فیچرڈ

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    Karachi weather update: Surjani Town records highe…

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    Surjani Town recorded the highest rainfall in Karachi on Saturday as monsoon activity brought light to moderate showers to several parts of the city. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), similar weather conditions are expected to continue today and tomorrow, with cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall forecast across Karachi. The city experienced highly humid weather during the morning before low-level clouds covered most areas later in the day. Light drizzle and scattered showers were reported in several neighborhoods, while suburban areas including Surjani Town, Gulshan-e-Maymar, and Scheme 33 received light to moderate rainfall. Official rainfall data released by the PMD showed that Surjani Town recorded the highest rainfall at 4 millimeters. Gulshan-e-Maymar received 3.4 millimeters, while PAF Base Masroor recorded 2.3 millimeters. Gulshan-e-Hadeed registered the lowest rainfall among the monitored locations with 1.5 millimeters. PMD spokesperson and Deputy Director Anjum Nazir Zaigham said Karachi is expected to remain mostly cloudy through Sunday and Monday, with chances of thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rain. However, he clarified that the current weather system is not expected to produce heavy rainfall in the city. According to the department’s early warning update, the low-pressure weather system has weakened after previously developing into a depression. It is currently located over southeastern Rajasthan, India. Although the system has weakened, monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal continue to influence weather conditions across Pakistan’s central and northern regions. Meteorologists also noted that a separate western weather system is affecting the country’s northern areas and could strengthen further, bringing additional rainfall to upper and central parts of Pakistan in the coming days. Meanwhile, several districts of rural Sindh are expected to experience thunderstorms, gusty winds, and moderate to heavy rainfall due to ongoing monsoon activity. Authorities have warned that heavy downpours in some districts could trigger urban flooding in low-lying areas. The PMD reported that Karachi’s maximum temperature reached 35.8 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while humidity remained high at 72 percent, contributing to muggy conditions despite the rainfall. Residents have been advised to stay updated with official weather forecasts as monsoon conditions continue to evolve across the region.

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    Pakistan stands with Nepal after broad peak avalan…

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    Pakistan has expressed solidarity with Nepal following the tragic avalanche on Broad Peak in the Karakoram mountain range, where members of an international mountaineering expedition were caught in a deadly snow slide. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination, Senator Rana Sanaullah, said Pakistan shares the grief of the Nepalese people and remains committed to supporting rescue efforts. According to Rana Sanaullah, the avalanche struck a team of 10 international climbers attempting to scale Broad Peak. The expedition included six climbers from Nepal, along with mountaineers from Pakistan, the United States, China, and Oman. He said the Government of Pakistan immediately prioritized search and rescue operations after the incident. So far, the bodies of four climbers have been recovered, including Nepalese mountaineer Pur Bahadur Gurung. Rescue teams continue to search for the remaining missing climbers despite difficult terrain and severe weather conditions. Rana Sanaullah stated that the Pakistan Army and other relevant agencies are carrying out extensive rescue operations using helicopters, drones, and all available resources. He noted that challenging weather and the remote mountainous landscape have made rescue efforts extremely difficult, but authorities remain fully committed to locating the missing climbers. The adviser explained that search teams are utilizing GPS tracking, aerial surveillance, and ground search missions to maximize the chances of finding those still unaccounted for. He emphasized that rescue operations will continue without interruption until every possible effort has been exhausted. Expressing condolences to the families of the victims, Rana Sanaullah said Nepalese climbers, along with other international mountaineers, are highly respected in Pakistan for their contributions to global mountaineering. He added that Pakistan values its long-standing friendship with Nepal and stands with the families affected by the tragedy during this difficult time. He further reaffirmed that the government will continue to deploy all available resources until the search mission is completed. Pakistan, he said, remains committed to assisting the international climbing community and ensuring that every effort is made to locate the missing members of the expedition. The Broad Peak avalanche has once again highlighted the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering in the Karakoram, where unpredictable weather, avalanches, and challenging terrain continue to pose significant risks even to experienced climbers. Authorities have pledged to maintain rescue operations while closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure the safety of rescue personnel.

