JI links Karachi woes to poor governance, announces protests against petroleum levy next week

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Monem Zafar Khan on Friday blamed poor governance, rising inflation and administrative failures for the city's worsening conditions, demanding the abolition of the petroleum levy and announcing nationwide protests against the tax next week. Addressing a press conference at Johar Park in Delhi Mercantile Society, Khan said citizens had been denied any relief despite a decline in international oil prices. "The petroleum levy is nothing but an extortion tax. It must be abolished, and petrol prices should be reduced," he said. He said JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman had called for countrywide protests on August 7 against the levy, adding that demonstrations would also be held across Karachi. As part of the campaign, the party's women's wing will organise a march on Shahrah-e-Quaideen on August 3 afternoon, where Rehman is scheduled to address participants. Read: JI Chief mocks Maryam-Bilawal exchanges as 'political theatre' Khan also criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party, accusing it of failing to provide basic civic facilities and maintain law and order in Karachi. Commenting on the interior minister's remarks about the country's deterioration and the failure of the system, Khan said the system had effectively collapsed when the mandate of Karachi's residents was “stolen”. He said the PPP had ruined Karachi, adding “corruption and incompetence are synonymous with the party”. The JI Karachi chief said corruption and misgovernance had left residents without essential services, while incidents of kidnapping, murder, robbery and street crimes were common. Citing official figures, he claimed that around 40,000 street crime cases had been reported during the first six months of the year. During the speech, the JI leader also announced the launch of the party's annual Green Karachi tree plantation campaign. He said the party's nine town administrations had restored 278 parks over the past three years and introduced the concept of urban forests. This year, each JI-led town would establish another urban forest and install water harvesting systems. Read more: Climate change and public health Stressing the importance of green cover, Khan urged the citizens to not only plant trees but also to look after them. Warning about the impact of climate change, Khan said extreme weather events were becoming increasingly common across the world, causing thousands of deaths. Recalling 2015 and 2016 heatwaves in the city, he said the extreme weather took the lives of thousands of people, and therefore there is an urgent need to prevent such a tragedy in the future. امیر جماعت اسلامی کراچی منعم ظفر خان آو اپنا کراچی سر سبز بنائیں ۔۔ شجر کاری مہم کے سلسلے میں پریس کانفرنس سے خطاب کررہے ہیں جبکہ اس موقع پر اپوزیشن لیڈر کے ایم سی سیف الدین ایڈوکیٹ ، گلشن ٹاؤن کے چیئرمین ڈاکٹر فواد احمد جناح ٹاؤن کے چیئرمین رضوان عبدالسمیع اور جماعت اسلامی حلقہ… pic.twitter.com/e2jKBdfCiK — Jamaat e Islami Karachi (@KarachiJamaat) July 31, 2026 “Government incompetence and corruption have turned Karachi into a concrete jungle.” The JI leader alleged, “8-storey structures are being erected on plots measuring only 60 square yards.” He further said unchecked multi-storey construction and large-scale tree cutting for infrastructure projects, including the Red Line and Green Line bus corridors, were responsible for the urban dilemma. Also Read: JI rejects daily fuel price mechanism He claimed the city currently had only around two per cent green cover despite requiring between 25 and 30 per cent to meet environmental needs. Quoting international standards, he said there should be one tree for every seven people and urged residents to plant and protect trees. "Our resolve is to make Karachi green and prosperous, and despite limited resources and restricted powers, we will continue our journey of development and public service," he concluded. A day earlier, Rehman had described the recent exchange of allegations between Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and PPP Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari as "political theatre", saying both parties were exposing each other over the issues of Form 47. He was addressing a press conference at the JI headquarters in Lahore’s Mansoora when he raised concerns about the legitimacy of elections recently held in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as well as those held in the past across Pakistan. Rehman had also called on the people to participate in nationwide protests against inflation and bad governance planned on August 7 while hinting at the government to engage in dialogue with him to resolve outstanding issues.

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Viral Kashmir visuals. One media blackout: what an investigation found

The situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir created an environment ripe for mis- and disinformation to spread freely from all sides, with old or doctored visuals or allegations against each other. Conditions such as the suspension of connectivity and curbs on reporting access created significant challenges for fact-checking efforts at times when it was most urgently needed to dispel falsehood and misleading information. iVerify Pakistan investigated two narratives about visuals from the recent violence and found that the truth is not always what everyone is saying it to be, yet conclusively determining it is not always possible. An image said to be AI-generated was found to be apparently real, while a video being used as evidence of a “staged” stunt does not appear to be the case. On July 28, just a few hours after polling in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) kicked off, a video began doing the rounds on social media, particularly X. The clip shows bloodied bodies lying in the middle of a road in the Mirpur district. “Exposed,” read the caption of the post, shared by an X user whose account features pro-state content. “They were just lying down with red liquids thrown over them for a photo session. When the police neared and kicked, they got up. Fraud unveiled,” it added. The video quickly crossed 100,000 views, with shares multiplying by the thousands every hour. Several fact-checking accounts that are considered to be aligned with the state’s narrative also shared the clip with similar captions. Most of them alleged the clip was staged. At the same time, an image, said to be showing the same incident, also began circulating on X, with the claim that the visual was AI-generated. The accounts sharing it alleged that the image was being spread to portray a false picture of the situation in AJK. When iVerify Pakistan was alerted to the video and the image, both were already being contested from multiple directions, accused of being staged, AI-generated, or both, largely by accounts aligned with the state’s narrative. Untangling that took two separate lines of inquiry. On the image, the trail led backwards. Several fact-checking accounts had pointed to visual distortions — blurred objects, odd number plates — as proof the photo was AI-generated. But a search turned up an earlier, blurrier version of the same image, circulating nearly half an hour before the viral one, shared by several users, including PTI’s official account and its chapters such as PTI Faisalabad, PTI Mardan and PTI West Punjab. Running that older image through a set of AI-detection tools returned no indication it was synthetic, and a check for Google’s SynthID watermark came back clean. When iVerify ran the older image through an AI enhancement tool, the output matched the sharper, more “suspicious” version that had gone viral — down to the same distorted details fact-checkers had cited as proof of fabrication. In other words, the image wasn’t AI-generated evidence of a staged protest; it was a real photo that had likely been run through an enhancement tool, which introduced its own artefacts along the way. The video, meanwhile, took a different route. A keyword search surfaced the same clip published by BBC Urdu on July 29, described as clashes in Rawalakot and Mirpur amid “conflicting claims regarding casualties”.         View this post on Instagram                       A reverse image search then turned up a clearer version of the same moment, along with footage of the same incident from other angles. None of it showed what the “fraud unveiled” caption described: no one stood up and ran off when police approached. Instead, officers could be seen dragging two people toward a police vehicle, both visibly limping and unable to walk unassisted. Other angles picked up the sound of gunshots and people fleeing in panic, with one clip showing a police vehicle positioned in the direction the crowd was running from. Taken together, the visual evidence points away from the “staged” narrative that crossed 100,000 views. میرپور نہتی عوام پر سیدھی گولیاں pic.twitter.com/Xx8MsHvMgj — The Power Of PTI (@ThePowerOfPTI) July 28, 2026 میرپور میں پرامن مارچ پر فورسز کا کریک ڈاؤن کشمیریوں کی لاشیں اور جھنڈے سڑکوں پر پڑے ہوئے ہیں 😭 pic.twitter.com/Ib2o0EW9om — AtharIshtiaq (@AtharSb12) July 28, 2026 آزاد کشمیر میں پاکستان سے آئے ہوئے پنجابی دہشت گردوں نے آج پھر قتلِ عام کیا۔ میرپور میں سڑکوں پر درجنوں لاشیں بکھری پڑی ہوئی ہیں۔ کشمیر کا پاکستان کے ساتھ رشتہ اب ہمیشہ کے لیے ختم ہو گیا ہے۔ pic.twitter.com/stuh5DdmWw — Pakistan Walli (@pakistanwalli) July 28, 2026 None of this amounts to a full account of what happened in Mirpur that day because restablishing whether the visuals actually show what was claimed requires something forensics alone can’t provide: confirmation from someone who was there. At iVerify, a key element of the investigation that goes into any and every fact-check involves confirmations, testimonies, and on-the-ground reportage, especially in times of conflict. This time, though, the team was unable to reach a single source inside Mirpur to confirm the authenticity of the video and the claim. Two days later, we are still struggling to get hold of any information at all. This footage shows armed men in civilian clothing moving alongside security forces. The presence of armed civilians operating alongside security personnel raises serious questions about their identity, role, and the circumstances surrounding their deployment. We call on the… pic.twitter.com/BMiIt95izb — JKJAAC (@JKJAAC_) July 29, 2026 For over a month, it has been challenging to reach locals or correspondents in the region; WhatsApp messages to correspondents are on a single tick, and calls are barely getting through. As it votes in its most “contested” election in years, AJK has also been cut off from the outside world — a combination that has turned fact-checking from a routine editorial task into something closer to a rescue mission. The government has not addressed the allegations or reports of casualties at substantive length as well, while it accuses the JAAC of instigating the violence and harming security personnel. The Mirpur video is one of several claims iVerify Pakistan has been unable to verify since polling began — each testing the limits of what fact-checking can do when a region goes dark. Another example is videos appearing to show civilians in AJK opening fire on police. Some claimed they showed members of the now-proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee — a socio-political coalition at odds with the government since before the elections. Meanwhile, others alleged the men opening fire were security personnel dressed to look like ordinary citizens. بلیک میل ایکشن کمیٹی کے دہشت گرد دیکھ لیں جو پولیس پر فائرنگ کر رہے ہیں اسکے جواب میں پولیس فائرنگ نا کرے تو کیا انکا پھولوں کے ہار پہنائے ؟ pic.twitter.com/8ELxIi45n1 — Muzamil (@muzamil_45) July 29, 2026 کشمیر کی یہ وڈیو دیکھیں ان سول کپڑوں میں لوگوں کو پولیس والے بندوقیں ہتھیار دیتے ہیں عوام میں شامل کر کے پھر میڈیا والوں کو وڈیوز بھجتے ہیں کہ دیکھو یہ شرپسند عوامی ایکشن کمیٹی والے ہیں یہی انہوں نے نو مئی کو پی ٹی آئی کے ساتھ کیا تھا اب کشمیر میں یہی گندہ کھیل کھیل رہے ہیں pic.twitter.com/M2ULmT0xHu — Erum Jaffri (@ErumJavaid) July 29, 2026 Both claims rest entirely on interpreting the same footage, and neither can be tested without someone on the ground to say who the men in the videos actually were. The claim remains unverified, not because iVerify hasn’t tried, but because the tools of open-source verification run out exactly where testimony would need to begin. Fortunately, not every claim iVerify has encountered since polling began has run into the same wall. Some have been resolvable without a single call to the ground, serving as a reminder that the blackout, as severe as it is, hasn’t stopped fact-checking entirely; rather, it has just narrowed what kind of fact-checking is still possible. An image circulating widely on X claimed to show a large number of bullet casings recovered after security forces opened fire on peaceful protesters in Rawalakot. We did not require a source in the district to take it apart. A closer inspection of the clip revealed that several of the people in the frame had anatomically implausible hands — missing or extra fingers, unnatural shapes — and one face appeared partially melted, a distortion common in AI-generated crowd scenes. The bullet casings themselves were oddly oversized and inconsistent in scale relative to the people around them, more like props than spent shells from small-arms fire. Taken together, the artefacts were consistent enough with AI generation that the image could be assessed on forensic grounds alone, without anyone on the ground to vouch for it. Similarly, a video claiming to show Punjab Police firing on citizens in Kashmir followed a similar pattern, though by a different route. It wasn’t new: iVerify had already fact-checked the same clip once before, tracing it back to a police clash with protesters near the US consulate in Karachi in March 2026. Its reappearance now, recontextualised as footage from Rawalakot, showed that old material can be recirculated to fit a new crisis, and that a claim debunked once doesn’t stay debunked in the timeline. Given the nature of the unrest, this information isn’t just circulating — it’s actively feeding a divisive narrative on either side of an already polarised online discourse. In such a climate, there is no shortage of actors with a reason to keep the information war going, and every unresolved claim becomes fuel for both. Verification, in this environment, isn’t a formality; it’s the only thing standing between a claim and its unchecked spread. But as these cases show, it is also becoming harder to do at exactly the moment it matters most, with the ground truth cut off by a blackout. Until that access is restored, the responsibility shifts to the people encountering this content before anyone else does. If a claim’s authentication is dubious — if it cannot be traced, confirmed, or corroborated — it should not be shared. This explainer was originally published by iVerify Pakistan — a project of CEJ-IBA and UNDP.  

