فیچرڈ

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    Govt raises Petrol and Diesel prices in fresh fuel…

    ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced a fresh revision in petroleum prices, increasing the rates of both petrol and high-speed diesel with immediate effect. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Energy, the price of petrol has been raised by Rs1.09 per litre, taking the new rate to Rs336.15 per litre. The government has also increased the price of high-speed diesel by Rs2.42 per litre, bringing its new price to Rs393.04 per litre. The revised fuel prices came into effect immediately and will remain applicable until the next official review, subject to future adjustments based on international oil market trends and other pricing factors.

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    Pakistan backs Saudi Arabia’s right to self-defe…

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the attack on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming that every sovereign nation has the right to defend itself under international law. Islamabad stated that Saudi Arabia’s military response in Iraq should be viewed within the framework of legitimate self-defence. Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Article 51 of the United Nations Charter grants states the inherent right to take necessary measures to protect their sovereignty and security against armed attacks. He said Saudi Arabia’s actions should be understood in that legal context. The spokesperson stressed that Pakistan remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation of regional tensions. Andrabi also said Pakistan supports the effective implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving the United States and Iran, adding that diplomatic efforts are continuing to reduce tensions and encourage dialogue among the concerned parties. During the briefing, he welcomed the ratification of a defence cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Kuwait, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening bilateral ties. He noted that Pakistan also maintains close defence cooperation with Jordan and Bahrain and continues to expand collaboration in multiple sectors. He added that if any new defence agreements are finalised with Jordan or Bahrain in the future, the government will inform the public and the media at the appropriate time.

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    Fresh claims link India using Afghan soil for anti…

    ISLAMABAD: Fresh claims regarding alleged Indian support for anti-Pakistan militant groups have resurfaced after former Afghan intelligence chief Masood Andarabi made remarks linking New Delhi to militant activities operating from Afghan territory. According to media reports, Andarabi, while speaking during a program hosted by The Diplomat, claimed that India has sought to expand its influence in Afghanistan following recent regional developments. He alleged that New Delhi’s objective is to cultivate influence over the militant group referred to by Pakistan as Fitna al-Khawarij and use it to advance activities against Pakistan. His comments have reignited discussions over Pakistan’s longstanding position that militant groups allegedly backed by India have exploited Afghan soil to target Pakistan’s security and stability. The developments come amid heightened regional tensions following Pakistan’s reported strikes on suspected militant hideouts inside Afghanistan. Analysts say the operation was intended to signal Islamabad’s resolve against cross-border terrorism while underscoring its concerns over the presence of armed groups operating from Afghan territory. Security experts believe Andarabi’s remarks lend support to Pakistan’s repeated assertions that hostile elements have used Afghanistan as a base for launching attacks against Pakistan with alleged external backing. However, India has consistently rejected such accusations and denies supporting militant activities against Pakistan.

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    North West apologises to fans after debut Kimokawa…

    North West has addressed fans after the unexpected cancellation of her first headlining tour, expressing disappointment over a setback that came just days before the opening performance. The 13-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West was scheduled to launch the Kimokawaii Tour alongside rapper Molly Santana on August 5 in Dallas. The North American tour was announced shortly after the release of North’s debut EP, N-O-R-T-H 4EVR, and was expected to mark a major milestone in her budding music career.  However, fans recently noticed that the Dallas opening show and the August 17 stop in Toronto had been marked as cancelled on Ticketmaster. At the same time, the tour’s official website became unavailable, fueling speculation about the future of the concert series. As of now, no official explanation has been given for the cancellations, although one San Francisco show was still listed by its venue at the time of reporting.  Following the announcement, both North and Molly Santana shared messages expressing how saddened they were by the development. While neither artist revealed the reason behind the decision, they thanked fans for their support and said they hoped to perform together in the future. Their statements reflected disappointment rather than frustration, with both acknowledging the excitement that had surrounded the tour. The Kimokawaii Tour was set to take the pair across the United States and Canada with 14 scheduled dates, including performances in Houston, New York, Chicago, Boston, Phoenix and Los Angeles. The tour had generated significant interest after North’s successful festival appearances earlier this year and the release of her debut project in May.  North’s music career has steadily gained momentum over the past year. In addition to releasing N-O-R-T-H 4EVR, she has performed at major music festivals and collaborated with established artists, attracting attention beyond her famous family. Her mother, Kim Kardashian, had enthusiastically promoted the tour on social media, encouraging fans to attend the shows.  Although the cancellation has disappointed fans eager to see North’s first headlining performances, many have responded with supportive messages online, encouraging the young artist to focus on future opportunities. With no official reason announced, supporters are now waiting for further updates regarding possible rescheduled dates or new tour plans. For now, North’s debut tour may be on hold, but her growing music career appears far from over.