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    Explosion reported near oil tanker off Oman coast,…

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    A powerful explosion was reported near a commercial oil tanker off the coast of Oman on Saturday, raising fresh concerns about maritime security in one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, while no casualties or damage have been reported so far. According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a commercial vessel reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a large splash in the water near its location. The incident occurred approximately 21 nautical miles (39 kilometers) northeast of Khasab, Oman, close to the Strait of Hormuz. Initial reports indicate that the explosion took place near the tanker rather than on board the vessel. The ship continued its voyage without reporting any structural damage, and there have been no reports of injuries among the crew. In an official advisory, UKMTO confirmed that the cause of the explosion remains unknown and that investigations are ongoing. Authorities have not identified the source of the blast or determined whether it was the result of an accident, a security incident, or another cause. Following the incident, UKMTO urged all commercial and cargo vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters to exercise extreme caution. Ship operators were advised to immediately report any suspicious activity, explosions, or security threats to the relevant maritime authorities. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest and most strategically significant maritime chokepoints, serving as a vital route for global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any security incident in the area is closely monitored by governments, shipping companies, and energy markets because of its potential impact on international trade and energy supplies. The reported explosion comes at a time of heightened tensions across the Middle East, with regional security concerns continuing to affect maritime operations. Although no link has been established between the blast and any ongoing geopolitical developments, the incident has renewed attention on the safety of commercial shipping in the Gulf region. Maritime authorities are expected to release further details once the investigation progresses. Until then, vessels navigating the area have been advised to remain alert, follow official guidance, and maintain close communication with regional maritime security agencies.

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    US General warns more warships are needed to defen…

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    A senior US military commander has reportedly warned the Pentagon that without additional naval resources, the United States may be forced to prioritize its own national defense over the defense of Israel. The reported warning underscores the growing strain on American military capabilities amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran. According to a report by The Washington Post, General Alexus Grynkewich, the top US military commander in Europe, informed Pentagon officials this week that the number of US Navy destroyers currently available is insufficient to continue defending Israel against ballistic missile threats while maintaining broader US security commitments. The report states that General Grynkewich submitted a written assessment to senior Pentagon leaders, warning that unless another guided-missile destroyer is assigned to his command, he may have no choice but to give priority to defending the United States rather than supporting Israel’s missile defense. US defense officials quoted in the report said the message reflects a long-standing military practice in which commanders notify the Pentagon when operational demands begin to exceed available resources. Such assessments are intended to help civilian and military leaders make decisions about force allocation and strategic priorities. The reported warning comes as the conflict involving Iran has placed increasing pressure on US military assets over the past several months. Continuous naval operations, missile defense missions, and regional security responsibilities have stretched the availability of key warships and other defense resources. US Navy destroyers stationed in the eastern Mediterranean have played a significant role in supporting Israel’s defense by helping intercept ballistic missiles and other aerial threats. Equipped with advanced radar systems and missile defense capabilities, these vessels have also been used to counter attacks launched by Iran-backed Houthi forces operating from Yemen. The report noted that US European Command is responsible for coordinating military operations across Europe and the Mediterranean while also maintaining readiness to respond to potential security challenges involving NATO allies. Balancing these commitments with operations in the Middle East has become increasingly difficult as demand for naval assets continues to grow. Despite plans to expand the US naval presence in Europe with an additional destroyer later this year, officials reportedly remain concerned about maintenance requirements and operational fatigue affecting the existing fleet. The report also said additional US naval forces, including aircraft carriers and multiple destroyers, remain deployed in the Arabian Sea and the Red Sea to support regional operations and safeguard commercial shipping routes. The reported warning highlights the strategic challenges facing US defense planners as they seek to balance commitments to allies with broader national security priorities amid rising tensions in the Middle East

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    Khawaja Asif urges Mohsin Naqvi to start system re…