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PML-N, PPP at breaking point?

With the trading of barbs between the two allies in the federal government becoming increasingly intense, political pundits believe the PPP and the PML-N are dangerously close to a point of no return, as the gravity of the allegations they have hurled at each other could leave them with little moral justification to continue the alliance, even if both sides wished to do so. The leaderships of both the PPP and the PML-N need to step in forthwith and agree on some code of ethics, said senior analyst Mujeebur Rehman Shami. He said the ever-growing bitterness in their statements would make reconciliation increasingly difficult between the PML-N and the PPP. In theory, this storm would settle after the Kashmir elections, but given the nature of the allegations, both sides would have no moral justification to continue the alliance, especially if the trading of barbs continued with the same intensity. This time, however, the PML-N has adopted a more cautious approach from the outset by keeping its criticism largely reactionary, while also advising its allies to remain civil, reflecting the same pattern as before. However, what analysts question is how both sides, after accusing each other of stealing mandates and being massively corrupt, can later sit together under the pretext of a larger national interest. Shami further said that the PPP is trying to cash in on the PTI's misfortune in AJK by appealing to its supporters to vote for the PPP. "If the PPP and Bilawal had any concerns, he should have raised his voice when PTI was being pushed out of the electoral arena in Kashmir. After all, the AJK chapter of PTI is different from the rest of the party in Pakistan." He said this opportunism was not going to gain any traction in AJK. "The guns will fall silent as soon as the dust settles on the Kashmir elections," former caretaker Punjab chief minister and senior analyst Hasan Askari said. "But under what justification will they continue with this alliance is beyond my comprehension. Somebody who steals elections should not be allowed to rule the country. So how can both parties bury these recent allegations and move on, as they have done with all the dirt they hurled at each other in the past?" He said the on-again, off-again rivalry was more akin to shadow boxing, but that this time both parties had gone too far. A PPP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the party was likely to de-escalate immediately after the Kashmir elections. He said that since policy decisions were made at the very top, there was little that middle-tier leaders could do about them. He said walking on both sides of the aisle was not going to win the party any swing votes in Punjab, even in future elections.

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SC upholds strict limitation law

The Supreme Court has held that a party guilty of unnecessary delay, negligence and abuse of the judicial process is not entitled to equitable relief, observing that the law of limitation is not a mere technicality but a substantive legal framework designed to ensure timely and final resolution of disputes. A three-member bench comprising Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali issued the unanimous judgment, authored by Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, dismissing Civil Appeal No. 2555 of 2016 while upholding the concurrent judgments of the Lahore High Court and the subordinate courts. The court held that the appellants had failed to file their appeal within the prescribed limitation period and were unable to provide any satisfactory explanation for the delay. It observed that an applicant seeking condonation of delay must furnish a reasonable, convincing and bona fide explanation for each day of delay; otherwise, the court cannot interfere with rights that have accrued upon the expiry of the statutory limitation period. The judgment noted that the record showed the appellants had been granted several opportunities but failed to pursue the case diligently and, through their own negligence, lost the opportunity to seek legal redress. The Supreme Court further observed that although courts generally prefer to decide cases on their merits, a thorough examination of the record in the present matter revealed no evidence that the impugned order had been obtained through fraud or any unlawful means. It held that the findings of the subordinate courts were fully supported by the evidence and the law, leaving no justification for interference. Terming the appellants' conduct an abuse of the judicial process, the court imposed costs of Rs200,000, directing that the amount be paid within 30 days, failing which it would be recovered as arrears of land revenue in accordance with the law.

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4 terrorists killed, two explosives-laden vehicles destroyed in Khuzdar IBO: ISPR

Security forces on Thursday neutralised four terrorists and destroyed two explosives-laden vehicles during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan's Khuzdar district, the military's media wing said. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation was conducted on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to the "Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan". Fitna al-Hindustan is the term used by the state for terrorists belonging to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other armed groups operating in the province. Read: Nine policemen martyred, 28 injured in terror attack on police checkpost in K-P's Hangu The ISPR said the security forces intercepted the movement of two explosives-laden vehicles along with the terrorists operating them. "After swift and prompt action by security forces, both vehicles were successfully destroyed," the statement said, adding that four attackers operating the vehicles were killed during the operation. The military said sanitisation operations were continuing in the area "to eliminate any other Indian-sponsored terrorist found in the area". Reaffirming its commitment to counterterrorism, the ISPR said the "relentless counterterrorism campaign under the vision 'Azm-i-Istehkam' by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country." President Asif Ali Zardari commended the security forces for their "timely success" in thwarting the terrorists' plan, adding that it was a "manifestation of the security forces' high professional capability". He said that operations should continue until the complete eradication of "terrorism being carried out in the country under foreign patronage". صدر آصف علی زرداری نے بلوچستان کے ضلع خضدار میں فتنۂ الہندوستان کے دہشت گردوں کی کارروائی کو بروقت ناکام بنانے پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کو خراجِ تحسین پیش کیا ہے۔ صدر مملکت نے کہا کہ بھارتی سرپرستی میں سرگرم فتنۂ الہندوستان کے دہشت گردوں کی بارود سے بھری دو گاڑیوں کو تباہ کرنا سیکیورٹی… pic.twitter.com/fk2iEsaK0v — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 30, 2026 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for carrying out the operation, saying their timely action had foiled a major terrorist plot. The prime minister praised the forces for killing four militants and destroying two explosives-laden vehicles during the operation. "Every malicious attempt to spread terrorism in Pakistan will be thwarted," he said. He added that operations by the security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue with full force until terrorism was completely eradicated from the country. Also Read: Two dead as methane blast collapses coal mine in Balochistan's Sorange, traps over two dozen miners "The entire nation stands with its brave security forces and values their sacrifices for the peace, stability and security of the country," the prime minister said. وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف نے بلوچستان کے ضلع خضدار میں بھارتی سرپرستی میں سرگرم فتنہ الہندوستان کے دہشت گردوں کے خلاف کامیاب انٹیلی جنس بیسڈ آپریشن پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کو خراجِ تحسین پیش کیا ہے۔ وزیراعظم نے آپریشن کے دوران چار دہشت گردوں کو ہلاک کرنے اور بارودی مواد سے بھری دو… pic.twitter.com/zKydIQVRMj — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 30, 2026 Terrorism has increased significantly in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, in recent months. Although K-P has borne the brunt of the violence, Balochistan has also remained a major target of what the state describes as Indian proxies, which have often targeted civilians and military installations in the province. In one such attack on the last day of last year, terrorists targeted civilians in Gwadar and Kharan districts, where 18 people, including women, children, the elderly and labourers, were martyred. Security forces and law enforcement agencies immediately responded and, according to the military, thwarted the "evil designs" of the terrorists, killing 92 militants. Fifteen security personnel were also martyred during the operation. The forces continued operations across the provinces against what the state describes as Indian-sponsored terrorists and their proxies, but despite these efforts, the groups have continued to target civilian and defence installations. Earlier this month, at least 30 people, including 27 police personnel, were martyred when terrorists identified by the state as the Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan ambushed police personnel deployed in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, triggering hours-long gun battles. The attackers also abducted several civilians and police personnel after the assault. In the aftermath of the attack, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police launched a joint operation, which remains underway, with forces intensifying action against terrorists across the province.

