فیچرڈ

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to ensure the immediate and complete implementation of the Gaza ceasefire and the UN-backed peace framework, warning that continued delays could jeopardise hopes for lasting peace and the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Speaking during a UN Security Council debate on the Middle East, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said the current situation presented a critical opportunity to advance peace but stressed that urgent action was needed to prevent further deterioration. He said the ceasefire and the internationally endorsed peace initiative offered a pathway to reduce humanitarian suffering and support Palestinian self-determination. However, he cautioned that failure to fully implement the agreement and Security Council Resolution 2803 would seriously undermine efforts to achieve a just and durable settlement. The Pakistani envoy voiced concern over developments in the occupied West Bank, accusing Israel of expanding settlements, establishing new outposts and allowing increased settler violence, which he said was changing the demographic and geographic landscape of the occupied territories. He also criticised the proposed “Crimson Thread” project, describing it as a network of military infrastructure that would isolate Palestinian communities, divide the Jordan Valley from the rest of the West Bank and weaken the prospects of a contiguous Palestinian state. Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Ahmad said conditions remained extremely fragile despite the ceasefire. He noted that millions of Palestinians continued to face severe hardship, with widespread food insecurity, continued civilian casualties and large-scale displacement raising concerns over the full implementation of the peace plan. Pakistan urged the Security Council to take immediate action by ensuring the ceasefire agreement is fully enforced, demanding an end to Israeli settlement expansion, rejecting annexation and forced displacement, providing international protection for Palestinian civilians and ensuring the release of withheld Palestinian revenues to support essential public services. Reaffirming Islamabad’s longstanding position, Ahmad said the only sustainable solution remained the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (East Jerusalem) as its capital. The ambassador also expressed concern over wider instability across the Middle East, urging all parties to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue to prevent further escalation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional states and backed diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. Highlighting concerns over attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping routes, Ahmad said such actions threatened regional stability and global trade, while reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty. Concluding his address, the Pakistani envoy said lasting peace in the Middle East would remain impossible as long as occupation continued and the Palestinian people were denied their right to self-determination. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace based on UN resolutions and international law.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces killed 32 terrorists during two intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan over the past 24 hours, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday, describing the raids as part of an intensified campaign against militant groups operating in the country. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 24 militants were killed during a series of targeted operations in Khyber district, while another eight were eliminated in separate operations in Nushki district of Balochistan. The operations were launched following recent terrorist attacks in both provinces and were carried out to dismantle militant networks and their support infrastructure. The military said security forces conducted multiple intelligence-driven raids in Khyber during the night of July 28–29, successfully engaging terrorist hideouts and neutralising militants identified as members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by the state as Fitna al-Khawarij. In Balochistan’s Nushki district, security personnel launched coordinated operations against militants linked to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), referred to officially as Fitna al-Hindustan. After an intense exchange of fire, eight militants were killed, while weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices were recovered and destroyed. The ISPR said clearance operations were continuing in both regions to ensure that any remaining militants or facilitators were eliminated. It reaffirmed that Pakistan’s nationwide counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy would continue with full force to eradicate terrorism and restore lasting peace. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the successful operations, commending their professionalism and determination. He reiterated the government’s resolve to continue the fight against terrorism until the threat is completely eliminated, adding that the nation stands united with the armed forces in defending the country’s security. The operations come amid a renewed surge in terrorist violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Just a day earlier, separate attacks in Balochistan claimed the lives of a deputy superintendent of police and two others, while labourers were abducted and several vehicles were set ablaze. International reports have also highlighted the growing security challenge. Recent United Nations assessments noted an increase in attacks by the TTP and BLA, with concerns over improved coordination among militant groups and access to advanced weapons through cross-border networks. Pakistan has continued to intensify intelligence-based operations to curb the escalating threat and dismantle terrorist infrastructure across the country.

