barrister saif calls
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Barrister Saif calls for new provinces, governance…

ByJustpaste.in

PESHAWAR: Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Adviser Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif has called for the creation of additional administrative provinces, saying Pakistan needs major structural reforms to improve governance and public service delivery.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Saif said the proposal to establish new provinces should be taken seriously, arguing that the existing administrative framework is no longer capable of addressing the growing needs of the population efficiently.

He said discussions alone would not bring meaningful change and urged the federal government to move beyond proposals by initiating practical measures for administrative restructuring. According to him, governance can only improve if reforms are implemented instead of remaining limited to public debate.

Saif maintained that decision-making authority is concentrated within a small section of the bureaucracy, which limits administrative efficiency and delays the resolution of public issues. He stressed that a more balanced distribution of powers would strengthen governance and improve accountability.

He said Pakistan requires comprehensive administrative reforms that would transfer greater authority to lower levels of government. Establishing new provinces, he added, would bring the government closer to the people, improve access to public services and ensure faster responses to local challenges.

The former adviser also highlighted the importance of an effective local government system, saying empowered local bodies are essential for addressing citizens’ problems at the grassroots level. He argued that decentralisation and stronger local institutions would enhance transparency, improve service delivery and promote sustainable development across the country.

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    Missile hits ship leaving Strait of Hormuz, UK Mar…

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    A commercial vessel sailing out of the Strait of Hormuz was struck by a missile, causing damage to its engine and injuring members of its crew, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Tuesday. The incident has added to growing concerns over maritime security in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, where tensions have remained high amid the wider conflict involving Iran and regional powers. According to UKMTO, the vessel was hit after leaving the Strait of Hormuz. The missile caused damage to the ship’s engine, while members of the crew were also affected in the attack. Omani coast guard personnel responded to the incident and are providing assistance to the crew, UKMTO said. No further details about the condition of the vessel or the extent of the injuries were immediately available. The agency did not identify who fired the missile. The circumstances surrounding the attack, including the type of missile used and the exact location of the strike, were also not immediately disclosed. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route through which a substantial share of the world’s oil supplies passes. Any attack on commercial shipping in or around the waterway can raise concerns about the safety of international trade and energy supplies. The latest incident comes as tensions remain particularly sensitive around the Gulf. Shipping companies and maritime authorities have been closely monitoring developments, with any disruption in the waterway capable of affecting global markets. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have strongly rejected what they describe as repeated claims and threats concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Ibrahim Azizi, chairman of Iran’s parliament’s National Security Commission, criticised US President Donald Trump over his remarks regarding the strategic waterway. In a statement issued from Tehran, Azizi urged Trump to focus on his own security instead of making what he called baseless and endless claims about the Strait of Hormuz. Azizi also made a provocative reference to Trump’s personal safety, saying the US president should think about ensuring his own security. The latest missile strike remains under investigation, and the identity of those responsible has yet to be established. Further information from maritime authorities is expected as officials assess the vessel, crew and circumstances surrounding the attack. For now, the incident has renewed fears that rising regional tensions could spill over into commercial shipping and threaten vessels using one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.

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    Heavy rains trigger flash floods in Gilgit-Baltist…

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    Torrential rainfall has caused widespread destruction across Gilgit-Baltistan, disrupting transportation networks as flash floods and landslides washed away roads, bridges, and vital infrastructure in several districts. The extreme weather conditions have left thousands of people, including tourists, stranded as major routes connecting different parts of the mountainous region were blocked. Authorities have advised travelers to avoid unnecessary journeys due to ongoing risks from floods and landslides. According to officials, several important roads, including the Karakoram Highway, Babusar Road, Baltistan Road, Naltar Highway, Ghizer-Shandur Road, and Astore Valley Road, have been affected by flooding and landslides. The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) reported that the Karakoram Highway was blocked at multiple locations between Dassu and the Hunza-Nagar areas, creating difficulties for commuters and relief teams. In Skardu’s Rondu subdivision, severe flooding in the Tormak Nallah area damaged important communication bridges, including the Malan Bridge. Several roads, agricultural lands, crops, and other infrastructure were also affected in Kharmang, Ghanche, and Shigar districts. Flooding also disrupted electricity and water supply systems in areas including Astore, Tangir, and Thore in Diamer district. Communication services were affected, while irrigation channels, drinking water schemes, and protective structures suffered damage. Several villages were cut off, and dozens of families were forced to leave their homes due to floods and landslides. Authorities moved vulnerable residents to safer locations and started relief operations in affected areas. The situation also affected Ghizer district, where temporary road closures, localized flooding, and damage to houses were reported. Rising water levels in the Hunza-Nagar River increased risks for residents in Gilgit’s Jutal area. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast further rainfall in the region and warned about the possibility of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) until July 26. The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, district administrations, Rescue 1122, and other departments are working together to provide emergency assistance. Officials said affected families are being provided with tents, food supplies, medicines, and clean drinking water. Heavy machinery has also been deployed to restore damaged roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain has directed authorities to speed up relief and rehabilitation activities and remain alert around the clock to protect lives and property. The chief minister also emphasized the need for stronger disaster preparedness, saying that climate change has increased the risks of flash floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods in the region. Authorities are coordinating with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to improve emergency response measures and monitor glacier-related risks through scientific and technological systems. The ongoing situation highlights the growing impact of climate-related disasters in Gilgit-Baltistan, where communities continue to face increasing threats from extreme weather events.