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Karachi waffle chain owner found dead in Gulistan-e-Jauhar after alleged kidnapping

A 25-year-old man who was allegedly kidnapped from Karachi's PECHS Society was found dead in the bushes near a wedding hall in Gulistan-e-Jauhar on Wednesday, with police suspecting that he was tortured before being shot dead. The victim, identified as Mir Raza Ali, son of Mir Hassan Ali, was a resident of PECHS Block 2 and owned waffle dessert chain “Wafflix” near Bahadurabad Chowrangi. His body was recovered from the bushes near Shadi Qila wedding hall in Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 1 and was taken to Jinnah hospital for post-mortem examination. According to police, the body appeared to be one to two days old and had signs of burns in some areas, making identification difficult. The victim was identified by his father through his clothes. Police said a mark on the victim’s back was also found, while the exact cause of death would be determined after the post-mortem report. Read: Three suspects arrested in Dr Akash murder case killed in firing by their accomplices: police Station House Officer Kamran Qureshi said initial findings suggested that the victim was tortured before being shot. He added that police were collecting CCTV footage from cameras installed around the wedding hall to trace the suspects involved in the kidnapping and murder. A kidnapping case was registered at Ferozabad Police Station on Tuesday on the complaint of the victim’s father. According to the first information report, on the night between July 27 and 28, Raza returned home from his shop in his car and informed his mother at around 4am that he would step outside his house for 10 minutes. He did not return. His mother later called his mobile phone, but it was switched off. The family searched for him and also contacted Madadgar 15 before registering a kidnapping case against unidentified suspects at the police station. Police are continuing their investigation. Condemnations and condolences poured in on social media from those who knew the young entrepreneur as the authorities were criticised for the security situation of the city.

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PPP alliance with PML-N in Centre not endangered by AJK polls criticism, Bilawal says

Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday said his criticism of alleged irregularities in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections could not endanger the party’s coalition with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz at the Centre, but warned that alleged rigging and what he described as theft of the public mandate could have implications for the ruling alliance. Speaking to the media after meeting AJK Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar and PPP workers at his residence here, Bilawal said the PPP-PML-N coalition at the federal level remained intact. “My statements cannot put our coalition with the federal government in danger,” Bilawal said, while cautioning that alleged manipulation of the AJK electoral process and denial of the public mandate could create difficulties for the alliance. The PPP chairman said alleged vote theft and what he called an assault on the people’s mandate were “unacceptable”, arguing that he could not remain silent when party workers were allegedly targeted. لائیو: پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کے چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری ضلع مظفرآباد کی تحصیل گڑھی ڈوپٹہ میں پارٹی کارکنان سے خطاب کررہے ہیں۔ https://t.co/znQ4O2ruVa — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) July 29, 2026 “If my worker is killed, how can I remain silent?” he asked, saying he had the right to raise his voice for the rights of PPP workers and the people. Bilawal said the political crisis in AJK could be resolved through democratic means and called for the people’s mandate to be respected. He alleged that polling had been interfered with at around 30 polling stations and claimed that the PPP was given four seats instead of the eight it expected. He further alleged that rigging had taken place in Kotli and claimed that votes were “stolen at gunpoint”. Bilawal demanded that AJK voters be allowed to exercise their democratic right freely, saying any attempt to undermine the electoral process was unacceptable. READ: PML-N secures strong lead in AJK polls, wins 9 of 13 seats in Mirpur as unofficial results pour in Calling on the people of AJK to participate fully in the remaining phases of the elections, he urged voters to elect their representatives through the ballot. He reiterated that the PPP believed in democracy, the sanctity of the vote and respect for the public mandate. Bilawal’s remarks came amid heightened political tensions following the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections in Mirpur Division, where the PML-N emerged as the leading party while the PPP alleged irregularities in the electoral process. PPP AJK President Chaudhry Yasin, AJK Prime Minister Faisal Rathore, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Nadeem Afzal Chan and Nabila Ayub were also present.

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NCCIA summons journalist Asad Toor under Peca for alleged dissemination of 'fake info'

The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency on Wednesday issued a notice to renowned journalist Asad Ali Toor, directing him to appear before the agency in connection with an inquiry into the alleged dissemination of "false information". According to a notice issued by the NCCIA Cybercrime Reporting Centre, and also shared by the journalist on his X account, Toor was summoned under Section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in connection with the inquiry. The inquiry pertained to the alleged dissemination of false or fake information under Section 26A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), 2016. 🚨🚨@NCCIAOFFICIAL summoned me on this Friday, 31 July 2026 on the complaint of the state. چشم نم جان شوریدہ کافی نہیں تہمت عشق پوشیدہ کافی نہیں آج بازار میں پا بہ جولاں چلو دست افشاں چلو مست و رقصاں چلو خاک بر سر چلو خوں بداماں چلو راہ تکتا ہے سب شہر جاناں چلو حاکم شہر بھی… pic.twitter.com/bUFJtXxS9N — Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) July 29, 2026 The notice stated that the NCCIA was conducting an inquiry into the matter and identified the complainant as "Through State", which was registered on Tuesday. According to the notice, the allegations relate to the "alleged dissemination, transmission and/or public exhibition of false/fake information". The agency directed the journalist to appear in person at the NCCIA Cybercrime Reporting Centre on Saturday to record his version in the inquiry, while warning that failure to appear without lawful excuse would be deemed an unwillingness to offer a defence and the inquiry would proceed ex parte. It further warned that non-compliance with the notice was punishable under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), 1860. The National Press Club (NPC) strongly condemned the notice, describing it as "a disturbing example of an attempt to pressure the fundamental rights of press freedom and freedom of expression". In a statement, the NPC said that the Constitution guaranteed every citizen, particularly journalists, the right to freedom of expression and to perform their professional duties. 🚨🚨 Humbled, national press club of #Islamabad condemn @NCCIAOFFICIAL summons to me and demands withdrawal of the summons. pic.twitter.com/vO7m6eOKXl — Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) July 29, 2026 "Subjecting journalists to legal pressure and retaliatory action for carrying out their professional responsibilities or expressing critical opinions is not a positive sign for any democratic society," it added. The NPC leadership urged institutions to refrain from exerting unnecessary pressure on journalists and to fulfil their responsibilities in accordance with the law, the Constitution and fundamental human rights. " A free, responsible and secure press is the foundation of a strong democratic system," the statement said while demanding an immediate withdrawal of the notice issued to the journalist. "We demand that the notice issued to Asad Ali Toor be withdrawn, that the constitutional and legal rights of journalists be fully respected, and that the authorities refrain from taking measures that could curtail press freedom or create a sense of insecurity among the journalistic community," the statement concluded.  

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Water shortage grips cantt areas

Residents of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) and Chaklala Cantonment Board (CCB) areas are facing an acute water crisis, with a widening supply shortfall, declining groundwater yields and reduced inflows from Khanpur Dam leaving thousands of households struggling to meet their daily water needs. The crisis has intensified despite a substantial increase in water charges by the cantonment authorities. The annual water supply bill for a five-marla residential property has been raised from Rs8,400 to Rs14,400, while residents say the quantity of water supplied has continued to decline. According to officials and local representatives, water supply from Khanpur Dam has fallen from the allocated 19 million gallons per day (MGD) to only 11 MGD, while the discharge from tube wells has declined significantly due to falling groundwater levels. As a result, the combined daily water shortfall in the two cantonment jurisdictions has reached 41.64 MGD, with many tube wells no longer producing sufficient water. Residents across the cantonment areas complain that water is now supplied only on alternate days for 25 to 30 minutes. In Rawalpindi Cantonment, the daily water demand stands at 50 MGD, while only 12.78 MGD is currently available, resulting in a daily shortfall of 37.22 MGD. Residents of densely populated neighbourhoods, including Mughalabad and Azizabad, said the worsening shortage had made daily life increasingly difficult. They complained that despite receiving water for barely half the month, they continue to be billed for a full month's supply. Former RCB Vice-President Malik Munir Ahmed said the cantonment was entitled to receive 19 MGD from Khanpur Dam but was currently receiving only 11 MGD. He alleged that a considerable quantity of stored water was being lost through seepage, exacerbating the already critical situation. Responding to the concerns, RCB Chief Engineer Ateequr Rehman Chaudhry said efforts were under way to improve the water supply system. He explained that the alternate-day supply schedule had been introduced to allow sufficient storage so that water could be distributed more evenly across all localities. The situation is equally alarming in the CCB, where the water supply system in all 10 wards has come under severe strain. Against a daily demand of 10.12 MGD, only 5.92 MGD is available, resulting in a daily shortfall of 4.2 MGD. Residents of Kamalabad, Jhawara, Tahli Mohri and adjoining localities said the prolonged shortage had forced them to purchase expensive private water tankers. They claimed repeated complaints lodged with the CCB had failed to produce any lasting solution.

