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    10 electric buses arrive in Azad Kashmir

    ByJustpaste.in

    Ten electric buses have been delivered to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) from Islamabad as part of a new public transport initiative for the region. The buses have been provided by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The initiative follows an announcement made by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif during a public gathering in Muzaffarabad. Nawaz Sharif had announced that electric buses would be provided to AJK to improve public transport facilities in the region. The arrival of the first 10 buses marks progress towards implementing that announcement. The new buses are expected to provide residents with a modern transport option. They are also aimed at improving the quality of public transportation and making daily travel more convenient for citizens. The electric buses were transported from Islamabad to Azad Kashmir. Their arrival is likely to support efforts to upgrade the region’s existing public transport system. The initiative is also significant because electric buses can help reduce dependence on conventional fuel-powered public transport. Their use can contribute to lower emissions and cleaner urban environments. The provision of the buses reflects cooperation between Punjab and the AJK administration in the transport sector. The initiative is expected to benefit commuters, particularly those who rely on public transport for work, education and other daily activities. The announcement was made during Nawaz Sharif’s address in Muzaffarabad, where he spoke about development and public welfare initiatives for Azad Kashmir. The arrival of the buses is expected to be followed by further steps to put them into service for the public. Authorities will determine their routes and operational arrangements. The initiative is being viewed as part of broader efforts to introduce modern and environmentally friendly transportation facilities in AJK.

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    Pakistan swimmers struggle again at Commonwealth Games

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s disappointing run in swimming continued on the second day of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. All four Pakistani swimmers competing on Saturday failed to advance beyond the heats in their respective events. In the women’s 200-metre freestyle, Jehan Ara Nabi finished 29th among 36 competitors. She recorded a time of 2 minutes and 11.16 seconds. Her performance was not enough to secure a place in the final. Ahmed Durrani competed in the men’s 400-metre freestyle. He completed the race in 4 minutes and 14.85 seconds. He finished 22nd among 27 swimmers. As a result, he could not qualify for the final. Hamza Asif took part in the men’s 50-metre freestyle. He finished the race in 24.17 seconds. He stood 39th among 68 swimmers. Only the top 16 competitors progressed to the semi-finals. Asif therefore missed out on the next round. Hareem Malik represented Pakistan in the women’s 100-metre breaststroke. She clocked 1 minute and 22.51 seconds. She finished 27th among 28 swimmers. Her result also ended her campaign in the event as she failed to qualify for the semi-finals. The results added to a difficult start for Pakistan’s swimming team at the Games. None of the four swimmers competing on the second day managed to move into the next stage of their events. Durrani and Jehan Ara Nabi had also failed to advance beyond the heats on the opening day. Their second-day performances therefore continued Pakistan’s struggle to make progress in the swimming competition. Pakistan is competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a 36-member contingent. The national athletes are taking part in different sporting events and are seeking strong performances against competitors from across the Commonwealth. For the Pakistani swimmers, however, the opening days in Glasgow have proved challenging. The national contingent will now look to its remaining athletes and events for improved results as Pakistan continues its campaign at the Games.

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    Cockroach’ protests end in stunning victory