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    Iran warns US forces face regional expulsion

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    Senior Iranian officials on Wednesday issued fresh warnings against the United States, declaring that American forces could eventually be forced out of the Middle East while linking any future reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to changes in Washington’s policies. Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s National Security Committee, said the removal of US military forces from the region and from countries hosting American bases was only a matter of time. In a post on X, he claimed the US would eventually have to focus its resources on securing its own territory instead of maintaining military installations abroad. The remarks came as Iranian media reported that ongoing discussions between Tehran and Oman over future navigation arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz would not automatically lead to the reopening of the strategic shipping route. According to Iranian state media, negotiations are being conducted solely between Iran and Oman, with officials insisting that the process is independent of the United States. Iranian sources maintained that even if an agreement is reached with Muscat, the waterway will remain closed unless Washington changes what Tehran describes as its hostile policies and interference. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil shipments. Any disruption to traffic through the strait has the potential to affect international energy markets and regional security. Meanwhile, the United Nations expressed concern over a sharp increase in executions in Iran. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said at least 56 people had been executed on national security-related charges since March, including dozens connected to protest-related cases. He warned that the growing use of capital punishment appeared aimed at creating fear within society. Regional tensions also escalated after Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for a missile attack on the Saudi oil tanker Wafaa in the northern Red Sea. The group said the vessel was struck by ballistic missiles as part of its campaign targeting Saudi shipping. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree claimed the movement had targeted eight Saudi oil tankers since launching its maritime blockade in late July and said dozens of other vessels had either been prevented from passing or forced to change course. Saudi authorities had not commented on the claims at the time of reporting. Separately, Iranian lawmaker Esmail Kowsari criticised US President Donald Trump’s approach toward Tehran, describing Washington’s negotiating strategy as inconsistent and unreliable. He accused the US administration of issuing conflicting statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s regional position. Iranian officials also blamed what they described as continued US pressure and military threats for slowing negotiations with Oman over navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that Tehran would not conclude any agreement under external pressure.

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    Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein: Rana Qasim N…

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    Chairman of the Parliamentary Kashmir Committee and Federal Minister Rana Qasim Noon has said that Kashmir remains central to Pakistan’s national interests, stressing that the country has already fought wars to defend the region and will continue to stand by the Kashmiri people. Speaking about the current regional situation, Noon alleged that following India’s defeat in last year’s conflict, New Delhi has been attempting to create instability in Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He warned that Pakistan would not allow any external force to undermine its sovereignty or destabilize the country. Noon said Azad Kashmir is an integral part of Pakistan and asserted that no power in the world could separate it from the country. He also criticized attacks and abusive behavior directed at the military, police and other state institutions, saying that such conduct would not be tolerated in any country. The federal minister said the government has previously responded to public demands by providing relief and would continue to address genuine concerns in the future. However, he firmly rejected calls to withdraw the voting rights and political representation of refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir living in Pakistan. According to Noon, removing the political rights of Kashmiri refugees would amount to betraying the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people over decades. He maintained that refugees from occupied Kashmir must retain their right to vote and participate in the political process. The Kashmir Committee chairman also drew attention to the ongoing situation in Indian-administered Kashmir, alleging that Indian authorities continue to suppress the Kashmiri population. He said several Kashmiri leaders have remained imprisoned for decades, with some spending between 30 and 40 years behind bars. Noon further accused India of altering the demographic landscape of occupied Kashmir by issuing what he described as fraudulent domiciles to Indian citizens and facilitating their settlement in the region. He argued that those advocating the removal of refugees’ voting rights were, knowingly or unknowingly, supporting an agenda that serves India’s interests. He vowed that such efforts would not succeed and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the political and democratic rights of Kashmiri refugees. The minister called for unity on the Kashmir issue and said Pakistan would continue to raise its voice for the rights of the people of Kashmir at national and international forums.

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    The government has promoted Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Amir Raza to the rank of four-star general and appointed him as Commander of the National Strategic Command. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the promotion and new appointment, congratulating General Amir Raza, Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Basalat, on taking up the senior military position. The prime minister also extended his best wishes to General Amir Raza and expressed confidence in his ability to carry out the important responsibilities associated with his new role. The promotion marks a significant step in General Amir Raza’s military career and places him in charge of a key strategic command. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wished him success in fulfilling his duties and serving the country in his new capacity.

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    Romania expands brown bear cull as critics highlight enforcement gaps

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    Romania’s parliament has voted to double the annual hunting quota for brown bears to nearly 900 animals in an effort to manage Europe’s largest population outside Russia, which is estimated at between 10,000 and 13,000. The legislation aims to curb an increasing frequency of human-bear encounters driven by urban sprawl, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. Human deaths caused by bear attacks in Romania have reached nearly 30 over the past two decades, with animals regularly entering mountain towns to scavenge for food. Conservationists and wildlife experts argue the expanded culling quota will fail to solve urban encroachment because trophy hunters target large animals deep within forests. Critics maintain that existing safety measures, including fines for tourists feeding wildlife, subsidised electric fencing, and proper municipal waste management, are not being sufficiently enforced. In addition to state-sanctioned culls, local municipal authorities retain legal powers granted in 2021 to shoot individual bears that intrude directly into private residential properties.

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