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Kuwait's foreign minister arrives in Pakistan for bilateral talks

Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday on a two-day official visit to hold bilateral talks. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, Sheikh Jarrah arrived in Islamabad at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Upon his arrival at Islamabad International Airport, the Kuwaiti foreign minister was received by Zahid Hussain, Additional Secretary for the Middle East at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “During the visit, the two sides will hold talks covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest,” the statement said. H.E. Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, arrived in Islamabad today on an official visit at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50. Upon arrival at Islamabad… pic.twitter.com/7sOY6qtx22 — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 28, 2026 The Foreign Office said the visit reflected the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Kuwait, anchored in shared history, mutual trust and close cooperation. The visit comes in the backdrop of renewed attacks on Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council states by Iran as part of the recent escalation of the conflict. Earlier, Kuwait came under sustained attack, with the armed forces saying they had intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, and that several firefighters and oil sector workers had been injured while responding to the attacks. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had struck a US military support centre at Kuwait's Camp Arifjan and destroyed a radar facility at Ali Al Salem Air Base. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation later said one of its oil facilities had been hit in "repeated Iranian attacks", causing significant damage and some injuries, according to the state news agency.

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Govt announces Rs1.63 increase in petrol, Rs1.55 in diesel price for July 29

The federal government on Tuesday increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs1.63 and Rs1.55 per litre, respectively, a day after reducing the petrol price. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum, the price of petrol has been fixed at Rs335.81 per litre, while HSD will now cost Rs388.38 per litre with effect from July 29. The latest revision comes a day after the government reduced the price of petrol by Re1 per litre, while increasing the price of high-speed diesel by Rs3.37 per litre. Read: Govt decreases petrol price by Re1, increases HSD price by Rs3.37 for July 28 On July 17, the government introduced a daily fuel price review mechanism amid volatility in global oil prices following renewed hostilities in the Middle East. The daily fuel prices are based on a seven-day average of international market rates to align with international standards. Oil prices spiked to $100 a barrel for the first time since May last week on July 23, major tech giants knocked US stocks lower, and Europe's borrowing costs spiked to long-term highs in an unsettling day across markets. Brent crude jumped 6% to $100.50 a barrel following attacks on tankers in the Red Sea that choked off a second crucial Middle East artery for global oil supplies alongside Iran's near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It marked the first time the international oil benchmark had hit that level since late May as the US-Iran war has heated up again.  

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Kuwait foreign minister to visit Pakistan from July 28 to 29

Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah will undertake an official visit to Pakistan from July 28 to 29 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Office said on Monday. According to an official statement, the visiting dignitary will "hold talks with Ishaq Dar during his stay, with both sides expected to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and discuss regional and international developments of mutual interest". The statement added that the Kuwaiti foreign minister is also scheduled to call on Pakistan’s leadership as part of his official engagements. 🔈 PR No. 1️⃣9️⃣0️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ Curtain Raiser: Visit of the Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait to Pakistan (28–29 July 2026) 🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/xi5FJ70s2s — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 27, 2026 The Foreign Office said the visit "reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Kuwait to further strengthen their longstanding partnership and expand cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries". The visit comes in the backdrop of renewed attacks on Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council states by Iran as part of the recent escalation of the conflict. READ: Iran renews attacks on Gulf states after another night of US strikes Earlier, Kuwait came under sustained attack, with the armed forces saying they had intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, and that several firefighters and oil sector workers had been injured while responding to the attacks. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had struck a US military support centre at Kuwait's Camp Arifjan and destroyed a radar facility at Ali Al Salem Air Base. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation later said one of its oil facilities had been hit in "repeated Iranian attacks", causing significant damage and some injuries, according to the state news agency.

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Evening shift launched for consular services at Foreign Office

Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Monday that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) had introduced an evening shift for consular services, extending working hours to facilitate citizens. According to an official announcement posted by FM Dar on X, consular services would now be available from 8am to 8pm, Monday through Friday, significantly increasing accessibility and convenience for the public. The initiative is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to enhance efficiency and ensure citizen-centric service delivery. Officials said details of the revised timings had been outlined in a public notice issued by the ministry. As part of our commitment to improving public service delivery, I am pleased to announce the launch of an Evening Shift for Consular Services at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Citizens can now avail Consular Services from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, making our… pic.twitter.com/3ibNmUhsBG — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 27, 2026 Previously, consular services at the MOFA were provided during regular government working hours, with citizens required to visit relevant offices within the designated daytime schedule. The limited timings often posed challenges for individuals, particularly overseas Pakistanis and working professionals, who faced difficulties in accessing services during conventional office hours. The introduction of an evening shift aims to address these concerns by extending service availability and providing greater flexibility to applicants.

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School access blocked by aggressive excavation

Residents have alleged that a private housing society has dug deep trenches around the Government Boys Primary School Dhoke Syedo in the suburban area of Dhoke Syedo, leaving hundreds of students, teachers and local residents facing severe difficulties while exposing children to serious safety risks. According to local residents, excavation on all four sides of the school has made access extremely difficult and dangerous for students. Young children are forced to pass close to the trenches every day, raising fears that a major accident could occur at any time. Parents said such excavation around an educational institution is not only putting children's lives at risk but is also disrupting their education. Residents alleged that the private housing society dug the trenches around the school in an attempt to occupy land or expand its boundaries, restricting access to the government educational institution. They warned that if the authorities fail to take immediate notice, the trenches could become deeper and more dangerous during the rainy season, increasing the risk of a major tragedy. Local residents, parents and members of civil society have called on the deputy commissioner of Rawalpindi, the assistant commissioner of Taxila, the education department, revenue authorities and other relevant institutions to intervene immediately. They demanded that the trenches around the school be filled without delay, safe access for students be restored and a transparent inquiry be conducted. They further urged that if any individual or institution is found responsible for illegal encroachment or an attempt to occupy land, strict legal action should be taken.

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MQM-P begins street movement for Karachi rights, seeks constitutional reforms

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Sunday launched the first protest demonstration of its announced street movement for Karachi's rights in Shah Faisal Town, with party leaders criticising the Sindh government over civic issues and demanding greater constitutional powers and administrative authority for the city. Senior MQM-P leaders, including members of the National Assembly and Sindh Assembly, attended the gathering, where senior leader and former Karachi mayor Syed Mustafa Kamal was welcomed by party workers. Addressing the rally, Kamal alleged that Karachi had been deprived of its due rights for years and accused the Sindh government of failing to address the city's worsening civic conditions. Read: MQM-P renews call for new provinces, announces street protests over Karachi rights "People in Sindh are facing genocide. This has been happening for 18 years," he claimed, adding that the time had come to decide whether the existing system, under which "our generations are being deprived of their rights", should continue. He said MQM-P was not speaking against Pakistan but was demanding constitutional rights for Karachi and its residents. "We want our rights according to the Constitution of Pakistan. We want rights for our children," he said. Kamal argued that Karachi's problems stemmed from governance rather than a lack of resources, claiming that the Sindh government had received Rs22,000 billion but had failed to spend the funds on the city. He also claimed that during his tenure as mayor, Karachi had ranked among the world's 12 developed cities after development spending of Rs300bn. Alleging that the federal government was not withholding funds for Karachi, he accused the Sindh government of failing to utilise the city's allocated resources. "We need a change in this system," he said, while adding that MQM-P's struggle would remain peaceful and aimed at securing constitutional rights. The former mayor criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), alleging that it had blocked local government-related constitutional amendments. He also called for a new constitutional amendment providing a mechanism for creating new administrative units. Read More: MQM-P steps up 'new province' push "A city that provides 70 per cent of the country's revenue should at least be provided with resources. If you can bring the 27th Amendment, then we also want the 28th Amendment," he said. Kamal described the current demonstrations as only the beginning of the party's movement. "This is only our net practice; the actual match has not started yet," he said. Addressing concerns over administrative reforms, he said MQM-P was not seeking to divide Sindh. "We are not talking about breaking Sindh; we are talking about saving Sindh," he said, likening the creation of new administrative units to adding rooms or floors to a house without dividing it. He announced that the party would continue holding protest gatherings over the next 30 days before issuing a final call for a larger movement. "In that final call, we will sit on the highways until our rights are given," he said. Provincial lawmaker Shariq Jamal also addressed the gathering, accusing the PPP of failing to resolve Karachi's civic problems and urging residents to continue peaceful protests. "There is no electricity, no healthcare and no education. Until people come out of their homes, these issues will not be resolved," he said. Senior MQM-P leader Anees Qaimkhani said the protest campaign would continue and warned that the party's movement would intensify in the coming weeks.

