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  ISLAMABAD: The US Department of Defense has dismissed three senior officials associated with the military newspaper citing allegations of insubordination in a move that has intensified concerns over editorial independence and Pentagon oversight of the publication. The officials have been given five days to appeal the decisions, according to US media reports. The dismissals of Slavík and Kurt are reportedly connected to their appearance where they discussed the newspaper’s editorial independence and the Pentagon’s proposed changes to its operations. During the interview, both journalists defended the principle that Stars and Stripes should be able to maintain independent editorial judgment while continuing to serve members of the US military and their families. Slavík said in his dismissal notice that he was being removed after publicly stating that censorship of news intended for service members would cross a “red line.” He maintained that Stars and Stripes should retain its editorial independence and said he stood by the position he expressed during the interview. Kurt also confirmed that she had received a dismissal notice. During the interview, she reportedly emphasised that her professional responsibility was to Stars and Stripes rather than to the Pentagon, a particular administration or individual policymakers. She also argued that members of the US military swear an oath to defend the Constitution and therefore should have access to a free and independent press. Lederer’s dismissal appears to have stemmed from a separate dispute with Defense Department officials. According to reports, Lederer declined to follow certain Pentagon instructions concerning action against journalists. His removal also came earlier than expected, as he had reportedly planned to retire on September 30. The developments come amid months of tension between Stars and Stripes and Defense Department officials over the future direction of the publication. Although the newspaper receives funding from the Pentagon, Stars and Stripes has traditionally maintained a degree of editorial independence and has served as a source of news for US military personnel, veterans and their families. Defense officials have been seeking to reshape the publication’s coverage, placing greater emphasis on combat operations, weapons systems, physical fitness, military readiness and troop survival. Some other areas of coverage have reportedly been described by officials as less essential to service members. The dispute became more prominent after Stars and Stripes published reports examining conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, as well as concerns raised by military families regarding the mental health and welfare of troops. A Pentagon spokesperson did not provide extensive details about the dismissals but referred to an open letter from Deputy Publisher Capt. William Urban. Urban has called for the newspaper to modernise its operations, strengthen its digital presence and generate additional revenue. At the same time, he has stressed the importance of maintaining professional editorial standards. The dismissals have renewed discussion within US military journalism about how an independent press serving military personnel should operate while receiving government funding. Supporters of Stars and Stripes argue that troops need independent reporting that can examine military policies and conditions without interference. Pentagon officials, meanwhile, have sought greater alignment between the publication’s priorities and the department’s broader communication and operational objectives. The controversy is therefore likely to continue raising questions about the appropriate limits of Pentagon oversight and the editorial freedom of a publication that has served US military communities for decades.

  ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal government paid a total of Rs6,405 billion to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in capacity payments between 2020 and 2025, the National Assembly has been informed, highlighting the growing financial burden associated with the country’s power sector. According to a written response submitted by Federal Minister for Energy Awais Ahmad Leghari, capacity payments increased significantly during the five-year period despite government efforts to renegotiate power purchase agreements and reduce electricity costs. The figures presented to the National Assembly show that capacity payments rose from Rs613.9 billion in FY2020-21 to Rs1,807 billion in FY2024-25. This represents an increase of approximately 194% over the period. The government paid Rs613.9 billion in capacity charges during FY2020-21. The amount increased to Rs775.9 billion in FY2021-22 before rising sharply to Rs1,307 billion in FY2022-23. Capacity payments reached their highest level during FY2023-24, when the government paid around Rs1.902 trillion to IPPs. Although the amount declined slightly in FY2024-25 to Rs1.807 trillion it remained almost three times higher than the amount paid in FY2020-21. Capacity payments are charges made to power producers for keeping their generating plants available to supply electricity, regardless of whether the full generation capacity is actually utilised. These payments are part of the contractual arrangements between the government and IPPs and have frequently been identified as one of the factors contributing to Pakistan’s expensive electricity system and growing circular debt. Responding to questions in the National Assembly, Energy Minister Awais Ahmad Leghari said the government has taken several measures to reduce the financial pressure created by existing power agreements. According to the minister, a government task force has terminated power purchase agreements with six IPPs, while agreements with several other producers have also been revised. The objective of these measures is to reduce electricity costs and limit the financial burden on the national power sector. The Ministry of Energy estimates that the changes made to the agreements could result in savings of approximately Rs4.3 trillion over the remaining life of the contracts. Leghari also clarified that payments made to power producers are based on tariffs determined by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) and the terms agreed under the relevant power purchase agreements. He rejected the impression that generators were receiving payments outside the approved contractual and regulatory framework, stating that there were no additional payments beyond the applicable arrangements. Despite the government’s renegotiation efforts, the figures show that capacity payments continue to represent a major financial obligation for Pakistan. The Rs1.807 trillion paid in FY2024-25 alone demonstrates the scale of the challenge facing the country’s power sector. The government’s efforts to terminate and revise agreements are expected to provide substantial savings in the coming years. However, reducing capacity payments and addressing the broader issues of electricity pricing, power utilisation and circular debt remain critical challenges for Pakistan’s energy sector.

