Pakistan weekly inflation rises as 20 essential items get costlier

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has denied any known connection between the party and the man who was killed during a security incident in Rawalpindi, saying the party does not know which group the deceased belonged to or what actions he may have been involved in. Speaking about the incident, Raja said PTI was a peaceful political party and strongly opposed terrorism. He stressed that the party had never had any connection with terrorist activity and was pursuing its political struggle within the framework of the Constitution and law. “We do not know which group the man who was killed in Rawalpindi belonged to or what his actions were,” Raja said, according to reports. His comments came after a man was killed following an incident involving gunfire at security personnel on Mall Road in Rawalpindi. Police said a suspect opened fire on security forces, injuring a member of a patrol team before the suspect was killed. The incident has sparked a political dispute over the identity and political affiliation of the deceased. PTI leader Shafi Jan separately claimed that the man killed on Mall Road was a PTI worker. The claim contrasts with Raja’s statement that he did not know which group the deceased belonged to. The differing statements have added to questions surrounding the man’s identity and alleged activities. Raja also rejected any suggestion that PTI was involved in violent activity, saying the party was committed to pursuing its political objectives through constitutional and legal means. On the possibility of negotiations with the government, the PTI secretary general said there was currently no government offer on the table. However, he maintained that the party had never rejected negotiations on principle. Raja was also questioned about PTI Senator Shumail Yousafzai. He explained that she had not been removed from the party because the leadership did not want to create further divisions within PTI. He claimed that Yousafzai was not acting alone and had a group of people supporting her. Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi incident has become part of a broader political debate over security, terrorism and the role of political parties in Pakistan. Government officials and opposition figures have offered sharply different interpretations of PTI’s political conduct. The conflicting claims regarding the deceased man’s affiliation are likely to keep the issue in the spotlight as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the Rawalpindi shooting and determine the identity and background of the person who was killed.

  An Australian court has dismissed an appeal filed by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in the Basmati word mark case, marking a significant legal development for Pakistan’s rice exporters. According to the Ministry of Commerce, the Australian court’s decision has reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled position that the term “Basmati” cannot be treated as the exclusive property of India. The ruling is being viewed by Pakistani authorities as an important legal success in protecting the rights of the country’s Basmati rice producers and exporters. The Australian court has also ordered the Indian institution APEDA to pay the legal costs associated with the proceedings. The decision follows a legal dispute over the use and registration of the word “Basmati” in Australia. APEDA had applied to register the word “Basmati” as a certification trademark. The application was challenged, leading to legal proceedings concerning whether the term could be claimed exclusively for Indian rice products. Pakistan has consistently maintained that Basmati rice is also produced in Pakistan and that Pakistani exporters should have equal rights to use the name. The Ministry of Commerce said Australian authorities had already acknowledged that Basmati rice is produced in Pakistan, strengthening Islamabad’s position in the dispute. The latest court decision has therefore been welcomed by Pakistani officials as confirmation of the country’s longstanding stance on the geographical and commercial identity of Basmati rice. The Ministry of Commerce stated that the ruling represents an important legal victory for Pakistan because it supports the principle that Pakistani exporters should not be deprived of the right to use the term Basmati for rice produced in the country. Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal congratulated the Ministry of Commerce team on what he described as Pakistan’s legal success in the case. He appreciated the efforts of the officials and legal representatives involved in defending Pakistan’s position before the Australian authorities. The dispute is significant because Basmati rice is an important agricultural and export commodity for both Pakistan and India. The term has considerable commercial value in international markets because consumers associate Basmati with a distinctive variety of aromatic long-grain rice. Pakistan is among the countries known for producing and exporting Basmati rice, particularly from areas in Punjab. The country has sought greater recognition of its rights over the Basmati name in international markets, arguing that the rice is a shared agricultural heritage of the region and is produced on both sides of the border. APEDA’s attempt to register “Basmati” as a certification trademark had raised concerns in Pakistan because exclusive registration could potentially affect Pakistani exporters’ ability to market their products using the internationally recognized name. The Australian court’s rejection of APEDA’s appeal is consequently being seen by Pakistan as an important development in safeguarding its exporters’ commercial interests. The order requiring APEDA to pay legal costs also adds to the significance of the decision for Pakistan. The Ministry of Commerce has emphasized that the ruling strengthens Pakistan’s position in international legal and commercial forums. Pakistani authorities are expected to continue protecting the interests of local rice growers and exporters and ensuring that they retain the right to market their Basmati rice under its recognized name. The decision could also contribute to broader efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural exports and promote its Basmati rice in international markets.

Torrential rainfall has caused widespread disruption in Upper Dir, where flash floods and overflowing streams have damaged roads, washed away infrastructure, and stranded travelers across several parts of the district. According to rescue officials, the continuing downpours have significantly affected transportation and raised concerns about public safety. Rescue 1122 reported that floodwaters near the Inkar Madrasa area swept across the main highway, forcing authorities to close the road to all types of traffic. The closure resulted in long queues of vehicles, leaving commuters and tourists stranded while waiting for conditions to improve. Emergency responders have been monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts in the affected areas. The heavy rains also washed away a connecting bridge and damaged multiple roads, disrupting access between nearby communities. Rising water levels in seasonal streams have further complicated rescue and recovery operations, making travel difficult and increasing the risk for people living near flood-prone areas. According to rescue officials, one vehicle was swept away by floodwaters in a rain-fed stream. However, no fatalities had been reported at the time of the latest updates. Authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage while emergency teams remain on standby to respond to any additional incidents caused by the severe weather. Officials have urged residents, tourists, and motorists to avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve. They have also advised the public to stay away from rivers, streams, and flood channels, where rapidly rising water levels can pose a serious threat to life and property. Heavy monsoon rains frequently trigger flash floods and landslides in northern Pakistan, disrupting transportation and damaging critical infrastructure. Authorities are continuing to monitor weather conditions closely and have appealed to the public to follow official advisories and cooperate with rescue teams. Travelers planning to visit Upper Dir are encouraged to check road conditions before departing and remain alert for further weather updates as rescue and restoration efforts continue.