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Bilawal criticises PML-N over portraying public buses as personal gifts, urges AJK voters to back PPP

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday criticised the Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) for portraying publicly funded buses as personal gifts, as he made a final appeal to voters in Mirpur Division to support the party's 'arrow' symbol in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections held on Monday (tomorrow). "These buses are not anyone's gift; they are the people's right," Bilawal said in a special message issued from Islamabad on the eve of polling. Asserting that the PPP had delivered practical development rather than merely making promises, he criticised what he described as politically timed development announcements, saying projects financed through taxpayers' money should not be portrayed as personal gifts by political leaders. Launching a political attack on the PML-N, Bilawal said the people of "Kashmir and Kashmore, Mirpur and Mirpur Khas" shared the same spirit of defending their rights and would not allow anyone to undermine their claim over their land or future. Mian Sahib @NawazSharifMNS , bura na manain Magar Kashmir ho ya Kashmore, Mirpur ho ya Mirpurkhas, In ke sirf naam nahin milte; inka mizaj bhi milta hai, inki ghairat bhi milti hai aur apne haq ke liye kharay hone ka hausla bhi milta hai. Kashmore ho ya Kashmir koi apne… pic.twitter.com/egV52it88d — Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (@BBhuttoZardari) July 26, 2026 He claimed that just as the PML-N had been rejected by voters in previous elections in Kashmir and Kashmore, the electorate would repeat that verdict in the current polls. Bilawal described the election as a referendum on the rights, development and future of AJK. He urged voters to give the PPP a strong mandate, pledging that the party would not compromise on the rights of the people of AJK and would continue its struggle to secure what he described as the rights of sovereignty, ownership and employment for Kashmiris. کشمور ہو یا کشمیر - کوئی اپنے حق پر کسی کو ڈاکا نہیں ڈالنے دے گا، پاکستان پیپلزپارٹی کے چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری کا ویڈیو پیغام#MirpurMainTeerChaleyGa pic.twitter.com/RdIDWupCJI — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) July 26, 2026 "The people of Mirpur sacrificed their homes and land for the Mangla Dam and it is because of those sacrifices that much of Pakistan was electrified," he said. "No one can deny that the people of AJK have an equal stake in the region's resources, decisions and future," Bilawal said, adding that Pakistan owed a debt to Mirpur for its sacrifices rather than doing it a favour. Read: Bilawal vows to protect AJK rights, accuses PML-N of pursuing 'anti-Kashmir' agenda He argued that the people of AJK should enjoy the same fundamental rights as every Pakistani citizen, including what he termed the rights of sovereignty, ownership and employment. Bilawal also called for the immediate establishment of a dedicated compensation fund for those affected by the recent violence, saying such measures would help restore public confidence and normalcy. He concluded by urging voters in Mirpur Division to stamp the arrow symbol and vote for development, prosperity and the protection of the rights of the people of Azad Kashmir.

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Nurse blamed for infant's thumb loss

A fact-finding committee has held a female nurse responsible after a 23-day-old baby girl lost her thumb at Holy Family Hospital and recommended departmental action against her under the PEEDA Act. The nurse has also been directed to report to the department in Lahore. According to details, the 23-day-old daughter of Attock-based carpenter Qaiser Mahmood was under treatment in the paediatric nursery of Holy Family Hospital when her right thumb was mysteriously severed. Following the incident, Medical Superintendent Dr Ejaz Butt constituted a three-member fact-finding committee headed by Paediatrics Department Head Dr Hina Sattar, with Dr Nadeem Malik and the Nursing Superintendent as members. In its report, the committee termed the incident a case of negligence, carelessness and dereliction of duty, holding nurse Neelam Siddiq responsible and recommending departmental proceedings against her under the PEEDA Act. She has also been directed to report to the department in Lahore. Dr Butt termed the incident highly unfortunate, saying that while the nurse found responsible would face disciplinary action, every effort would be made to prevent such incidents in future. He said strict instructions had been issued to all hospital departments to perform their professional duties in accordance with standard operating procedures. Meanwhile, local police have registered a case on the complaint of Qaiser Mahmood.

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Property registration resumes after hiatus

Property registrations for residential and commercial properties have resumed across Rawalpindi Division after remaining suspended for a month. The new deputy commissioner has retained the previous financial year's property valuation rates for 2026-27, a move welcomed by property dealers. Property registrations in Rawalpindi city, cantonment and adjoining areas have resumed through biometric verification and the online system using the existing official rates. However, advance tax, capital gains tax and registration processing fees have been increased. Officials estimate that the month-long suspension of property registrations caused the government a loss of around Rs1.5 billion. Under the revised fee structure, stamp duty remains one per cent of the property's total value, corporation tax one per cent, cantonment board tax three per cent, Punjab Land Revenue Authority services tax Rs3,800, registration fee Rs1,000, comparison fee Rs500, advance tax 10.5pc for non-filers and 1.25pc for filers The new structure requires capital gains tax of 11.5pc for non-filers and 2.75pc for filers, property record issuance fee Rs800, express property record fee Rs3,500, mutation fee Rs1,100, express mutation fee Rs11,200, and certified copy of a registered deed Rs1,300. Biometric verification of both buyer and seller has been made mandatory. The upgraded online registration system will become fully operational from Monday, July 27. Stamp Vendors Union Patron Waheed Awan and Secretary General Mudassar Sheikh said the DC rates had been issued without any increase over last year's valuation. They said buyers would benefit from unchanged official property values, although increases in taxes, Green Property Certificate charges and processing fees would raise registration expenses by Rs30,000 to Rs50,000 for residential properties and Rs50,000 to Rs125,000 for commercial properties. Property registration offices and tehsil offices have regained activity with the resumption of registrations.   box   Excise yet to prepare property tax bills OUR CORRESPONDENT RAWALPINDI. The Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has yet to prepare property tax bills for the 2026-27 fiscal year despite July nearing its end, delaying the dispatch of bills to taxpayers across Rawalpindi Region. The department has already increased property tax rates by 10 to 15 per cent, but officials said the bills could only be prepared after receiving the deputy commissioner's valuation rates. While DC rates are usually issued between July 2 and 5, they were released only recently and had still not reached the department by Saturday, July 25. Officials said the new rates are expected on Monday, after which preparation of the bills will require another 10 to 15 days. Property tax bills for residential and commercial properties in Rawalpindi city and cantonment are expected to be dispatched after Aug 14. box Complaint prompts transfer of staff   OUR CORRESPONDENT RAWALPINDI. Rawalpindi district administration has ordered the immediate transfer of registry clerks and assistant clerks posted at property registrar offices across Rawalpindi city, district council, cantonment and tehsil offices after taking notice of complaints alleging corruption in the property registration process. The transferred officials have been directed to relinquish charge immediately. The sudden transfers caused unrest in registry offices, while several influential officials reportedly approached political leaders and lawmakers in an effort to have the orders reversed. New registry clerks and assistants will assume charge from Monday. According to the report, many of the transferred officials had remained posted in the same offices for three to three-and-a-half years and had been the subject of numerous complaints from the public, property dealers and stamp vendors.

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Rains keep civic services on the toes

A fresh spell of monsoon rain swept across Lahore and several other districts of Punjab on Saturday, bringing cooler weather, reducing humidity and improving air quality for some time. However, the heavy rain also caused waterlogging and traffic jams, putting emergency services and hospitals on high alert to deal with related problems. Rain with thunderstorms was recorded in Lahore, Narowal. Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Rawalpindi and Chakwal. Several other districts also received moderate to heavy rainfall. Rainwater pooled in hospitals and on nearby roads in Lahore. Job aspirants also faced problems as Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) examinations continued in various districts despite the rain. Many people found it difficult to reach their workplaces, including health workers and hospital employees. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that the current weather system will remain active over the coming days with more rain expected in many parts of the province. A large number of citizens visited parks and other public places to enjoy the pleasant weather. A spokesperson said all district hospitals had been advised to prepare for the rainy season and they were providing the best treatment facilities. However the rain also created civic problems as water accumulated on roads and in many low-lying areas. The traffic flow on major roads remained slow as several underpasses and residential areas were flooded, forcing commuters to use other routes. Officials said field staff remained deployed across the city to clear blocked sewer lines as quickly as possible. District authorities also advised people to avoid unnecessary travel through flooded roads until the water level receded. Similar conditions were reported in other cities where heavy rain disrupted business activities and affected traffic. Hospital emergency departments in Lahore remained on alert to treat victims of injuries caused by road accidents, slipping on wet roads and shocks caused by exposed electric wires. Doctors said hospitals were also preparing for an increase in seasonal diseases that usually appeared after heavy rain, including viral fever, diarrhoea, gastroenteritis and mosquito-borne ailments. Medical experts advised people to drink boiled or filtered water, avoid stagnant water and seek immediate care if they develop dehydration or persistent fever. They warned that standing rainwater could become a breeding place for mosquitoes if drainage was delayed. They stressed that proper sanitation during and after the monsoon season was essential to reduce the risk of dengue fever. Environmental experts described the rainfall as a natural way of cleaning polluted air. "The showers significantly reduced dust particles and suspended pollutants that had accumulated during the recent dry weather. Real-time air quality monitoring indicated that Lahore's Air Quality Index (AQI) improved to the moderate category with readings generally ranging between 100 and 120 on Saturday," said an official, Sajid Bashir. This was a significant improvement compared with the high pollution levels usually seen during long dry periods.

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ECC approves Rs4.2b PASSCO package

The government has approved a Rs4.188 billion severance package for employees of the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (Passco), linking its implementation to the disposal of wheat stocks and third-party validation as part of plans to wind up the state-owned entity. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet approved the severance package with the stipulation that the entire process would be validated by an independent third party and completed by December 2026. During discussions at the ECC meeting, Special Assistant to the PM on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan stressed the importance of third-party validation of the winding-up process. He also emphasised that Passco's wheat stocks should be disposed of as early as possible to facilitate the timely implementation of the severance package. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research assured the committee that the process would be completed by December 2026. The ministry briefed the ECC that the PM's Office, through a directive issued on August 26, 2025, had assigned the finance minister to lead the winding-up process of Passco in consultation with the ministry. Following the directive, a meeting chaired by the finance minister on September 11, 2025 decided that a severance package should be formulated for Passco employees with the approval of the corporation's board of directors, in line with the package approved for employees of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC). The ministry informed the ECC that the Establishment Division had advised that Passco, being a company limited by shares, was competent through its board of directors to offer a compensation package to its employees in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations. It also recommended that the package be aligned with the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) approved for USC employees. Accordingly, PASSCO's Board of Directors, in its 156th meeting held on September 23, 2025, approved the aligned and amended severance package for its employees. The ministry further recalled that the ECC, in its meeting on December 9, 2025, had approved the proposal for winding up Passco and establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) named the Wheat Stock Management Company (WSMC) Public Limited. The decision was subsequently ratified by the federal cabinet on December 23, 2025. According to the ministry, the proposed package covers regular, contractual and daily-wage employees and includes both severance compensation and terminal benefits. The terminal benefits comprise leave encashment aligned with the USC methodology, a farewell grant, house rent ceiling and maintenance grants to widows and retired employees from Passco's Benevolent Fund. The total financial implication of the package has been estimated at approximately Rs4.188 billion, including Rs3.967 billion for severance compensation and terminal benefits for Passco employees, and Rs221 million in maintenance grants for 38 widows and 236 retired employees.

