Senate questions OPF MD’s Rs1m salary and appointment

The federal cabinet meeting scheduled to be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been postponed due to his official visit to Saudi Arabia, according to government sources. The meeting was expected to discuss important national and administrative matters. However, it has been deferred as the prime minister is leaving for a two-day official visit to the Kingdom. Sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will depart for Saudi Arabia later today. During the visit, he is expected to hold a high-level meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders are likely to review the strong and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Discussions will focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, energy and economic collaboration. Regional and international developments will also feature prominently in the talks. Both leaders are expected to exchange views on the evolving situation in the Middle East and other issues of mutual concern. They will also discuss ways to enhance coordination on matters affecting regional peace, stability and security. The visit reflects the close strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The two countries maintain strong political, economic and defence ties, while Saudi Arabia has remained one of Pakistan’s key allies and economic partners. Officials said the federal cabinet meeting will be rescheduled after the prime minister returns from Saudi Arabia. A new date for the meeting is expected to be announced in due course.

Karachi police have registered a case under the Anti-Terrorism Act following a violent clash between rival groups at the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) headquarters in Bahadurabad that left several people injured and spread panic in the surrounding area. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the case has been registered by the state at New Town Police Station under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including rioting, attempted murder, causing injuries and unlawful assembly, along with Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Police have nominated two suspects, identified as Azhar alias Lumba and Zeeshan Habib, while 20 to 25 unidentified individuals have also been named in the case. Investigators said police received reports on the evening of August 2 that two groups had clashed near Choti Market in Bahadurabad. During the violence, a man identified as Amir sustained a bullet injury to his arm, while two others, Asad and Kashir Ali, were also injured. All three were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for treatment. The FIR states that both groups allegedly exchanged gunfire and fired into the air, creating fear among residents and disrupting public order. Authorities also noted that Section 144 was in force at the time, prohibiting the display of weapons and public disorder. Police said the suspects fled the scene before law enforcement personnel arrived. The incident reportedly occurred during a party meeting at MQM-P’s central office. According to police, tensions escalated after the meeting ended, leading to a confrontation between supporters of different party factions. Officials said workers belonging to one faction allegedly assaulted members of the rival group and forced them out of the party headquarters. Heavy gunfire was also reported from inside the premises, causing alarm among nearby residents.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi has announced that Women Facilitation Centres will be established in courts across the country to make the justice system more accessible, supportive and efficient for women. The announcement was made during a meeting with representatives of the Sindh High Court Bar Association and the Karachi Bar Association at the Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry. The meeting focused on improving facilities for women litigants and addressing challenges faced by female lawyers in the legal profession. During the discussion, the chief justice said the proposed centres are part of broader judicial reforms aimed at creating a more welcoming and convenient environment for women seeking legal assistance. He stressed that women should have easier access to courts and receive the support needed to pursue their cases without unnecessary difficulties. Justice Yahya Afridi said the Women Facilitation Centres would provide a wide range of services under one roof. In addition to offering legal guidance, the centres would include mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) facilities to help settle suitable cases quickly and reduce the burden on courts. He added that the centres would also provide psychological counselling and connect women with relevant government departments and support organisations whenever required. The initiative is intended to ensure that women receive both legal and social assistance throughout the judicial process. The chief justice informed the delegation that the judiciary has already selected the three best designs for the proposed centres. These model designs will be shared with all high courts to ensure a uniform system is introduced across Pakistan. The representatives of women lawyers welcomed the initiative and thanked the chief justice for giving priority to the needs of female litigants. They also highlighted several issues affecting women in the legal profession, including workplace challenges and barriers to equal opportunities within the justice system. Justice Afridi assured the delegation that the concerns raised during the meeting would be addressed on a priority basis. He said the judiciary would work closely with the relevant high courts and other institutions to develop practical solutions and improve facilities for women across the country’s judicial system.

Eighteen suspected terrorists were killed in Balochistan’s Surab district after an explosives-laden vehicle detonated prematurely, followed by a security operation against fleeing militants, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the incident occurred on the morning of August 12 while the militants were preparing a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED). The premature explosion killed eight militants at the site, while several others were reportedly injured. ISPR said additional explosives stored by the militants also detonated. The blast reportedly caused the deaths of three civilians living or working near the area. Following the explosion, security forces and Balochistan Police launched a joint clearance operation. The objective was to identify those involved in the incident and locate other militants and their facilitators. During the operation, security personnel detected several militants attempting to flee the area. Ten more militants were subsequently killed in an exchange of fire, according to ISPR. The military said the combined death toll among the militants involved in the incident had reached 18. Two security personnel were also injured during the operation. Security forces have continued sanitisation activities in the area to search for any remaining militants and clear possible threats. The military said counter-terrorism operations would continue under the government’s broader Azm-e-Istehkam framework. It said security and law-enforcement agencies remained committed to preventing terrorist groups from establishing a foothold in the country. The latest operation comes a day after security forces reported killing five militants during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Panjgur district. Balochistan has remained one of Pakistan’s key security challenges, with militant groups repeatedly targeting security personnel, civilians and government installations. The province has witnessed several major attacks in recent months, prompting increased coordination between the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police. Security officials say operations are being conducted to disrupt militant networks, identify facilitators and prevent further attacks. The authorities have also repeatedly warned that militant groups operating in Balochistan pose a threat to both civilian life and national security.

A terrorist was killed during a joint intelligence-based operation in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police said on Monday. The operation was carried out by district police, the Counter-Terrorism Department, the Quick Response Force and security forces. The operation took place in the Miryan area after intelligence reports indicated the presence of suspected terrorists. Security personnel conducted searches in Khani Kalay, Barakzai and nearby areas. The areas fall within the jurisdiction of Miryan police station. An exchange of fire took place during the operation. One unidentified terrorist was killed. Police said the identity of the deceased was being established. A Kalashnikov was recovered from the scene. Three magazines and a bandolier were also found in the possession of the killed terrorist. Security personnel later conducted search operations in surrounding areas. Several suspected individuals were detained for questioning. Bannu District Police Officer Captain (retd) Muhammad Furqan Bilal praised the personnel who participated in the operation. He described the security and police personnel fighting terrorism as the country’s real heroes. The DPO said intelligence-based operations would continue across Bannu. He said the objective was to eliminate terrorism and crime from the district. He also urged local residents to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies. Citizens were asked to report suspicious individuals and activities to police. The latest operation is part of intensified security efforts in Bannu. The district has witnessed several terrorist incidents and counterterrorism operations in recent months. On July 20, another joint intelligence-based operation was conducted in Bannu. Police said one suspected terrorist was killed and eight others were detained during that operation. The operation involved district police, the Elite Force, CTD personnel and Pakistan Army troops. Security forces had also established checkpoints and cordoned off the area during the operation. Police said the killed suspect was allegedly attempting to plant an improvised explosive device. A Kalashnikov, magazines and ammunition were recovered. Security concerns in Bannu have increased following several attacks targeting police and security installations. On July 15, terrorists attacked the Miryan police station using an explosives-laden vehicle. A prolonged exchange of fire followed the attack. Six police officers and four civilians were injured in the incident. The attackers also damaged a bridge leading to the police station. Authorities believed the move was intended to slow the arrival of reinforcements. The wider security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has remained challenging. Balochistan has also witnessed an increase in militant activity. Security forces have responded with intelligence-based operations against suspected militant networks. Authorities have repeatedly stressed the need for public cooperation to counter terrorism. Officials have also raised concerns about militant groups operating from across the Afghan border. The latest operation in Bannu reflects the continued efforts of law-enforcement and security agencies to prevent further attacks.