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    PWPA approves key reforms to strengthen women&#821…

    Lahore: The 5th meeting of the Board of the Punjab Women Protection Authority (PWPA) was held under the chairpersonship of Ms. Hina Pervaiz Butt, where members reviewed the Authority’s performance and approved a series of important policy and administrative measures aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and expanding protection services for women across Punjab. The Board reviewed the implementation status of decisions taken during its previous meeting and expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved. Members emphasized the importance of further strengthening the Authority to ensure accessible, effective and survivor-centred services for women throughout the province. The Board approved the revised organizational structure of PWPA and stressed the need for the early filling of vacant positions to enhance the Authority’s operational efficiency and institutional capacity. The Board also approved the Punjab Women Protection Authority (Terms and Conditions of Service) Regulations, 2026, including revised provisions relating to appointments and service matters, to establish a transparent and efficient human resource framework for the Authority. It was further decided that the Punjab Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Maal Department will undertake development initiatives relating to the establishment of new PWPA facilities and infrastructure in coordination with the Authority. Director General Punjab Women Protection Authority, Dr. Lubna Nazir, briefed the Board on the Authority’s recent achievements, including the digitization of case records, implementation of awareness campaigns, progress in service delivery, and the increasing number of registered cases being handled by PWPA. She also informed the Board that the Authority had received more than 3,000 applications for its Internship Programme, reflecting growing public confidence and youth engagement. Dr. Lubna Nazir further informed the Board that the PWPA Helpline has been upgraded to a toll-free service (0800-01737) to make support services more accessible to women across Punjab. During the meeting, Secretary Punjab Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Maal Department, Ms. Sara Omar, emphasized that every woman in Punjab who needs assistance should have access to PWPA’s services. She underlined that achieving this objective requires further strengthening the Authority through enhanced human resources, institutional development, and capacity building so that PWPA can effectively extend its outreach across the province. The Board also appreciated the Authority’s growing collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), acknowledging its role as an important development partner supporting institutional strengthening and capacity-building initiatives. Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson Hina Pervaiz Butt reaffirmed PWPA’s commitment to working in close coordination with all relevant government departments and partner organizations to further strengthen Punjab’s women protection system. She stated that under the leadership and special focus of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Government of Punjab is committed to building strong and responsive institutions that provide timely protection, legal assistance, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and other essential services to women across the province. The Chairperson thanked all Board members for their valuable input and reiterated the Authority’s resolve to implement the Board’s decisions effectively to further strengthen the protection framework for women in Punjab.

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    Pakistan ‘not a hard state’, says DG I…

    Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Friday that Pakistan cannot yet be described as a “hard state,” stressing that the country’s laws must apply equally to all citizens without discrimination or elitism. Speaking at a press conference focused on the security situation in Balochistan, the military spokesperson said the briefing aimed to address concerns about the province and explain the broader national security landscape. He clarified that the term “hard state” does not refer to military rule but to a system where the rule of law is upheld uniformly, every citizen is treated equally, and all issues are resolved through legal and constitutional mechanisms. The DG ISPR urged citizens to balance demands for rights with their constitutional responsibilities. Referring to Article 5 of the Constitution, he said loyalty to the state and obedience to the Constitution and the law are fundamental obligations of every Pakistani. He added that national identity should take precedence over provincial or ethnic affiliations, emphasizing that every citizen’s foremost identity should be Pakistani. Highlighting the country’s counterterrorism efforts, Lt Gen Chaudhry said security forces have conducted 40,348 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across Pakistan so far this year, averaging around 194 operations daily, with a significant number taking place in Balochistan. According to the military spokesperson, security forces have eliminated 2,084 terrorists during 2026, averaging nearly 10 militants killed each day. He said 3,145 terrorist incidents have been recorded this year, while 819 people have lost their lives, including 303 Pakistan Army personnel, 194 members of law enforcement agencies, and 322 civilians. He also revealed that 28 suicide bombings have occurred this year, claiming that most of the attackers were Afghan nationals. He said Afghan citizens, along with individuals linked to Afghan security forces, were among those killed or arrested during counterterrorism operations. Comparing recent years, the DG ISPR said security forces killed 2,597 terrorists throughout 2025, while the total for 2026 has already reached 2,084. He noted that the effectiveness of counterterrorism operations has improved over time, with security forces now inflicting heavier losses on militant groups. Responding to questions about the increase in terrorist incidents, Lt Gen Chaudhry said militant groups affiliated with the Taliban have intensified their activities because Pakistan has adopted a firm stance against them. He added that the rise in reported incidents also reflects the growing number of proactive intelligence-based operations, which lead to more engagements between security forces and terrorists. He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to eliminating terrorism and maintaining stability across the country, particularly in Balochistan.