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Hundreds rescued as flash floods hit Sulaiman Range

Heavy monsoon rains in the Sulaiman Mountain Range triggered flash floods in seasonal streams around Sakhi Sarwar and adjoining areas, leaving tourists, travellers and residents of tribal regions stranded as they attempted to return from popular recreational spots. The district administration launched a rescue operation after Deputy Commissioner and Senior Commandant Dera Ghazi Khan Muhammad Usman Khalid took notice of the situation. Under the supervision of Political Assistant Koh-e-Sulaiman Amir Taimur, the Border Military Police (BMP) deployed personnel and vehicles to flood-hit routes to assist those trapped by swollen streams. Rescue teams safely evacuated stranded tourists, travellers, women, children and tribal residents, along with their belongings, to secure locations. BMP personnel also helped private vehicles and motorcycles cross flooded crossings, while at several locations they carried motorcycles and luggage on their shoulders to help people reach safety. Officials said valuable belongings and vehicles belonging to stranded travellers were also safely recovered during the operation. In one emergency, the Border Military Police transported a pregnant woman in labour to hospital in an official vehicle after she was unable to cross the flooded route.

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Nawaz promises Punjab-style development for AJK, tells Bilawal not to take politics personally

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Nawaz Sharif on Friday took aim at Pakistan People's Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari while unveiling an ambitious development agenda for Azad Jammu and Kashmir, urging his political rival not to take election rhetoric personally and promising to replicate Punjab's governance model in the region if his party is voted to power. Addressing a massive election rally in Mirpur, around 258 kilometres from Muzaffarabad, alongside Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, he said political competition should remain healthy and free of personal hostility. "Bilawal should not take political remarks personally. This is Kashmir, not Kashmore, and this is Mirpur, not Mirpurkhas," he remarked in an apparent response to recent speeches made by the PPP chairman during his election campaign across AJK. میں نے مانسہرہ سے مظفرآباد اور پھر میرپور تک دریائے جہلم کے ساتھ موٹروے کا منصوبہ بنایا تھا، مگر وہ مکمل نہ ہو سکا۔ یہ منصوبہ آزاد کشمیر کی تقدیر بدل سکتا تھا۔ عوام نے موقع دیا تو اسے مکمل کریں گے۔ طلبہ کو لیپ ٹاپ، کسانوں کو سستی کھاد و بیج اور مستحق مریضوں کو مفت ادویات بھی… pic.twitter.com/N62tIDWfT4 — PMLN (@pmln_org) July 24, 2026 With just days remaining before polling, Nawaz sought to portray the PML-N as the party with the strongest development record in the region, pledging a "new era of development, prosperity and modern infrastructure" for AJK. He said every major development project undertaken in the region under a future PML-N government would reflect the party's vision, adding that his government would focus on modern transport, quality education, healthcare, urban infrastructure and public welfare. "The people of Mirpur deserve the same standard of facilities available in Punjab," Nawaz said. "If electric buses can run in Lahore and Islamabad, there is no reason why the people of AJK should be deprived of similar services." He pledged to personally supervise major development projects in AJK, saying the region's future would remain one of his top priorities. MIRPUR BHI SHER KA🐅#MirpurSherKa pic.twitter.com/yc6HYkCaTN — PMLN (@pmln_org) July 24, 2026 Nawaz also announced that every deserving student in AJK would be provided with a laptop to improve access to modern education and digital technology, describing youth empowerment as a central pillar of the party's agenda. Recalling his longstanding association with Mirpur, the former premier said he was delighted to return to the city after many years and praised the enthusiasm of the gathering, describing the affection of Mirpur's people as unmatched. Highlighting his party's performance in previous governments, the former prime minister challenged political opponents to identify any administration that had carried out more development work in AJK than the PML-N. "Wherever you see major development projects in Azad Kashmir, you will find the imprint of the PML-N," he asserted. CM Maryam, making one of her most prominent campaign appearances in AJK, described herself as a "daughter of Kashmir", saying both her paternal and maternal grandparents belonged to the region. "I consider myself Kashmiri by heart and soul," she said. "Some people criticised me for saying this, but I am proud of my Kashmiri identity." میں شہباز شریف صاحب سے کہوں گا کہ میرپور میں بین الاقوامی ایئرپورٹ، کوٹلی نکیال روڈ کی ڈوئلائزیشن، گھروں تک سوئی گیس اور صاف پانی کی فراہمی کو ترجیح دی جائے۔ لوہار گلی اور لیپا ویلی میں ٹنلز تعمیر کی جائیں، جبکہ آزاد کشمیر کے ہونہار طلبہ و طالبات کے لیے خصوصی اسکالرشپس بھی دی… pic.twitter.com/Wc2g4ZqvnB — PMLN (@pmln_org) July 24, 2026 Expressing concern over Mirpur's civic infrastructure, Maryam said she was saddened by the deteriorating condition of roads and argued that Kashmiris, who had made immense contributions to Pakistan's economy and development, deserved far better public facilities. She announced that a future PML-N government in AJK would provide 10 modern electric buses for Mirpur and reiterated Nawaz's pledge to establish an international-standard airport in the city. "Nawaz Sharif has always honoured the promises he has made to the people," she said. The Punjab chief minister also promised to extend Punjab's flagship welfare programmes to AJK, including modern hospitals, mobile healthcare services, free medicines delivered to households, ration cards, social protection schemes and other public welfare initiatives. آج میں میرپور نہیں آئی، آج مریم نواز شریف اپنے باپ دادا کے گھر آئی ہے۔ میرا والد بھی کشمیری، میری والدہ بھی کشمیری، میرے دادا، دادی، نانا اور نانی بھی کشمیری ہیں۔ یہ صرف نسبت نہیں، خون کا رشتہ ہے۔ آج جس محبت سے میرپور نے استقبال کیا ہے، وہ ثابت کر رہا ہے کہ میں اپنے ہی لوگوں،… pic.twitter.com/itXyIATQ8G — PMLN (@pmln_org) July 24, 2026 Without naming Bilawal, Maryam criticised rival political parties for making grand promises during election campaigns but shifting responsibility for governance to the federal government after coming into office. She also claimed that many of the highways and roads used by supporters to reach the Mirpur rally had been constructed during previous PML-N governments. میرے کشمیری بھائیو اور بہنو چالیس سال سے جتنی سازشیں نواز شریف اور مسلم لیگ (ن) کے خلاف ہوئیں، اگر اللہ تعالیٰ کا فضل اور آپ کی محبت ساتھ نہ ہوتی تو ہمارا نام مٹ چکا ہوتا۔ آج بھی آپ کی محبت اس خدمت کی گواہی دے رہی ہے۔ کشمیر میں وسائل اور جذبے کی کمی نہیں، کمی جدید انفراسٹرکچر،… pic.twitter.com/LSKJwYMUwc — PMLN (@pmln_org) July 24, 2026 Reaffirming the party's election manifesto, Maryam said a PML-N government would ensure that the people of AJK enjoyed the same development opportunities and public services as citizens in Punjab. Earlier, AJK PML-N President Shah Ghulam Qadir, Senior Vice-President Tariq Farooq and other party leaders addressed the gathering, urging voters to support the party in the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections and promising accelerated development across the region under a PML-N government.

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FCC fixes Imran's 'release force' case

