Law ministry submits details of ex-CJs pension

There has been an average 13. 33% increase in the pension of former chief justices of Pakistan (CJPs) every year since 2010, according to a written reply submitted to the Senate by the Ministry of Law. The document seen by The Express Tribune showed that the top judge received a monthly pension of Rs560,000 after his retirement in 2010. This pension was increased to Rs644,000 in 2011; Rs773,000 in 2012; Rs850,000 in 2013; Rs935,000 in 2014; Rs1,005,000 In 2015; Rs1,105,000 in 2016 and Rs1,217,000 in 2017. In 2018, the monthly pension of a former CJP rose to Rs1,338,000; in 2021, it increased to Rs1,452,000; in 2023 to Rs1,657,000 and by 2024, the monthly pension of a former top judge rose to Rs2,390,000. The ministry also presented details of the pension and other facilities received by the widow of the CJP. The widow is entitled to a driver and an orderly. She is allowed 3,000 local telephone calls per month; gets 2,000 units of free electricity and is given 300 liters of petrol per month. The widow of a judge is exempt from income tax. Meanwhile, in a written reply the Ministry of Energy stated that the demand for natural gas in the country is increasing with each passing day, while local reserves are declining. Over the past five years, the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has faced shortages of local gas.

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Field Marshal Asim Munir orders full military support in K-P flood response

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has directed all Pakistan Army units deployed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) to intensify relief and rehabilitation efforts for communities ravaged by unprecedented monsoon floods, issuing special operational orders to reinforce local response. According to security sources, the army chief has dispatched additional troops to the hardest-hit zones while senior military commanders coordinate closely with civil authorities. “Every soldier’s one‑day salary has been dedicated to flood‑affected populations,” the sources said, adding that over 600 tonnes of army rations have also been donated to bolster relief supplies. Complementing ground efforts, the Corps of Engineers has been instructed to expedite repairs of damaged bridges and establish temporary crossings to restore vital connectivity. A specialised Army Urban Search and Rescue team, along with the K‑9 unit from Nine Unit, has been deployed to assist in search operations across submerged and inaccessible areas. Read More: Torrential rains claim 198 lives in K-P, five die in rescue helicopter crash Army helicopters and aviation units are already operating in the affected regions to support evacuation and medical relief. “The Pakistan Army stands shoulder to shoulder with the resilient people of K-P in this hour of need,” stated a military spokesman. The announcement comes as K-P grapples with worsening conditions with a 24‑hour death toll of at least 198, including 21 injuries, following a wave of torrential rains and a deadly cloudburst. Tragedy compounded when a military helicopter carrying relief supplies crashed amid the chaos, killing all five personnel onboard. The current monsoon crisis has claimed over 350 lives nationwide since its onset, with nearly 200 fatalities in the past day alone — underscoring the severity of this “unusual” weather event. Climate scientists say such events are becoming more frequent and intense due to global climate change.

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Four picnickers drown at Hawke's Bay on I-Day

Four bodies, including that of a minor, were fished out from separate drowning incidents at Hawke's Bay, Hub Dam and Hub River over the past two days, rescue officials said on Friday. According to the Edhi Foundation, 30-year-old Asad Nawab and 26-year-old Faizan drowned while swimming in Hub Dam on Thursday. Their bodies were retrieved by divers Friday morning. Relatives said the two were neighbours and had gone for a swim together. Funeral prayers were offered after Friday prayers, followed by burial in the local graveyard. Both men were married, and Faizan was the father of a young daughter. Rescue officials also recovered the body of 12-year-old Huzaifa, who drowned in Hub River on Thursday. The family took the body without completing police formalities. In another incident, two youths drowned at Manora Point near Hawke's Bay while swimming in the sea. On Friday evening, divers recovered the body of 25-year-old Waseem from Turtle Beach near Hut No 105. However, the search for 20-year-old Zakir had to be suspended at nightfall and will resume on Saturday. Officials said the victims were part of a group of five friends from Ranchore Line who had gone to Manora Point for a picnic. Lifeguards managed to rescue the other three - Kashif, Saleem and Gulfam - after a strenuous effort. Drowning of picnickers at city's beaches is common because most of them don't know how to swim and enjoy splashing only in waist deep water. However, they get swept away by high tides and are unable to swim back ashore. Each year, Karachi commissioner imposes a ban on swimming during the summers to prevent drowning incidents. Nevertheless, people rush to the beaches on holidays, throwing caution to the wind and risking their lives.