    ByJustpaste.in

    India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday after days of youth-led protests over alleged irregularities in major entrance examinations. The resignation came as thousands of young people gathered in New Delhi and other parts of the country under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The protesters had demanded Pradhan’s removal and major reforms to the country’s examination system. They also raised wider concerns about unemployment and limited opportunities for young people. Pradhan confirmed that he had submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a statement, he said he was deeply concerned about the events of the previous 10 days. He said the decision was not about personal prestige. He added that India’s youth were an important strength of the country and said efforts were needed to prevent young people from becoming trapped in uncertainty. The announcement immediately triggered celebrations at the main protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke told the cheering crowd, “We have done it.” Hundreds of protesters responded with loud applause and celebrations. The CJP later announced that its demands had been accepted following talks with the government. It said the protests would therefore be called off. The movement had focused on alleged irregularities in examinations, including concerns over the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Protesters demanded greater transparency and accountability in the examination system. They also called for compensation for people affected by examination irregularities. Another demand was the withdrawal of legal cases against protesters. The government held two rounds of talks with CJP representatives during the week. However, the discussions initially failed to produce an agreement. Pradhan submitted his resignation before a third round of talks was scheduled. The protests also faced a strong response from police. Authorities used tear gas and batons when demonstrators attempted to march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament. The campaign gradually expanded beyond examination issues. Protesters also highlighted unemployment, lack of opportunities for young people and broader concerns about governance. The demonstrations became one of the most significant challenges to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government since his re-election in 2024. India’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also backed the protesters. He described Pradhan’s resignation as a major development and urged Modi to apologise to students and address their concerns. Gandhi also called for action against those accused of violence against students during the demonstrations. The resignation brought an emotional response from protesters. One 27-year-old participant who visited the protest site for the first time on Saturday described the atmosphere as highly charged, particularly after the minister’s resignation.

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    Come to streets, we’ll serve you water’: Nasir

    ByJustpaste.in

    Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has responded strongly to recent statements by MQM-P leaders Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Mustafa Kamal. The remarks have sparked a fresh political exchange between the Sindh government and the MQM-P leadership. Shah reacted to the MQM-P leaders’ calls for political mobilisation and protests. He said they were free to take to the streets if they wanted to. In a sarcastic remark, he said the weather was hot and that “water would be provided” to them. The minister also questioned MQM-P’s demand for an account of the past 18 years. He asked the party leaders to explain how much accountability they had themselves provided during their political tenure. Shah also rejected suggestions about changing the existing structure of Sindh. He said the constitutional and geographical status of the province could not be changed according to the wishes of an individual political leader. He also criticised Mustafa Kamal’s remarks about the creation of new provinces. Shah said the country was already facing difficulties in managing its existing four provinces. He questioned why there was now a demand for additional provinces. The minister accused the MQM-P of turning towards public issues as elections approach. He said the party had previously enjoyed the benefits of political power but was now raising issues concerning the people. Shah’s comments came after Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui accused the Pakistan Peoples Party of creating an ethnic and linguistic divide in Sindh. Siddiqui had also demanded an accurate population count and stronger local governments. MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal had separately said that the party would take to the streets to demand its rights. The statements have increased political tension between the MQM-P and the Sindh government. Sindh Culture Minister Zulfiqar Shah also criticised the MQM-P leadership. He said Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui was struggling to protect his position as party chairman. Zulfiqar Shah described the differences between Khalid Maqbool and Mustafa Kamal as the result of what he called divisive politics. He said the MQM-P leadership should first resolve its own differences. He also questioned the competing positions within the party. According to Zulfiqar Shah, the divided leadership should first decide whose statements should be taken seriously. The latest exchange comes amid renewed political debate over Sindh’s governance, representation and local government system. MQM-P has been demanding greater authority for local governments and an accurate population census. The party has also raised concerns about political representation and resource distribution in Sindh. The Sindh government, however, has rejected calls that could affect the province’s existing constitutional and geographical structure.

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    FIA launches unit to hunt dark web criminals