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    Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has advised Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to begin efforts for changing the system by ensuring the implementation of the National Action Plan and improving performance within his own ministry. Reacting to Mohsin Naqvi’s recent remarks about weaknesses in the existing system, Khawaja Asif said he personally agrees to a large extent with the concerns raised by the interior minister. However, he emphasized that meaningful reforms should be pursued through constitutional and legal platforms, particularly Parliament and the cabinet. In a statement shared on social media, Khawaja Asif said that discussions about major reforms would produce better results if they were presented on parliamentary forums. He added that Parliament provides the appropriate platform for strengthening institutions and bringing sustainable changes through a constitutional process. The defence minister described Mohsin Naqvi as a powerful figure within the government and said that he should use his position to initiate practical reforms. He suggested that the process of system improvement should begin from the Interior Ministry and through the implementation of the National Action Plan. Khawaja Asif said that the evolution of the current system has been influenced by group and personal interests over several decades, and there is now a need to make institutions stronger and more independent. He stressed that reforms should not remain limited to statements but should be translated into practical measures. He further stated that important national issues should be discussed in constitutional forums such as Parliament and cabinet meetings. According to him, involving these institutions would strengthen the system, while discussions outside constitutional platforms may not have the same impact or acceptance. The defence minister also referred to the National Action Plan and said that out of the 13 points highlighted by the military leadership, the points related to the armed forces are being implemented through significant sacrifices. However, he claimed that several points under the responsibility of the Interior Ministry still require progress. Khawaja Asif urged Mohsin Naqvi to take the first step toward system reform by focusing on responsibilities already assigned to his ministry. He said that not only the business community but the entire nation would support genuine efforts aimed at improving governance and strengthening national institutions. He concluded that while discussions on reform are important, real change requires consistent action, institutional cooperation, and progress through established constitutional mechanisms.

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    Azad Kashmir elections 2026: second phase polling …

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    The second phase of the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly Elections 2026 is being held today, with polling taking place in the Muzaffarabad Division and migrant constituencies. Voters in nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad Division and 12 migrant seats will exercise their right to vote as the electoral process moves forward. Election authorities completed preparations for the polling process, including the transportation of election materials and deployment of staff at polling stations. Voting will begin at 8:00 am and continue until 5:00 pm without interruption. The Muzaffarabad Division includes three districts — Muzaffarabad, Neelum, and Jhelum Valley. A total of 890,621 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots across nine constituencies in the division. According to election officials, 1,483 polling stations have been established throughout Muzaffarabad Division to facilitate voters. A total of 208 candidates are contesting the nine seats, including nominees from major political parties such as the Pakistan Peoples Party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, other political groups, and independent candidates. In addition to the Muzaffarabad Division seats, polling is also being conducted for 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri migrants living in different parts of Pakistan. These include six seats from the Jammu region and six seats from the Valley region, where registered Kashmiri voters will participate in the election. The migrant constituencies include Jammu seats from LA-34 Jammu-1 to LA-39 Jammu-6, while Valley seats range from LA-40 Valley-1 to LA-45 Valley-6. Speaking to Geo News, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said elections are conducted in phases due to security considerations. He stated that although uncertainty existed in Muzaffarabad earlier, the law and order situation has improved and is better than before. Authorities have made security arrangements to ensure a peaceful voting process and have urged citizens to participate responsibly. The Election Commission has emphasized that maintaining a secure environment and ensuring transparency remain key priorities during the polling process. The second phase of the Azad Kashmir Elections 2026 is expected to determine representatives for important constituencies and further shape the political landscape of the region.

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    Thousands of migrants leave Spain’s Ceuta after …