As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares to launch an agitation campaign demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan, the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has fixed for hearing two separate cases: one challenging the formation of the "release force" by the PTI founder, and the other contesting the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government's decision to withdraw cases related to the May 9 riots. A three-judge bench led Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan will take both petitions on July 29. First constitution petition has been filed under Article 175 E of the Constitution by Islamabad-based advocate Malik Zaheer Ahmed through Advocate Ali Nawaz Kharal. The petition seeks a declaration that the formation or mobilisation of the so-called "Imran Khan release/rihai force" is prohibited, and that any attempt to constitute, organise, or mobilise such a private force or militia would be illegal, unconstitutional and in violation of articles 5, 17, and 256 of the Constitution, as well as the Private Military Organisations (Abolition and Prohibition) Act, 1973. The same bench on April 1 sought a response from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi within ten days regarding the formation of PTI founder Imran Khan's "release force". Now the matter is listed for hearing after almost three months. According to the petition, the K-P chief minister on February 18 made a public statement widely circulated in print, electronic, and social media announcing the intention to form a force described as the "Imran Khan Release Force", also referred to as the "Imran Khan Rehai Force", aimed at securing the PTI founder's release, who is incarcerated in connection with various criminal cases and has convictions upheld by competent courts. The petitioner expressed concern that similar terminology used in the past by political parties had led to the emergence or at least the perception of militant wings linked to them, including groups such as the Al-Zulfiqar Organization historically associated with the Pakistan Peoples Party, and militant elements previously attributed to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement. The petition contends that Article 5 of the Constitution imposes a fundamental duty on every citizen including public office holders to remain loyal to the state and abide by the Constitution and the law, and any action contrary to this is ultra vires the Constitution. A senior law officer believes that both the FCC and petitioner misunderstood the Imran Khan's "release force". Actually, it is Imran Khan's "release force movement" and there is no intention to establish a militia force for this purpose, he adds. He clarified that it has no link with the provincial government. Meanwhile, the same bench will also take up petition filed by the Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), seeking the transfer of the criminal case regarding the attack on Radio Pakistan Peshawar from K-P to a competent anti-terrorism court in Federal Capital Territory Islamabad or any other province, in the interest of justice, in view of the alleged political pressure and executive interference that have undermined the prospects of a fair trial. The FCC while hearing Radio Pakistan's petition on March 24, passed a restraining order regarding the withdrawal of the May 9 cases. A senior official in the K-P Law Department, speaking to The Express Tribune, expressed surprise that the FCC passed a restraining order when the K-P government has yet to move an application in the ATC, adding that there should first be a cause of action. "It would have been better if the FCC had heard the K-P Prosecution Department before passing the restraining order," he added. Regarding the K-P cabinet's decision on withdrawing all May 9 cases, he stated that the cabinet only decided to withdraw "politically motivated cases" and cases lacking clear evidence against the accused. He also said there were a total of 29 terrorism-related cases in the K-P, of which 23 have already been decided. Likewise, 319 cases related to the May 9 incidents were filed in ordinary courts, of which 285 have already been decided. On the transfer of ATA cases from one province to another, the official contended that it is the domain of the chief justice concerned to pass such an order under the law. He said that the mechanism regarding the transfer of cases from province to other is already provided in the law. Lawyers are questioning the Federal Constitutional Court's (FCC) decision to seek replies from the respondents without first deciding the maintainability of the petitions. In the past, the Supreme Court was criticised for exercising public-interest jurisdiction without deciding the maintainability of petitions. The SC was also being questioned over its involvement in political controversies. Interestingly, there is no official notification regarding Imran Khan's "release force". Dozens of PTI-related cases have been transferred from the Supreme Court to the FCC. However, these cases have yet to be fixed for hearing. The Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act is still applicable in the Supreme Court to ensure transparency in the chief justice's powers regarding case fixation and bench formation. On the other hand, the chief justice is the master of the roster in the FCC. The chief justice's powers to fix cases and form benches are not regulated in the FCC. Interestingly, two-member benches are hearing cases related to the interpretation of law and the Constitution. Earlier, political parties had raised concerns over the lack of representation from every province on benches hearing constitutional matters. Despite a case pendency of 22,746, only seven judges are currently serving in the FCC. The FCC judges are also facing a "battle of perception" since they were appointed by the federal government, which is expected to be the primary litigant before the court. The challenge now confronting the judges is to demonstrate that they are not "executive-minded" and will dispense justice "without fear and favour". Superior bars which challenged the 26th Constitutional Amendment are not interested in filing petitions against the 27th Amendment.

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Internet services partially restored in parts of AJK after 48 day suspension

Internet services were partially restored in parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir AJK on Thursday after remaining suspended for 48 days following restrictions imposed in the wake of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee's (JAAC) long march and sit-in call in Rawalakot on June 5. Internet services were restored in Mirpur city, Afzalpur, Chakswari, Mangla Hamlet, Islamgarh, Kotli and Bhimber on Thursday evening. However, connectivity remained unavailable in other parts of AJK, where restoration is expected to be carried out in phases before the general elections. The prolonged suspension severely disrupted communication, online banking, business activity and public services, leaving thousands of consumers without internet access. Businesses dependent on digital payments suffered financial losses, while students, freelancers, government offices and professionals faced difficulties in carrying out routine work. Although connectivity resumed in parts of the AJK, users continued to report intermittent disruptions and slow internet speeds. The 48-day suspension triggered widespread frustration among residents, many of whom said the shutdown had hampered communication, delayed financial transactions and affected routine official work. The disruption also underscored the region's dependence on digital connectivity and raised concerns over the vulnerability of AJK's communication infrastructure. Officials said internet restoration would continue in phases, with services expected to be resumed in the Muzaffarabad Division during the next stage of the process. Earlier, Pakistan Peoples Party AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin wrote to AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice Retired Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, urging the authorities to restore internet services across AJK. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also raised the issue during his election public meetings in AJK, calling on the authorities to immediately restore internet services to facilitate businesses, students and the general public. انٹرنیٹ کی بندش سے اجتماعی سزا کا پیغام دیا جا رہا ہے، عوام تک آواز نہ پہنچ سکے تو کشمیر میں انتخابات کی ساکھ کیا رہ جائے گی: بلاول بھٹو زرداری@BBhuttoZardari @BBCUrdu https://t.co/oH0uyYjXnv — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) July 22, 2026 READ: Bilawal promises greater constitutional rights, urges restoration of internet in AJK Residents and members of the freelance community welcomed the partial restoration but urged the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and service providers to waive internet charges for June and July, arguing that consumers should not be billed for services that remained unavailable during the prolonged suspension. Following the restoration of internet services in Mirpur Division, Bilawal thanked the concerned authorities and Mughal, and urged the PTA to enhance the internet speed across AJK. I’m grateful to the AJK PPP for their efforts & the election commission of AJK for their intervention. I’m hearing internet and digital connectivity will be restored in Mirpur AJK soon. I’m hopeful our requests for Muzaffrabad and other areas are also accepted as soon as… — Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (@BBhuttoZardari) July 23, 2026  

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Karachi police kill suspect in alleged encounter over six-year-old girl's murder

The police on Thursday killed a man suspected of kidnapping and murdering a six-year-old girl in an alleged encounter in Karachi's Jackson area. The girl, identified as a resident of Baba Bhit Island, had gone missing a day ago. Her body was found in the bushes near Kachhi Line in Manora today According to police, investigators obtained CCTV footage from multiple locations during the probe into the kidnapping and murder. The footage allegedly showed the suspect wearing a red cap, a black-and-white shirt and blue jeans while carrying a sack on his shoulder at the jetty. Read: Girl found dead in tuition centre washroom Police said the footage also showed him boarding a launch with the sack, which allegedly contained the girl's body. Jackson Station House Officer (SHO) Inayatullah Marwat said the suspect was identified through the CCTV footage, after which police launched a search operation. He said police later received information from intelligence sources that a man matching the suspect's description was present near Mubarak Masjid Street along the seafront. A police party reached the spot, where the suspect allegedly opened fire after seeing the officers. Police returned fire, critically injuring the suspect, who later died. A weapon was recovered from his possession, according to the SHO. He added that a team was summoned from the Crime Scene Unit to collect evidence before taking the body to Civil Hospital Karachi for legal formalities. SHO Marwat said a separate case had been registered over the alleged encounter, while legal and forensic proceedings were under way. The investigation into the girl's kidnapping and murder was continuing in light of CCTV footage, medico-legal, forensic, technical and other available evidence, he added. Also Read: Child's brutal rape, murder shakes the city Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar praised the Keamari police for making progress in the investigation and for killing the absconding suspect in the alleged police encounter. According to a spokesperson, the home minister commended Keamari Senior Superintendent of Police Singhar Ali Malik and his team for their efforts. Lanjar said crimes against innocent children were highly condemnable and directed authorities to utilise all available resources to bring those responsible to justice in accordance with the law. He also directed investigators to complete the probe on merit by examining all available evidence, including CCTV footage, medico-legal findings, forensic evidence, technical data and other material. The home minister said the possible involvement and role of the deceased suspect in the kidnapping and murder case should be determined based on concrete evidence.

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Malaika, Balochistan 1st female summiteer

In a historic achievement for Pakistan's mountaineering community, 14-year-old student Malaika Khilji from Balochistan has become the first woman from the province to summit Khosar Gang Peak. The expedition, organised under the auspices of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, marks a significant milestone in the country's climbing history, said a statement issued here. After successfully reaching the summit, Malaika Khilji hoisted Pakistan's green and white flag, a gesture symbolizing her love for the country and the determination of Pakistani youth. The Alpine Club of Pakistan congratulated Balochistan's "proud daughter" Malaika Khilji and her family on this historic accomplishment. Malaika Khilji's success sends a powerful message to the world that the true identity of Balochistan lies in its talented, courageous, and hopeful young people.

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Petrol up Rs6.39, HSD Rs7.83 for July 23 under daily pricing

The federal government on Wednesday increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs6.39 and Rs7.83 per litre, respectively, for July 23. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum, the price of petrol has been fixed at Rs327.12 per litre, while HSD will now cost Rs375.04 per litre. The latest revision came hours after the government and the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association reached an agreement to postpone the association's planned nationwide shutdown for two weeks following successful negotiations with Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, who assured dealers that their long-pending concerns would be addressed. Read: Nationwide petrol pump strike postponed for two weeks after govt assurances This is the third consecutive day the government has revised the prices of petrol and HSD after deciding last week to switch to a daily fuel price review mechanism amid volatility in global oil prices following renewed hostilities in the Middle East. Under the new system, daily fuel prices are based on a seven-day average of international market rates to align with international standards.