  LAHORE: The Executive Development Institute (EDI) of the National School of Public Policy (NSPP), Lahore, successfully conducted the fifth course of its three-day Directors’ Training Program (DTP) for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) from August 19 to 21, 2026. The training initiative was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and focused on enhancing corporate governance, leadership and institutional performance within SOEs. A total of 21 participants from across Pakistan attended the program, representing federal and provincial governments as well as the private sector. Participants included officials and executives from the Ministry of Industries and Production, SECP, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, Pakistan Airports Authority, NESPAK, PASSCO, Northern Power Generation Company Limited, WAPDA, Water and Sanitation Services Company Haripur, Punjab Mineral Company, Punjab Police, Universal Service Fund, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center, and Lahore Development Authority. Rector NSPP Mr. Farhan Aziz Khawaja welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of strengthening corporate governance through quality professional training. He said the program aimed to establish a new benchmark in governance training with the support of SECP. He also emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability and responsible leadership in public-sector organizations. Dr. Naveed Elahi, Dean EDI, provided an overview of the training program and explained its focus on improving SOE governance and performance through effective leadership. He said the course addressed contemporary governance requirements, including directors’ legal responsibilities, board effectiveness, risk management and ethical decision-making. He encouraged participants to actively engage in case studies, simulations, discussions and networking opportunities throughout the training. The program featured a distinguished panel of guest speakers, including Mr. Abdul Rehman Warraich former SECP Commissioner; Dr. Ishrat Hussain, former Advisor to the Prime Minister; Mr. Kashif Ahmad Noor Military Accountant General; Mr. Farhan Aziz Khawaja, Rector NSPP/DG CSA; Dr. Irum Saba Director, IBA Karachi; Mr. Muhammad Anwar Sheikh retired Federal Additional Secretary, Finance Division; Mr. Mairaj A. Ariff, former Director General, NIPA Quetta; Dr. Kashif Zafar Dean-SST, UMT Lahore; Mr. Imtiaz Mahmood Company Secretary, SNGPL; Mr. Tariq Bajwa former Governor State Bank of Pakistan and Ex-SAPM on Finance; and Mr. Salman Amin Member, Competition Commission of Pakistan. The three-day course covered a wide range of topics, including principles of corporate governance, SOE reforms and legal frameworks, government stewardship, directors’ selection and performance evaluation, external and internal audits, audit committees, organizational culture, Islamic finance, financial risk governance, public service obligations, competitive neutrality, business planning, cybersecurity, digitization, reporting and disclosure, board composition and structure, as well as board simulations and case studies. During the closing session, Rector NSPP thanked the participants for their active participation and valuable contributions. He also appreciated the efforts of the Dean EDI and his team in successfully organizing the program. Participants showed keen interest throughout the course and actively participated in question-and-answer sessions. At the conclusion of the training, Rector NSPP, along with the Dean EDI, distributed certificates among the participants, formally marking the successful completion of the fifth Directors’ Training Program for State-Owned Enterprises.

  ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken serious notice of the use of a ceremonial horse-drawn buggy by Islamabad’s Chief Commissioner and Inspector General of Police (IGP) during an official function held on August 14, according to official documents. The incident occurred during the Independence Day celebrations in Islamabad, when Chief Commissioner Lt. (Retd.) Sohail Ashraf and IGP Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi travelled to the event in the ceremonial buggy. The display later drew criticism on social media and prompted the government to issue an advisory to both senior officials. According to documents, a formal advisory was issued on Monday by Establishment Division Joint Secretary (Discipline) Syeda Shafaq Hashmi to the Islamabad IGP and Chief Commissioner. The advisory stated that the prime minister had expressed “disappointment and displeasure” over the incident and had taken a serious view of the matter. The document noted that the use of the ceremonial vehicle had attracted considerable public criticism and created an impression of excessive pomp and privilege. It said such a display was inconsistent with the values and responsibilities associated with public service. The advisory reminded the officials that civil servants and public office holders serve the people and are expected to maintain humility, restraint, dignity and sound judgment while performing their duties. According to the Establishment Division, conduct that conveys an impression of ostentation or personal privilege can negatively affect public confidence in government institutions. The advisory stressed that senior government functionaries are expected to maintain high standards of propriety, discipline and responsible governance. The officials were directed to exercise greater caution in the discharge of their responsibilities and ensure that such an incident does not happen again. The instructions were issued for “strict compliance” in both letter and spirit. The controversy gained wider attention after photographs and videos of the two officials using the buggy circulated on social media during the Independence Day celebrations. The incident prompted Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to clarify the circumstances surrounding the officials’ use of the ceremonial vehicle. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi defended the Islamabad police chief and chief commissioner, saying that neither official should be blamed for using the buggy. In a statement posted on X on August 15, Naqvi acknowledged that the situation had not unfolded as intended but said the two officials were not responsible for the decision. Naqvi explained that the ceremonial buggy had originally been arranged for the chief guest. However, the chief guest and the interior minister were delayed because of a meeting involving President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said the two Islamabad officials had initially been reluctant to begin the programme in the absence of the chief guest and the interior minister. However, they were specifically instructed to proceed with the event so that members of the public would not face unnecessary inconvenience. “The buggy was arranged for the chief guest but, unfortunately, due to unavoidable circumstances, it was used by the officers,” Naqvi explained. The minister further said that both officials had initially resisted proceeding without the dignitaries but ultimately followed the instructions given to them. Naqvi also thanked Islamabad residents for participating in the August 14 celebrations and helping make the Independence Day event successful. The episode has since sparked discussion about appropriate conduct, public perception and the standards expected from senior government officials, with the prime minister’s advisory stressing the importance of maintaining humility and public trust.

  FAISALABAD: Police in Faisalabad have arrested a suspect accused of killing a 10-year-old boy after allegedly attempting to sexually assault him and attacking him when the child resisted. According to police, the suspect was identified as Saqib, who reportedly lived in the same neighbourhood as the victim. He was taken into custody during questioning of several suspects as part of the investigation into the child’s murder. Police said the suspect eventually confessed during interrogation to killing the boy by cutting his throat with a sharp-edged weapon. Further legal proceedings against the accused are currently underway. According to a police spokesperson, the victim, identified as 10-year-old Bilal, was a resident of Rehmanpura in Faisalabad. The child had reportedly left his home five days earlier to buy ice when the suspect allegedly approached him and took him to an isolated location on the pretext of going somewhere with him. Police said the suspect then allegedly attempted to sexually assault the child. When Bilal resisted, the suspect attacked him with a sharp-edged weapon, cutting his throat and killing him before fleeing the scene. The child’s body was later recovered, prompting his father to approach the police and lodge a case against unidentified individuals. Police subsequently launched an investigation and began searching for those involved in the killing. As part of the investigation, police questioned several individuals who were considered suspects or persons of interest. During questioning, investigators reportedly found Saqib’s statements suspicious and took him into custody for further interrogation. Police said that during the subsequent investigation, the suspect confessed to killing Bilal. Investigators are now carrying out further legal proceedings against him. The incident has caused concern in the area, with the killing of the child prompting demands for swift action against those responsible. Police officials said the investigation would continue and that further evidence would be collected as part of the case. Authorities are expected to present the accused before the relevant court as the legal process moves forward. Police said action would be taken in accordance with the law following the completion of the investigation. The case has also highlighted concerns surrounding the safety of children in local communities, particularly when they leave their homes alone. Law enforcement officials have urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure that children are not exposed to potentially unsafe situations. Police officials said they were examining all aspects of the case and would determine the circumstances surrounding the crime through evidence collected during the investigation. Further developments are expected as the legal proceedings continue. The accused remains in police custody as authorities proceed with the investigation into the alleged sexual assault attempt and subsequent killing of the 10-year-old boy. The police have not yet disclosed further details regarding the evidence recovered from the scene or whether additional suspects are being investigated. The incident remains under investigation, and the final determination of the accused’s guilt will be made by the court based on the evidence presented during the legal proceedings.