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    Thousands of migrants have returned to Morocco after spending several days in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta following one of the largest attempted border crossings in the territory’s history. Many migrants said they left because of hunger, exhaustion, and disappointment after finding limited support and few opportunities in Ceuta. Spanish soldiers and Civil Guard officers guided groups of migrants back toward the Moroccan border crossing on Saturday. Many of those returning were young men who appeared physically exhausted after days of wandering through the city with little food or shelter. Some were barefoot, while others carried Red Cross blankets after receiving emergency assistance. Among those returning was 23-year-old Abdel Latif, who said he had hoped to find work and a better future in Europe. He explained that unemployment in Morocco pushed him to attempt the dangerous journey, but he decided to leave Ceuta after struggling to find food and support. The massive influx saw tens of thousands of migrants enter Ceuta over a period of two to three days. Local officials estimated that around 60,000 people reached the enclave, while Spain’s Interior Ministry reported a lower figure. The surge created a major humanitarian and political challenge for Spanish authorities. Many migrants attempted to reach Ceuta by swimming around border barriers in the Mediterranean Sea. Several people collapsed after completing the dangerous crossing, with Red Cross teams providing emergency treatment. At least dozens of migrants reportedly died while attempting to reach the Spanish territory. Spanish officials said that the majority of those who entered Ceuta had already returned to Morocco. Authorities have increased security measures along the maritime border, including the installation of floating barriers to prevent further crossings. Ceuta, home to around 84,000 residents, is one of only two European land borders located in Africa, along with Melilla. The territory has long been a major destination for migrants hoping to enter Europe in search of employment and improved living conditions.   Many migrants said their motivation was driven by economic hardship. Some described difficult working conditions and low wages in Morocco, saying they were searching for stability and better opportunities. Meanwhile, daily life in Ceuta has gradually returned to normal, with shops reopening and traffic resuming after the disruption caused by the migrant surge. However, some residents remain concerned about future migration pressures, while others say security improvements have restored a sense of stability. The latest events have once again highlighted the complex challenges facing Europe and North Africa in managing migration, border security, and humanitarian needs.

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    Ishaq Dar inaugurates 983rd Urs of Hazrat Data Gan…

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    Lahore: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, formally inaugurated the 983rd Annual Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri (RA), widely revered as Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), by performing the traditional Chadar Poshi ceremony and inaugurating the ceremonial Sabeel-e-Doodh. On this auspicious occasion, he also unveiled the Punjab Auqaf & Religious Affairs Department’s special publication, “Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) – Kamalaan Raa Rahnuma,” and reaffirmed that Pakistan was founded upon the eternal principles of Islam and the sovereignty of Almighty Allah, ideals that were magnificently exemplified and disseminated by the great Sufi saints through their scholarship, spirituality, and exemplary character. He observed that the timeless teachings of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), centred on compassion, tolerance, justice, fraternity, piety and selfless service to humanity, continue to illuminate the path towards peace, national cohesion and social harmony. The ceremony was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab Ali Dar, Provincial Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin, Provincial Minister for Finance Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Senior Member Board of Revenue Nabeel Javed, Secretary Excise Masood Mukhtar, Commissioner Lahore Nauman Yousaf, Secretary/Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, Director General Religious Affairs Hafiz Anees-ur-Rehman, Director Administration Auqaf Muhammad Shakir Sandhu, Director Projects Auqaf Rafiq Noor Wattoo, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Ali Ijaz, Administrator Data Darbar Muhammad Ali Khan, GM NESPAK Adil Nazir, and senior officers of the Auqaf Department, civil administration, law enforcement and security agencies. The annual Chadar Poshi ceremony was gracefully conducted by Maulana Mufti Kashif Jameel as Naqeeb-e-Mehfil, while the honour of Qur’anic recitation was bestowed upon Qari Syed Sadaqat Ali and Qari Ghulam Fareed Al-Hassani. Renowned Naat Khawans—Qari Muhammad Anas Mukhtar, Dr. Sarwar Hussain Naqshbandi, Hafiz Muhammad Waseem Abbas, Hafiz Noor Sultan Siddiqui, Marghoob Ahmad Hamdani, Abdul Razzaq Jami and Habib-ur-Rehman Bhatti—presented heartfelt tributes in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), while Umar Chishti Group and Riaz Hussain Group presented soul-stirring Manqabat and Salaam. Floral tributes were offered at the sacred shrine, distinguished guests were ceremonially honoured with traditional turbans, and special collective prayers were led by Allama Mukhtar Ahmad Nadeem, Khateeb of Jamia Masjid Data Darbar. Following the ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister officially launched the commemorative publication and received an extensive briefing from officials of the Communication & Works Department and NESPAK regarding the Data Darbar Expansion Project. Commending the Government of Punjab for its exceptional arrangements, Senator Ishaq Dar described the service of millions of devotees as a profound religious obligation and a matter of immense privilege, while paying rich tribute to the comprehensive security architecture, sanitation, healthcare, traffic management and public facilitation measures, and especially acknowledging the outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication of Dr. Ehsan Bhutta and his entire team. Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab Ali Dar remarked that the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) remains an enduring symbol of spirituality, peace and interfaith harmony across the Subcontinent, adding that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, every possible resource has been mobilised to ensure a secure, dignified and spiritually enriching experience for pilgrims. Dr. Ehsan Bhutta further stated that, under the continuous supervision of the Chief Secretary Punjab, all Urs arrangements had been completed well in advance and to the highest professional standards, with special emphasis on security, Langar, Sabeel, medical services, cleanliness, parking, traffic management, control rooms and guidance centres. Multi-tier security measures were implemented throughout the shrine complex in close coordination with law enforcement agencies, including comprehensive search operations, deployment of armed personnel on surrounding high-rise buildings and stringent surveillance protocols, while additional personnel from the Tourism Department were also deployed to facilitate visitors. The inaugural day of the Urs witnessed an extraordinary influx of devotees from across Pakistan who thronged the sacred shrine to offer chadars, floral tributes and prayers, as the atmosphere resonated with devotional fervour, traditional drum performances and the continuous distribution of Langar. The first day also featured four prestigious spiritual and scholarly gatherings, including a Mehfil-e-Husn-e-Qira’at, an academic and educational session at Jamia Hajveria, a scholarly discourse titled “The Life and Legacy of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA)”, and a grand Mehfil-e-Naat, while the three-day Urs celebrations will continue with the inauguration of the traditional Mehafil-e-Samaa on 3 August at 10:00 a.m. at Rashid Events Complex, Chowk Sardar, Chappal Factory, Bilal Ganj, Lahore, where some of Pakistan’s most distinguished Qawwals will participate in the revered musical assemblies.

