Bangkok pub fire death toll rises to 41

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting peace through diplomacy. During the meeting, the two foreign ministers reviewed the evolving regional situation, particularly rising tensions in the Middle East. They discussed recent developments affecting regional security and agreed that continued dialogue, restraint and diplomatic engagement remain the most effective path toward achieving lasting peace and stability. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining close and friendly relations with Iran. He stressed the importance of avoiding further escalation and called on all parties to resolve differences through peaceful negotiations. He also highlighted the need to build upon the understandings reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June 2026, which aimed to encourage diplomatic engagement and reduce regional tensions. The Pakistani foreign minister expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region and said cooperation among neighbouring countries is essential to preserve peace, protect economic interests and ensure regional stability. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and promote constructive dialogue. He thanked Pakistan for its continued support in regional peace initiatives and acknowledged Islamabad’s role in facilitating the safe return of Iranian fishermen and crew members, including individuals whose vessels had been intercepted during recent regional tensions. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination and regular consultations on regional and international issues of mutual interest. They reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation for peace, security and prosperity in the region. The meeting took place as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate. Recent military exchanges have increased concerns about wider instability in the Middle East, with continued air strikes and retaliatory actions raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The situation has also affected key international shipping routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, increasing concerns over global energy supplies and international trade. The uncertainty has contributed to higher oil prices and renewed fears about the impact on the global economy. In recent days, US President Donald Trump warned of stronger military action against Iran following attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Iranian officials, however, have continued to reject the accusations and have criticised recent US policies, including proposals concerning frozen Iranian assets. Against this backdrop, Pakistan has continued to advocate dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable solution to regional disputes. Pakistani officials maintain that peaceful engagement remains essential to preventing further escalation and ensuring long-term stability across the Middle East.

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has directed all provincial departments to prepare verified lists of corrupt, disreputable, underperforming and suspicious officers by August 7 as part of a major governance reform aimed at improving transparency, accountability and public service delivery. According to official directives, officers included on the verified negative lists will not be posted to sensitive positions or offices involving direct interaction with the public. The government has also instructed departments to ensure that all appointments and transfers are made strictly on the basis of merit, performance and suitability. The directives further emphasize transparency in public procurement and financial management, the establishment of an effective public grievance redressal system, the digitization of government services and ensuring that officers deliver timely and efficient services to citizens. Sources said the instructions were issued following a high-level meeting chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah. The meeting was attended by administrative secretaries, director generals and heads of various government departments. According to the sources, if the decisions are fully implemented, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could become the first province in Pakistan to officially maintain a verified negative list of government officers with poor performance records, corruption allegations or damaged reputations. An official document quoted the chief secretary as saying that providing quality public services and ensuring the welfare of citizens should remain the top priority of every government department