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Pakistan seeks $10b in US backstop facility

Pakistan has asked the United States for a $10 billion exchange stabilisation facility, according to a source briefed on the matter, which, if approved, could provide a lifeline for the cash-strapped South Asian economy. The request, which is being reported for the first time, follows Pakistan's role in brokering talks over the Iran war, which raised its diplomatic profile and stirred hopes that it could seek economic gains from Washington and other partners. In the request to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Islamabad is seeking a Bilateral Exchange Stabilization Support Facility between the USand the Pakistani government worth $10 billion with maturity of up to five years. The facility, if agreed to, would bolster Pakistan's reserves, ease pressure on the rupee and reduce its reliance on multilateral financing, even as Islamabad undertakes tighter fiscal and monetary policies in line with its International Monetary Fund programme. Pakistan remains under $7 billion IMF discipline that has required politically unpopular tax increases, spending restraint and reforms. Pakistan's finance ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment outside of Asia business hours. The US Treasury also did not immediately respond to request for comment. Exchange stabilization facilities are rare US Treasury backstops, usually routed via the Exchange Stabilization Fund, that provide dollars, swaps or guarantees to support reserves and steady currencies. These facilities are different from the permanent standing dollar swap lines that the US Federal Reserve has with some major central banks and acts as an international supply line of US dollars to underpin financial stability. A 2025 Argentina package was the first new foreign-government exchange stabilization facility operation since Uruguay in 2002, aside from Mexico's long-standing swap line, dating to the 1940s and now sized at $9 billion. Pakistan narrowly avoided default in 2023 with a $3 billion IMF standby deal and later secured a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility, but its reserves still depend on official financing, rollovers and deposits from China and Saudi Arabia. That leaves Islamabad exposed to shifts in bilateral support and IMF disbursement delays, and that vulnerability got exposed in April when Pakistan repaid about $3.5 billion, one-fifth of its reserves, to the United Arab Emirates with Saudi Arabia providing $3 billion in fresh support. Pakistan's central bank said in January that reserves could return to near their 2021 record, reaching $20 billion by the end of 2026. US exchange stabilization facility would carry weight as both a liquidity backstop and political signal, easing pressure on reserves and the Pakistani rupee, while reducing the South Asian country's dependence on IMF tranches and ad hoc rescues. IMF-backed reforms have stabilized the economy at a political cost, including higher taxes, spending restraint and limited room for development or welfare spending.? Global ratings agency Fitch said in April that Pakistan's adherence to its IMF programme has supported the country's funding capacity, while rebuilt foreign exchange buffers provide a cushion against economic shocks from the Middle East conflict. But deeper constraints remain. Fitch cautioned that rising energy costs and potential supply disruptions could sharply erode the country's foreign exchange reserves. Foreign investment in Pakistan has remained thin, deterred by recurring external crises, policy uncertainty, security risks, past profit-repatriation curbs and a narrow export base, while the country's credit rating remains deep in speculative-grade territory, keeping borrowing costs high and market access limited. Pakistan has sought to use its ties to the Trump administration to address some of these issues, with economic cooperation that has so far spanned crypto, real estate and mining. Pakistan has signed a stablecoin agreement for cross-border payments with an affiliate of World Liberty Financial, the main crypto business of President Donald Trump's family, pursued a memorandum of understanding to redevelop the closed PIA-owned Roosevelt Hotel in New York with the US government, and courted US mining investment, including in Reko Diq, where the US Export-Import Bank has announced $1.2 billion in financing. Reuters

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Pakistan seeks $10 billion in US backstop facility to boost reserves, source says

Pakistan has asked the United States for a $10 billion exchange stabilization facility, according to a source briefed on the matter, which, if approved, could provide a lifeline for the cash-strapped South Asian economy. The request, which is being reported for the first time, follows Pakistan's role in brokering talks over the Iran war, which raised its diplomatic profile and stirred hopes that it could seek economic gains from Washington and other partners. In the request to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Islamabad is seeking a Bilateral Exchange Stabilization Support Facility between the US and the Pakistani government worth $10 billion with a maturity of up to five years. Read: PM sees new era in relations with US The facility, if agreed to, would bolster Pakistan's reserves, ease pressure on the rupee and reduce its reliance on multilateral financing, even as Islamabad undertakes tighter fiscal and monetary policies in line with its International Monetary Fund programme. Pakistan remains under $7 billion IMF discipline that has required politically unpopular tax increases, spending restraint and reforms. Pakistan's finance ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment outside of Asia business hours. The US Treasury also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Exchange stabilization facilities are rare US Treasury backstops, usually routed via the Exchange Stabilization Fund, that provide dollars, swaps or guarantees to support reserves and steady currencies. These facilities are different from the permanent standing dollar swap lines that the US Federal Reserve has with some major central banks and act as an international supply line of US dollars to underpin financial stability. A 2025 Argentina package was the first new foreign-government exchange stabilization facility operation since Uruguay in 2002, aside from Mexico's long-standing swap line, dating to the 1940s and now sized at $9 billion. Pakistan narrowly avoided default in 2023 with a $3 billion IMF standby deal and later secured a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility, but its reserves still depend on official financing, rollovers and deposits from China and Saudi Arabia. That leaves Islamabad exposed to shifts in bilateral support and IMF disbursement delays, and that vulnerability got exposed in April when Pakistan repaid about $3.5 billion, one-fifth of its reserves, to the United Arab Emirates, with Saudi Arabia providing $3 billion in fresh support. Pakistan's central bank said in January that reserves could return to near their 2021 record, reaching $20 billion by the end of 2026. Recasting ties with Washington A US exchange stabilization facility would carry weight as both a liquidity backstop and political signal, easing pressure on reserves and the Pakistani rupee, while reducing the South Asian country's dependence on IMF tranches and ad hoc rescues. IMF-backed reforms have stabilized the economy at a political cost, including higher taxes, spending restraint and limited room for development or welfare spending. Global ratings agency Fitch said in April that Pakistan's adherence to its IMF programme has supported the country's funding capacity, while rebuilt foreign exchange buffers provide a cushion against economic shocks from the Middle East conflict. But deeper constraints remain. Fitch cautioned that rising energy costs and potential supply disruptions could sharply erode the country's foreign exchange reserves. Read: Pakistan-US ties based on shared interests, commitment to advancing peace: President Zardari Foreign investment in Pakistan has remained thin, deterred by recurring external crises, policy uncertainty, security risks, past profit-repatriation curbs and a narrow export base, while the country's credit rating remains deep in speculative-grade territory, keeping borrowing costs high and market access limited. Pakistan has sought to use its ties to the Trump administration to address some of these issues, with economic cooperation that has so far spanned crypto, real estate and mining. Pakistan has signed a stablecoin agreement for cross-border payments with an affiliate of World Liberty Financial, the main crypto business of President Donald Trump's family, pursued a memorandum of understanding to redevelop the closed PIA-owned Roosevelt Hotel in New York with the US government, and courted US mining investment, including in Reko Diq, where the US Export-Import Bank has announced $1.2 billion in financing.

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Petrol pump owners announce nationwide shutdown after talks with govt fail

The All Pakistan Petrol Pumps Owners Association (APPPOA) on Tuesday announced a nationwide shutdown of petrol pumps from Tuesday night after talks with the government over its demands ended without a breakthrough. Amid volatility in global oil prices following renewed hostilities in the Middle East, the government last week switched to a daily fuel price review mechanism. Under the new system, daily prices are based on a seven-day average of international market rates to align with international standards. Addressing a press conference, the association's chairman, Humayun Khan, said representatives of the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Association from all four provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, had met Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and presented two key demands. Read: Govt raises petrol price by Rs4.93, HSD by Rs7.15 per litre for July 22 “Our two main demands were that our commission should be converted to a percentage-based system and that the daily revision of fuel prices should be abolished and reverted to a monthly mechanism,” he said. He said the talks had failed to resolve the association's concerns. “Our problems remain unresolved. If you look at the situation with the oil marketing companies (OMCs), dealers across Pakistan are currently going through extremely difficult circumstances,” he said. Criticising the government's decision to revise petroleum product prices on a daily basis to align them with international rates, Khan said dealers across Pakistan had been incurring losses for the past two to three months. “The price was increased yesterday and we are hearing that it will be increased again today. The government has shifted the burden onto petrol pumps, OMCs and refineries to escape public criticism, saying it is no longer their responsibility,” he said, adding that the authorities were misleading the public by increasing prices every day. “The public understands this very well. Whether you increase prices by Rs100 at once or by Rs5, Rs10 or Rs20 every day, the result is the same,” Khan added. The chairman said the association had urged the government to resolve the issue in a manner that was fair to both the public and petrol pump owners but, despite every effort, “we have come to realise that this government does not want to resolve the problems of the business community.” He announced a nationwide shutdown, including in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, adding that the association was also in contact with oil tanker owners, who would soon announce their own strike. Also Read: Govt shifts to daily POL pricing amid global headwinds  He urged the government to listen to the concerns of the business community, describing petrol pump owners as the biggest stakeholders in the petroleum industry. He lamented that whenever the government formulated a policy, petrol pump owners were not taken into consultation. He said the shutdown would continue until all of the association's demands were accepted. Earlier, talks between the government and the association failed to produce a breakthrough, with both sides ending the meeting without any progress. In a video message, association leader Nauman Butt said negotiations with the petroleum minister had failed to yield any positive outcome, while discussions on dealers' margins and the implementation of daily fuel price revisions also remained inconclusive. He said the association had decided to shut petrol pumps across the country from midnight on July 22 and would continue the nationwide strike until its demands were accepted. The association directed all petrol pump owners to participate in the strike fully and appealed to them to keep their outlets closed from midnight on July 22. Read More: Daily fuel revisions trigger commuting chaos Meanwhile, the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance announced its support for the strike called by the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Association. In a statement, the alliance's president, Malik Shehzad Awan, urged the federal government to accept what he described as the legitimate demands of the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Association and the Petroleum Dealers Association. Awan said transporters, petrol pump owners and the dealers' association were heading towards a nationwide strike due to what he called the federal government's flawed policies. He also rejected the government's decision to revise petroleum product prices daily. “The strike by the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association and the Petroleum Dealers Association will bring our transport operations to a halt,” he said. He urged the federal government to “come to its senses” and make decisions after taking stakeholders into confidence. Awan also said the federal and provincial governments were providing no relief to goods transporters.

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