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    Mohsin Naqvi reviews 24/7 NADRA center

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    Lahore: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid a visit to the 24/7 NADRA Mega Center at Shimla Pahari, where he inspected the services and facilities available to the public. During the visit, he expressed satisfaction with the center’s performance and praised the quality of services being provided to citizens. The minister interacted directly with visitors applying for identity cards and other official documents, listening to their concerns and seeking feedback on the overall service experience. He also toured different service counters, met NADRA staff, and reviewed operational arrangements to ensure efficient public service delivery. Responding promptly to public complaints, Mohsin Naqvi directed officials to immediately resolve the issues faced by two citizens. He also took notice of complaints regarding excessive parking charges outside the center and called for appropriate action to address the matter. Highlighting the importance of improving public services, the interior minister announced that the system for accessing the Family Registration Certificate (FRC) track record would be streamlined to make the process more efficient and user-friendly. Recalling his previous visit to the Shimla Pahari NADRA Center, Naqvi said he was encouraged by the positive feedback received from citizens. He emphasized that public trust and satisfaction remain the true measure of an institution’s success and commended NADRA Chairman and the entire team for their dedication and performance in serving the people.

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    Sindh clarifies 6-day school week: Rule applies on…

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    Karachi: Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah has clarified that the province’s six-day school week policy will apply only to government schools, while private educational institutions will remain free to determine their own weekly schedules. The clarification came after a notification issued by the Sindh School Education Department stated that both public and private schools would resume classes from August 1 under a six-day teaching schedule, leading to confusion among parents and school administrations. Addressing the issue through a statement on social media, Sardar Ali Shah explained that all government schools across Sindh will conduct academic activities six days a week starting August 1, 2026, in line with the department’s decision. He further emphasized that the revised working schedule is not mandatory for private schools. Instead, private educational institutions will continue to set their operating days and working hours according to their own policies. The minister’s clarification has resolved uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the new academic schedule, confirming that only government-run schools are required to follow the six-day teaching week.