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    Hangu drone attack, FIR registered against TTP mil…

    HANGU: Pakistani authorities have registered a terrorism case following a deadly drone attack on the Khazina Banda police checkpost in Hangu, where officials say militants carried out a coordinated assault that left several police personnel dead and dozens injured. According to police, the case has been lodged at the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) police station in Kohat on the complaint of the station house officer (SHO). The First Information Report (FIR) names members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and includes 16 charges, including terrorism, murder, attempted murder and kidnapping. The FIR states that the attackers used a drone as part of the assault before engaging security personnel in an intense exchange of fire. According to the police report, DSP Diyar Khan was among 10 police officials martyred during the attack, while 33 other personnel sustained injuries in the fierce confrontation. Authorities said security forces responded immediately, leading to a prolonged gun battle with the militants. The FIR claims that 15 militants were killed during the retaliatory operation carried out by police. The attack also caused significant damage to government property. Police said the militants destroyed or damaged three armoured vehicles, along with other official vehicles and infrastructure at the checkpost. Investigators have launched a detailed probe to identify all individuals involved in planning and executing the assault. Officials said evidence is being collected from the attack site, while intelligence agencies are assisting in tracing the network behind the operation. The incident underscores the continuing security challenges facing law enforcement personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where militant attacks have increased in recent years. Authorities have vowed to bring all those responsible to justice, reaffirming that counterterrorism operations will continue against militant groups threatening public safety and national security. Officials also paid tribute to the police officers who lost their lives, describing their sacrifice as a testament to the force’s commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining peace in the region.

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    AJK elections, two polling stations set up in Mult…

    MULTAN: Preparations are in full swing in Multan for the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, with authorities establishing two polling stations to facilitate voters registered in the constituency. According to election officials, the polling stations have been set up for LA-42 Valley-III, where a total of 966 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots. Polling for the second phase of the AJK elections is scheduled to take place on August 2. Police said comprehensive security arrangements have been finalised to ensure a peaceful voting process. A total of 295 police personnel have been deployed at the two polling stations to maintain law and order and provide security for voters, polling staff and election materials. Election authorities said all necessary arrangements are being completed ahead of polling day. Officials confirmed that ballot papers, ballot boxes and other election materials will be delivered to the polling stations before voting begins. The contest in the constituency is expected to be closely watched, with four candidates in the race. The main competition is anticipated between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Syed Wajid Ali and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Asim Sharif Butt. The second phase of the AJK elections will cover three districts of Muzaffarabad Division as well as 12 refugee seats, making it a key stage in the electoral process. Authorities have urged voters to cooperate with security personnel and follow election rules to ensure a smooth and transparent polling process. Officials expressed confidence that the arrangements in Multan will enable eligible voters to exercise their democratic right in a safe and orderly environment.

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    Jamaat-e-Islami plans motorway blockade as part of…

    Kallar Syedan: The monthly gathering of members and workers of Jamaat-e-Islami Kallar Syedan Zone was held under the chairmanship of Zonal Ameer Muhammad Tauqeer Awan . A large number of zonal and UC office bearers, members and workers participated in the gathering. In the gathering, with reference to 7th August, and on the call of Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman , it was decided to launch a protest movement across Pakistan against the exorbitant increase in petroleum prices and unjust taxes in electricity bills. As a result, roads across the country will be blocked. Under this, a convoy from Kallar Syedan will depart for 26 Number Chungi, where the Motorway will be blocked. In this regard, it was also decided to distribute pamphlets in all the markets of Kallar Syedan Tehsil and to hold meetings with the market traders’ associations and transporters to invite them to fully participate in this strike. It was also decided to run a vigorous campaign to stop the government from further oppression of the people. In further addition, for the elections to be held on 2nd August in Kashmir LA-39 Jammu 6, responsibilities for the election campaign and polling agents for Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Mirza Tajammal Jarral were assigned.

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    Over 300 patients receive free medical treatment a…

    KETI BUNDER: More than 300 patients benefited from free healthcare services during a one-day medical camp organized at the Town Committee Gharobari in Taluka Keti Bunder, District Thatta. The camp focused on the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, hepatitis screening, and general health consultations, aiming to improve access to quality healthcare for residents of the area. The medical camp was held under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Gharobari Sorath Mazhar Abro, Mukhtiarkar Gharobari Maqsood Ahmed Jokhio, and Chairman Town Committee Gharobari Muhammad Ramzan Panhwar. Local residents, including women, children, and elderly patients, attended the camp in large numbers and received free medical examinations, medicines, and professional consultations. A team of experienced healthcare professionals, led by renowned dental surgeon Dr. Shyam Kumar of Civil Hospital Makli and Dr. Mehran Abro, conducted detailed examinations and provided treatment for various oral and dental diseases. Patients were also screened for hepatitis, while doctors educated them about preventive measures, personal hygiene, and the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment. District Health Officer (DHO) Thatta, Syed Safdar Shah, visited the camp to review the arrangements and interact with the medical staff. He appreciated the dedicated efforts of the doctors, paramedics, and organizers in delivering quality healthcare services to the local community. Speaking on the occasion, he said that free medical camps are essential for improving public health, particularly in remote and underserved areas, as they provide timely medical assistance and create awareness about disease prevention. Residents expressed gratitude to the district administration and health department for organizing the camp and hoped that similar healthcare initiatives would continue regularly to benefit people living in rural areas of Thatta.