HANGU: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has announced that he will personally lead Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers during the party’s planned long march to Islamabad on September 27, insisting that the date is final and the movement will continue until its demands are met. Speaking during a visit to Hangu on Saturday, Afridi addressed PTI gatherings at Hangu Bazaar Chowk and Abu Bakr Siddique Chowk as part of preparations for the party’s street movement. PTI provincial president Junaid Akbar Khan, provincial ministers and other party leaders and workers were also present. Afridi called on party supporters to begin full preparations for the march, saying there would be no retreat. He told workers that he would lead them to Islamabad and expressed confidence that the movement would return with success. The chief minister also criticised what he described as the failure to implement a Supreme Court directive concerning PTI founder Imran Khan’s medical treatment. Afridi claimed that a three-member bench had ordered arrangements for Khan’s treatment at Shifa International Hospital, but the directive had not been carried out despite time being granted for implementation. He accused the authorities of applying court orders selectively, alleging that decisions involving PTI and its supporters were enforced quickly while the order concerning Khan’s treatment remained unimplemented. Afridi urged the judiciary to ensure that laws and court decisions were applied equally, arguing that the country could not operate under separate standards for different groups. Turning to the economy, the chief minister claimed that Pakistan’s public debt had climbed to Rs97 trillion while inflation and financial pressures continued to affect ordinary citizens. He also alleged that industrial investment was shifting abroad and that farmers were facing increasing difficulties. Afridi portrayed Imran Khan as a unifying national figure and argued that his return would help rebuild public trust in state institutions and contribute to political stability. He also criticised government policies that he said were contributing to loss of life while benefiting a limited section of society. Appealing particularly to young Pakistanis, Afridi urged them to take an active role in the September 27 movement. He said the youth make up a major share of PTI’s supporters and argued that they should play a decisive role in determining the country’s political future.

QUETTA: A security official was martyred and six others were injured when an explosive device targeted a security convoy in Khad Kocha, Mastung district, on Saturday, police said. According to officials, the bomb had been planted near Gro in the Khad Kocha area along the Quetta-Karachi National Highway. It was detonated as security vehicles passed through the area, striking one of the vehicles. A senior police officer confirmed the death and injuries, saying the remaining vehicles in the convoy were not affected by the explosion. Following the blast, an exchange of fire continued in the area for some time. Police officials said the attackers fled after additional security personnel arrived at the scene. The deceased official and injured personnel were taken to Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Raisani Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. Authorities subsequently closed the highway, disrupting traffic at several points, while security forces launched a search operation to locate those responsible. The incident came a day after another explosion in the same area killed four labourers working in an apple orchard and injured three others. Medical officials said the victims had suffered visible splinter injuries.

ABBOTTABAD: The Pride of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Awards 2026 have opened nominations to recognise 15 individuals whose achievements, professional excellence and contributions have made a meaningful impact across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The awards will be presented on 15 September 2026 at COMSATS University Abbottabad during the Metrix Pakistan Youth Summit 9th Edition. The summit is being organised by Metrix Pakistan and powered by the Directorate of Youth Affairs, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The initiative is aimed at bringing deserving individuals into the spotlight and acknowledging achievements across a diverse range of fields, including education, sports, entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, social development, youth leadership, women empowerment, arts and culture, media, healthcare, public service, volunteerism and other areas of outstanding contribution. According to the organisers, the selection of the 15 award recipients will be based on 100 percent merit, with emphasis on the quality, impact and significance of each nominee’s work. The organisers have stressed that the awards are intended to recognise genuine achievement without influence or favouritism. Each selected recipient will receive an official Pride of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa shield and certificate during the ceremony. The organisers have invited nominations from across the province and encouraged individuals, institutions and organisations to nominate people whose work reflects excellence, leadership, innovation, community service or a sustained contribution to society. Applications can be submitted through prideofkp.pk/register, while the deadline for nominations is 5 September 2026. After the application period closes, nominations will be reviewed by the relevant team as part of the selection process. Shortlisted nominees will be contacted through their registered email addresses with further information regarding the awards. The Pride of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Awards have previously held four flagship ceremonies in recent times, providing recognition to individuals from different sectors and backgrounds who have contributed to the province through their work and achievements. This year’s awards will be part of the Metrix Pakistan Youth Summit 9th Edition, bringing together young people, professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, community leaders and other stakeholders on a common platform. The awards will add a dedicated recognition component to the summit by celebrating individuals whose efforts represent excellence and positive impact in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The organisers said the initiative is intended not only to honour established achievers but also to encourage a culture in which talent, hard work, service and measurable impact are recognised on merit.