a significant step towards addressing climate challenges. He reiterated the resolve that joint efforts would continue to build a green, strong and sustainable Balochistan so that a safe and better environment could be provided to the coming generation.

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FIA books suspects in Rs6.6 billion fraud case

The Federal Investigation Agency has registered a first information report (FIR) against multiple individuals, including company directors and bank officials, over an alleged fraud involving more than Rs6.6 billion. According to the FIR, the accused allegedly opened benami bank accounts using the identities of individuals and routed sales proceeds of a private company, Biscuits Manufacturing Private Limited Company, through these accounts to evade taxes. Investigators revealed that funds were initially deposited into accounts at one commercial bank and later transferred to accounts at another, where large cash withdrawals were made. Read: Four hawala, crypto suspects detained The inquiry found that proxy signatures were used to operate accounts despite genuine biometric verification, while a bank official allegedly played a key role in opening and managing these accounts. The FIA stated that the scheme caused significant losses to the national exchequer through tax evasion. An FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act, and further investigation is underway to determine the involvement of other officials. FIA claimed that the banker has been arrested and further investigations are underway.

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Agricultural tax notifications declared unlawful

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has declared recent government notifications revising agricultural income tax rates as unlawful and ordered an immediate halt to their enforcement, assessments and collections. The ruling came during the 41st session of the Punjab Assembly on a privilege motion moved by MPA Zulfiqar Ali Shah. The Speaker held that the notifications lacked legal validity as they were not presented before the Assembly in accordance with statutory requirements. He directed the Excise and Taxation Department to suspend implementation of the revised rates and instructed the government to place the relevant notifications before the House within 15 days, along with a detailed report explaining the lapse. The matter has also been referred to the Committee on Law Reforms and Delegated Legislation to fix responsibility and submit findings within one month. The issue stems from notifications issued on March 5, 2025, revising agricultural income tax rates, followed by another notification on September 10, 2025, seeking retrospective application from July 1, 2025. The mover of the motion argued that these were not laid before the Assembly at the time of the 2025–26 budget, as required under Section 11(2) of the Punjab Agricultural Income Tax Act, 1997. In his ruling, the Speaker emphasized that taxation powers rest with the legislature under the Constitution and any delegated authority must strictly follow legal procedures. He observed that failure to place such notifications before the Assembly renders them ineffective and without lawful basis. The Speaker also termed the omission a breach of parliamentary privilege and reiterated the importance of legislative oversight in taxation matters. He cited relevant judicial precedents, including rulings of superior courts, to support the requirement of presenting tax notifications before the legislature. He further directed that all future changes to agricultural income tax rates must be introduced before the Assembly during the annual budget session to be enforceable. The ruling clarified that taxpayers affected by the now-void notifications may seek relief through appropriate legal forums regarding any recoveries made under the revised rates.

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Farmers struggle with climate shifts

Punjab is called the food basket of Pakistan. Major crops such as wheat, rice, sugarcane, maize, and cotton are grown here. However, over the past 15 to 20 years, Punjab's climate has changed rapidly. Rainfall patterns have become irregular, heat has intensified, and winters are becoming shorter and less cold, putting farmers under stress and significantly reducing crop yields. According to seasonal outlook reports from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the average temperature in Punjab has been rising since 2000, while rainfall has become unpredictable. Heat intensity and duration have increased, and winters have shortened, disrupting the natural crop cycles. Research by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council shows that rising temperatures are shortening the growth period of crops. The study indicates that an increase of 1 to 4 degrees Celsius could reduce wheat production by 9 per cent to 30 per cent. According to the International Food Policy Research Institute, more than 80 per cent of farmers in Punjab are experiencing the effects of climate change. Rainfall patterns in central Punjab have become unstable, with some years seeing heavy rains and others facing severe drought. Unexpected rains in April have affected wheat harvesting, while heavy rains in July and August pose risks to cotton and rice crops. Dr Anjum Ali, Executive Member of the Punjab Agriculture Research Board, said that climate change in Punjab has now taken the form of a "climate shift," where the traditional monsoon cycle has changed and rainfall is occurring in shorter but more intense periods. He added that changing temperature and rainfall patterns are also altering cropping trends, especially in central Punjab, where water-intensive crops like sugarcane, rice, and maize are increasing, while cotton cultivation is declining. To address these challenges, several changes are being introduced in the agricultural system. Short-duration seed varieties, modern breeding programs, and the use of micronutrients and potash are being promoted to help crops withstand harsh climatic conditions. He also noted that pest attacks are increasing due to higher temperatures accelerating their reproduction. Dr Buttar recommended promoting digital agriculture, providing farmers with timely information, and adopting cluster farming models. He also emphasized the need for better water management, storage infrastructure, and investment in research and development. On the other hand, progressive farmer Aamir Hayat Bhandara said that climate change has severely affected sowing and harvesting times. Unexpected rains in March and April delay wheat harvesting, affecting yields. Similarly, sudden temperature increases cause crops to ripen prematurely, increasing the risk of reduced production. "Heatwaves, floods, and droughts together are disrupting the agricultural system. Year-to-year temperature fluctuations are becoming more noticeable, affecting the entire crop growth cycle. Farmers must adjust crop selection and planting schedules according to climate risks. At the same time, the government should provide financial protection, access to climate information, and modern agricultural technologies," said Bhandara. Khalid Mahmood Khokhar, President of Pakistan Kisan Ittehad, stated that climate change has already caused farmers losses worth billions of rupees. He warned that if immediate action is not taken, farmers may stop cultivating wheat next year. "Climate change has devastated us. The government is spending billions of dollars on imports while ignoring local farmers."

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