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Heavy rain likely across Punjab till August 21

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Thursday issued a weather alert warning of heavy monsoon rains in Lahore and several other cities of the province, urging relevant departments and the public to remain vigilant. According to PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia, the seventh spell of monsoon rains has begun and is expected to continue until August 21. He warned that this spell is significantly stronger than previous ones and may result in intense rainfall across river catchments as well as the plains of Punjab. “The monsoon showers are likely to affect most districts of the province,” Mr Kathia said, noting that both urban and rural areas could be impacted. In response to the forecast, the PDMA chief has directed all deputy commissioners to ensure on-ground preparedness. He stressed that Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASA), Rescue 1122, and other relevant departments must remain on high alert throughout the weather cycle. Read More: At least 10 dead as flash floods wreak havoc in AJK, G-B Officials have been instructed to ensure the swift drainage of rainwater from low-lying areas, and to deploy staff and machinery at choke points. Additional emphasis has been placed on maintaining effective drainage systems around roads, hospitals, and public institutions to prevent disruptions. Mr Kathia added that all water disposal stations must remain operational, with backup power systems ready in case of outages. Urging public caution, the DG appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and recreational activities near rivers, warning that flood-like conditions persist in several water bodies across the province. The PDMA said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and coordinate with district administrations to mitigate any potential damage.

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PAF heroes who downed Rafales, destroyed S-400 honoured on Independence Day

For the first time since their daring missions in May’s conflict with India, the Pakistan Air Force pilots who downed six Indian fighter jets — including state-of-the-art Rafales — and obliterated the Russian-made S-400 air defence system stepped into the public eye on Thursday. The long-awaited appearance of these national heroes came as President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decorated them with top gallantry awards during an Independence Day ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr. ونگ کمانڈر محمد رضوان الحق جنہوں نے #S400 تباہ کیا۔۔۔شاباش جوان۔۔۔👏👏👏🇵🇰🇵🇰😍😍#PakArmy #PakistanAirForce #PakistanIndependenceDay2025 #IndependenceDay2025 pic.twitter.com/EOsTdJEso3 — Akram Jawed (@AkramJawed947) August 14, 2025 Prime Minister Sharif paid special tribute to Wing Commander Malik Rizwanul Haq, who was awarded the Tamgha-e-Basalat for destroying the S-400 system during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. Shehbaz Sharif personally conferred the medal, inviting the pilot to stand beside him before the audience. “He destroyed the S-400 system,” the prime minister told the gathering, prompting applause and loud cheers. Pakistan Air Force Shaheens who downed Indian Rafale jets & laid to waste the S-400 systems, and with them all nefarious plans of the enemy were awarded with Sitara-e-Jurat by the President of Pakistan at an investiture ceremony today. #IndependenceDay #PakistanAirForce pic.twitter.com/2YNmNfvdDZ — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) August 14, 2025 According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Sitara-e-Jurat was conferred on Wing Commander Bilal Raza, GD(P), Air Force, Wing Commander Hammad Ibne Masood, GD(P), Air Force, Squadron Leader M Yousaf Khan, GD(P), Air Force, Squadron Leader Muhammad Osama Ishfaq, GD(P), Air Force, Squadron Leader Muhammad Hassan Anees, GD(P), Air Force, Squadron Leader Talal Hassan, GD(P), Air Force, Squadron Leader Fida Muhammad Khan, GD(P), Air Force. Pakistan-India Recent Conflict The latest escalation between Pakistan and India began on April 22, when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the Indian blame. In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day on April 23, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other's embassies. Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. Also Read: French intelligence official confirms downing of Rafale by Pakistan In a swift military response, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets. The confrontation intensified again in the early hours of May 10, when India targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets. Later, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.

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At least 10 dead as flash floods wreak havoc in AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan

At least 10 people, including women and children, lost their lives and dozens more were left stranded as torrential monsoon rains triggered flash floods and landslides across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the Kaghan Valley, and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), officials confirmed on Thursday. According to Express News, a devastating cloudburst in the outskirts of Muzaffarabad led to the deaths of five members of the same family, while heavy flooding in Neelum Valley’s Ratti Gali stream left over 500 tourists stranded at the base camp. Around 50 others were successfully rescued by local authorities. The rains have caused widespread damage in multiple areas, sweeping away bridges, cutting off road links, and destroying homes. Also Read: Explainer: Is Pakistan celebrating its 78th or 79th Independence Day? The AJK Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) confirmed that the cloudburst in Jugiyan Nala of Nasirabad, Muzaffarabad’s Patikka tehsil, led to the deaths of five family members. In Union Council Machhiara, a woman was killed by a falling rock in Danna Dilyar, while another woman died and one was injured after being swept away in Pulandri Nala. In Jhelum Valley, flash floods destroyed three shops and a flour mill in Nar Dajiyan Nala, according to SDMA officials. In Poonch district, three individuals stranded in Chhatr Nala were rescued safely. In Bagh district, nearly 400 tourists were evacuated after their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters. In addition, landslides have blocked several key arteries including the Lohar Gali road connecting AJK to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and the Hattian Bala road near Bani Hafiz in Jhelum Valley. The road connecting Leepa Valley via Dudhpura has been rendered inaccessible due to landslides, as has the Hajira-Abbaspur road in Poonch district. In Neelum Valley, heavy rains in Ratti Gali Nala left dozens of tourists stranded; around 50 were safely moved to Duarian Kalas, while 500 remain sheltered at the base camp where authorities have arranged free accommodation and food. Read: At least four cops martyred, seven injured in multiple militant attacks in K-P One stranded vehicle was recovered, but sections of the Ratti Gali road remain blocked, and two connecting bridges in Nala Luwat were washed away by floodwaters. Meanwhile, in Nathia Gali’s Tajwal area, three girls were swept away by rising waters. Two were rescued, while one was found dead. In G-B Ghizer district, five people were swept away by flash floods in the Khalti area. Officials said the bodies of a woman and a child have been recovered, while the search continues for the remaining three. In Ghizer district, six homes were destroyed by flooding in Khalti, and a surge of water in the Chitorkhand and Dain Nalas partially obstructed the Ashkuman River, raising fears of a potential breach. As a precaution, residents of low-lying areas have been shifted to safer locations. In Ghanche district of Baltistan, the last bridge connecting Siltoro Goma, a remote village near the Siachen glacier, was swept away, severing land access. Masho Broome subdivision has also come under threat from flooding, while in Ghorsey, floodwaters damaged hundreds of kanals of agricultural land and felled trees. In Kazmi village, all residents were relocated to tent settlements after rising water levels forced authorities to evacuate the area. Disaster management officials across affected regions remain on high alert, as more rain is forecast in upper parts of the country. Emergency response teams continue rescue operations, while engineers work to reopen blocked roads and restore communication to cut-off areas. Officials have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel to high-risk valleys and heed all warnings issued by local authorities.

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Railways set for major overhaul

Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi on Wednesday outlined a comprehensive roadmap to revamp Pakistan Railways, saying that transformational progress was already underway despite limited resources. Responding to legislators' queries during the National Assembly's question-hour session, he said that passenger amenities had been substantially upgraded at major stations, including Rawalpindi City, Cantt, Raiwind, Khanewal and Multan, now aligned with modern standards for cleanliness, restroom facilities and waiting areas. He added that a state-of-the-art upgraded station was set to be inaugurated in Karachi on September 10, modelled after recent upgrades in Lahore. Stations in Hyderabad, Sukkur and Faisalabad would follow suit on September 30, with the full transformation of all major stations targeted for completion by December 31, 2025, and all smaller stations by June 2026. "We are committed to offering international-standard services to every class of passenger – economy, business and VIP, and I guarantee the facilities will match those seen in developed countries," Abbasi stated. On freight services, the minister noted that despite a shortage of rolling stock and wagons, Pakistan Railways had managed to operate an efficient nationwide cargo network originating from Sindh, generating significant revenue in the past year. "Freight is the backbone of rail systems worldwide. We're now moving toward a turnaround in this segment as well," he affirmed. Abbasi further said that the Narowal section had resumed operations after a 12-year hiatus, and the Musa Pak Express had been revived from Multan. Collaborations with the governments of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan were underway to uplift and restore additional routes. "We're working on agreements with Sindh to restore discontinued routes, and discussions are ongoing with CM Sindh this month. Similar cooperation with Balochistan has enabled a 50km uplift from Sheikh Zaid to Kuchlak," he said. When he assumed office, Abbasi said, he had focused on three key service areas: punctuality, cleanliness, and food quality. He noted that the efforts had yielded measurable improvements, with punctuality now reaching 90 to 95 per cent on certain routes such as Lahore-Rawalpindi. Addressing a question on mass transit, the minister clarified that Pakistan Railways was not directly involved in projects like the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) or Lahore Metro, as such initiatives had fallen under provincial jurisdiction after the 18th Amendment. However, he added, the ministry was available to extend technical support when requested. In a landmark development, Abbasi highlighted progress on the transnational rail link from Kohat to Mazar-i-Sharif via Kharlachi. The project, part of the regional connectivity initiative envisioned during the PDM government, had seen diplomatic and technical advances, including a trilateral signing ceremony in Kabul with Afghan and Uzbek counterparts. "The 850-km link to Central Asia, with an existing 75-km track inside Uzbekistan, will be a game-changer. A feasibility study will be completed by December 31 this year," he announced. "We've already allocated $5 million, matched by Uzbekistan, while Afghanistan has assured full security for the route." Abbasi revealed that the Karachi-Rohri section (480 km) was nearing final agreement with a financial institution, while the Lahore-Rawalpindi segment — also part of ML-1 — had received a Rs250 billion allocation in Punjab's budget. "The groundwork for Karachi-Rohri and Lahore-Rawalpindi is expected to begin next year," he added, noting that negotiations for the remaining segments were ongoing with multiple stakeholders. He said that the most modern station in the 77-year history of Pakistan Railways would be inaugurated in Karachi on September 10.

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