Lahore’s old city is going through a major change under a heritage revival plan, and the project has now been placed directly under the leadership of Pakistan Muslim League-(N) leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. According to a recent notification issued by the Punjab government’s Local Government and Community Development Department, Nawaz Sharif has been made chairman of the newly formed board of the Lahore Heritage Area Revival project, also known as (LHAR) and patron-in-chief of the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority (PWCHAA) Earlier, Nawaz Sharif only held the position of chief patron of the project. This meant he could give advice but had no formal powers. Under the new rules, the project’s legal structure has been changed, and a proper board has been formed. This board is now headed directly by the three-time former prime minister. The notification was published in the Punjab Gazette on July 23. It was issued under Section 8-A of the Punjab Walled Cities and Heritage Areas Authority Act 2012. The notification was approved by the governor of Punjab. With this change, the Lahore Heritage Area Revival Board has been formally established. The board now has full executive and administrative powers. Officials say this step was taken to remove bureaucratic delays in restoring the city’s historic fabric. The heritage revival areas cover Mughal, Sikh and colonial-era sites. Details of the ongoing work will be shared soon. Several government departments are working together on the project. These include the Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency, known as TEPA, C&W and PWCHAA. TEPA is handling infrastructure work, such as building basements and parking. The PWCHAA is handling the restoration of old buildings. A major part of the plan is to turn old city streets into pedestrian zones. This includes the route from New Anarkali to Paan Gali in Lohari. It also includes Bora Bazaar, which has Bakshi Market inside it. Another walking route will run from Kacheri Chowk to Anarkali and then onward to Neela Gumbad. To name a few. Many buildings along these routes are old. All of them are being restored as part of the project. One of the biggest parts of the plan is a new public space called Neela Gumbad Square, where a two-floor underground parking garage is being built; it will become a place for families to walk and gather. Fountains and seating areas will be added. The Parks and Horticulture Authority will help plant trees and grass in the area. Other nearby heritage sites are also being restored. These include Ewing Hall and the first Bank of India building. The mosque near Neela Gumbad is also being renovated, while some roads nearby will be closed for traffic. LHAR spokesperson also responded to earlier criticism in media reports, where past reports only mentioned TEPA, even though other departments were also doing important work on the ground. The project now has a monitoring cell in place to track progress and check timely completion. The spokesperson further said that shopkeepers near Neela Gumbad were paid compensation a year before their shops were relocated. The officials had collected data on each shop’s daily business and income before deciding how much compensation to give; this was done so shopkeepers would not lose their livelihood during construction. With Nawaz Sharif now in the driving seat and his past records of completing mega projects on time, officials believe the project will move forward faster. The government says the goal is to restore Lahore’s historic buildings and streets while creating new public spaces for residents and visitors.

RAWALPINDI: Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday to discuss regional security and ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. The Kuwaiti foreign minister was accompanied by Kuwait’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Nassar Abdul Rahman J. Al-Mutairi. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, the regional security environment, and opportunities to further deepen bilateral cooperation. During the meeting, the Kuwaiti foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s continued support and its constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability. He also highlighted the longstanding fraternal relationship between Pakistan and Kuwait. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening ties with Kuwait, stressing that both countries share a common vision for regional peace, stability, and prosperity. He expressed confidence that the enduring partnership between the two nations would continue to grow across multiple areas of cooperation.

