Pakistan’s HIV-affected children reach nearly 7,500

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which the two officials discussed the evolving situation in the region. According to Iranian media, the conversation took place a day earlier and focused on regional developments and matters of mutual interest. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that Field Marshal Asim Munir is scheduled to visit Iran on Monday. Baghaei described the visit as part of Pakistan’s continued efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. He said the visit would also provide an opportunity to further strengthen relations between Pakistan and Iran. During his visit, the Pakistani Chief of Defence Forces is expected to meet senior Iranian officials and hold discussions on bilateral ties as well as regional developments. The upcoming visit comes amid heightened regional tensions and growing diplomatic efforts by countries in the region to promote dialogue and stability. The telephone conversation between Field Marshal Munir and Araghchi ahead of the visit is expected to provide further momentum to bilateral engagement between Islamabad and Tehran. Pakistan and Iran share close geographical, economic and security ties, with both countries regularly discussing border security, regional developments and broader cooperation.

The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has requested the federal government to allow the export of 585,000 tonnes of surplus sugar, saying the country has sufficient stocks to meet domestic demand while supporting sugarcane growers ahead of the next crushing season. In separate letters addressed to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the Minister for National Food Security, the association urged the government to grant immediate permission for sugar exports, as it has done in previous years. According to the letters, Pakistan had 3.4 million metric tonnes of sugar in stock as of July 15, 2026, while the country’s average monthly consumption stands at approximately 567,000 metric tonnes. The association said that even before the start of the upcoming crushing season, an estimated 1.158 million metric tonnes of sugar would remain in stock, ensuring ample supplies for domestic needs. PSMA further stated that another bumper sugarcane crop is expected during the next crushing season, which is projected to produce around 8 million metric tonnes of sugar—well above the country’s annual requirement. The association warned that with the sugarcane sowing season approaching, growers are facing uncertainty due to concerns over excess sugar stocks and limited storage capacity. It urged the government to allow the export of surplus sugar, including stocks held as strategic reserves, within one month of the beginning of the new crushing season. According to the association, timely exports would help stabilise the domestic market, create storage space for the new crop, and ensure better returns for sugarcane farmers

Pakistan has faced more than 400 cyberattacks during the current year, with authorities successfully stopping all reported attacks in time, according to the Director General of the National Cyber Emergency Response Team, Dr Haider Abbas. Dr Abbas said the growing number of cyber threats showed the need for stronger national cybersecurity measures. He called for the establishment of a powerful National Cyber Security Authority to coordinate cybersecurity efforts across the country. Speaking in an interview, he said Pakistan was facing increasingly complex cyber threats. He also warned about the risks posed by cyberattacks allegedly backed by state actors. According to Dr Abbas, Pakistan needs a central institution with sufficient authority to deal with the growing cybersecurity challenges. He proposed placing the National Cyber Security Authority under the prime minister. He said a national authority working under the prime minister could respond more effectively to major cyber threats. It could also improve coordination between government institutions and other organisations responsible for digital security. The official stressed that cybersecurity had become an important national issue. The increasing dependence on digital systems has also increased the potential risks to government institutions, businesses and other critical sectors. More than 400 attacks reported this year highlight the scale of the challenge facing Pakistan. Although the attacks were reportedly prevented, officials believe the country needs stronger systems to detect and respond to future threats. Dr Abbas said the proposed authority should oversee cybersecurity across the country. It should also ensure that different institutions follow effective security measures and remain prepared for emerging digital threats. A central cybersecurity body could help improve coordination during cyber emergencies. It could also allow authorities to respond quickly when sensitive digital systems come under attack. The official’s proposal comes as cyber threats continue to become more sophisticated worldwide. Governments are increasingly focusing on protecting critical infrastructure, public institutions and digital networks from cyberattacks. Pakistan has also expanded its dependence on online systems in government, banking, communications and other sectors. Any major cyberattack on important infrastructure could potentially disrupt essential services. Dr Abbas therefore called for a stronger national framework to protect Pakistan’s digital environment. He said the proposed authority should have a clear mandate and sufficient powers to manage cybersecurity across the country. He also emphasised the importance of a coordinated national response. Different government departments and institutions need to work together to identify threats and prevent attacks before they cause damage. The official said placing the authority under the prime minister would give it greater effectiveness and allow important decisions to be taken quickly. The disclosure of more than 400 cyberattacks this year has renewed attention on Pakistan’s digital security. Authorities are now facing growing pressure to strengthen national cybersecurity systems and improve preparedness against future threats.