  A unique and unusual theft case has been registered in Pakistan’s Punjab province after a resident alleged that suspected thieves, who failed to steal a tube well from his agricultural land, fled the scene with his pet dog instead. According to the police, the incident took place in Kot Addu district, where the complainant reported that unknown suspects entered his farmland during the night with the apparent intention of stealing a tube well. Tube wells are commonly used in Pakistan’s agricultural sector to pump underground water for irrigation and are considered valuable equipment by farmers. The complainant stated that he became aware of the presence of the suspected thieves while they were attempting to carry out the theft. Upon realizing that intruders had entered his property, he reacted immediately by releasing his pet dog in an effort to chase and stop them. However, according to the complaint filed with the police, the dog never returned after being sent after the suspects. The owner believes that the alleged thieves took the animal with them when they fled the scene after failing to steal the tube well. The complainant expressed suspicion that the suspects, unable to accomplish their original objective, decided to take the pet dog instead. He requested the police to investigate the incident and recover the missing animal. Police officials confirmed that a formal First Information Report (FIR) has been registered based on the complainant’s statement. Investigators have launched an inquiry into the unusual case and are working to identify the individuals allegedly involved in the incident. Authorities said they are examining all available evidence and gathering information from the surrounding area to determine what exactly happened on the night of the alleged theft. At this stage, police have not confirmed whether the dog was actually stolen or wandered away during the chase. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say further details will emerge once the inquiry is completed. The incident has attracted attention because of its unusual nature. While cases involving the theft of agricultural machinery, livestock, and farm equipment are relatively common in rural parts of Pakistan, allegations involving the theft of a pet dog after an unsuccessful attempt to steal a tube well are highly uncommon. Residents in agricultural communities often rely on watchdogs to protect their farms and livestock from theft. Such dogs are considered valuable companions and play an important role in safeguarding rural properties, especially during nighttime. Police have appealed for any information that could help locate the missing dog and identify the suspects. Officials emphasized that the investigation will continue until all aspects of the case are examined. The unusual complaint has sparked curiosity among local residents, but authorities have urged the public not to speculate about the incident while the investigation is in progress. Police say they will proceed in accordance with the law and take appropriate action if the allegations are supported by evidence.

  Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has alleged that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is attempting to secure power in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) through electoral manipulation rather than the democratic process Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Memon strongly criticized the ruling party’s political approach and accused its leadership of relying on what he described as “backdoor” methods to gain power. He claimed that the PML-N was now trying to repeat the same strategy in Azad Kashmir ahead of the upcoming political developments in the region. “The Pakistan Muslim League-N wants to come to power in Azad Kashmir through rigging,” Memon said while addressing journalists. He argued that free and fair elections are essential for maintaining public trust in democratic institutions and urged all stakeholders to ensure transparency in the electoral process. During the press conference, Memon also took aim at former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He alleged that Nawaz Sharif had himself entered power through what he called the “backdoor,” adding that Maryam Nawaz had followed the same path. Referring to one of her recent public remarks, Memon criticized her statement asking, “When will the Day of Judgment come?” He said such expressions should not be used by political leaders, arguing that they were inappropriate in public discourse. The Sindh minister emphasized that politicians should exercise caution in their choice of words and avoid making statements that could create unnecessary controversy or distract from issues affecting the public. He said political leaders have a responsibility to maintain respectful and constructive dialogue, particularly during periods of heightened political activity. Memon also spoke about the challenges facing Karachi, describing the country’s largest city as unique in both its size and complexity. “Karachi has many challenges because Karachi is not just a city—it is like a country,” he remarked. He said the metropolis faces a wide range of issues, including infrastructure demands, traffic congestion, rapid population growth, and the need for improved public services. According to Memon, the Sindh government continues to work on addressing these longstanding challenges through development projects and administrative reforms. He stressed that managing Karachi requires coordinated efforts from both provincial and federal institutions due to the city’s economic significance and its role as Pakistan’s commercial hub. The press conference primarily focused on the current political environment, electoral transparency, and governance issues. Memon reiterated that democratic values must be upheld and that any attempt to influence election outcomes unfairly would undermine public confidence in the political system. His remarks come amid increasing political activity across the country, with parties positioning themselves ahead of future elections and regional political contests. The statements are expected to draw responses from the Pakistan Muslim League-N, which has previously rejected similar allegations and maintained that it believes in democratic and constitutional processes. The comments made by Sharjeel Memon add to the ongoing political debate in Pakistan, where electoral integrity, governance, and accountability continue to dominate public discussion. As political tensions persist, attention remains focused on ensuring transparent elections and promoting constructive political dialogue across the country.