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has established a dedicated unit to investigate criminals operating through the dark web. The move is aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s ability to deal with hidden online criminal networks. The new unit has been set up at the FIA’s National Command and Control Centre (NC3) in Islamabad. It will use advanced technology and digital investigation techniques to identify suspects who use encrypted platforms to conceal their identities. FIA Director General Dr Usman Anwar said the unit would focus on criminal networks involved in activities that fall under the agency’s jurisdiction. Investigators will also examine suspicious digital transactions, including those involving cryptocurrencies. A major focus will be networks involved in producing fake documents. Such documents can be used to facilitate human trafficking and illegal migrant smuggling. The unit will also investigate other forms of cyber-enabled crime linked to the dark web. The dark web is a hidden part of the internet. Its websites are not normally indexed by standard search engines. Access often requires specialised software and knowledge. Criminals can use these systems to hide their identities and locations. The technology has also been misused for illegal trade, cybercrime and other criminal activities. Authorities face additional challenges because many dark web networks operate across national borders. Criminals can also use cryptocurrency to make financial transactions more difficult to trace. The FIA plans to address these challenges through modern digital investigation tools and greater coordination between specialised teams. The new unit will work closely with the FIA’s cryptocurrency investigation unit. Both units will operate under the same facility and share technical expertise. Investigators will use blockchain forensic techniques to examine cryptocurrency transactions. These techniques can help authorities analyse transactions and potentially connect anonymous or pseudonymous digital addresses with real-world identities. Open-source intelligence will also be used to support investigations. Officials said digital evidence gathered from different sources could help strengthen criminal cases. Investigators will track aliases, usernames and pseudonyms used by suspected criminals across online marketplaces, forums and other hidden platforms. The information will be used to build detailed profiles of suspected offenders. Authorities can then use the evidence to identify suspects and pursue legal action. NC3 Director Dr Athar Waheed explained the basic structure of the internet. He said it is commonly divided into three broad layers: the surface web, deep web and dark web. The surface web includes websites that can be found through regular search engines. News websites, social media platforms, blogs and online shopping sites are examples. The deep web contains online material that search engines do not index. This includes private databases, email accounts, banking systems, academic resources and internal organisational networks. Much of the deep web is legitimate. Users normally need passwords, subscriptions or specific permissions to access such content. The dark web is a smaller and deliberately hidden section of the deep web. It uses technologies designed to provide greater anonymity. Tor is one of the technologies commonly associated with accessing dark web services. It routes internet traffic through multiple volunteer-operated relays, making it more difficult to identify the original source. The FIA’s new unit will seek to overcome these anonymity measures through digital forensics, intelligence gathering and technological investigation.

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    Lahore CTO cracks down on traffic corruption

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lahore Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Abdul Rahim Shirazi has issued a strict warning to traffic wardens against corruption and misuse of authority. Shirazi said no traffic official would be allowed to demand money from citizens or become involved in illegal activities. He warned that anyone found guilty would face strict legal action. The CTO said some traffic officials had been involved in taking money from members of the public. He added that officials accused of such practices were being arrested. Shirazi issued a particularly strong warning against extortion. He said if any traffic official demanded extortion from a citizen, he would ensure that a terrorism case was registered against the official. The traffic chief said he was deeply concerned over cases in which traffic personnel had faced extortion charges. He described such incidents as a source of embarrassment for the traffic department. He stressed that traffic wardens were responsible for enforcing traffic laws and facilitating citizens. They must not misuse their positions for personal gain. The CTO directed traffic personnel to perform their duties honestly and professionally. He made it clear that corruption, harassment and illegal demands would not be tolerated. He also warned officials that strict action would be taken against anyone found exploiting their authority. The department would continue monitoring the conduct of traffic personnel, he said. The warning comes as Lahore traffic authorities seek to improve public confidence in traffic enforcement. Officials are also under pressure to ensure that citizens are treated fairly during routine traffic checks and enforcement operations. Shirazi said the traffic department must maintain discipline and transparency. He stressed that officials involved in wrongdoing would be held accountable under the law.

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    Ali Gul Pir pushes back against parenting advice

    ByJustpaste.in

    Comedian Ali Gul Pir has spoken about the unsolicited advice new parents often receive in Pakistani society, using his trademark humour to challenge some of the common warnings directed at mothers and fathers. Gul Pir recently became a father to a baby boy, Salar, with his wife, Dr Azeemah Nakhoda. He used a social media reel to share his thoughts on the comments and expectations that often surround first-time parents. One of the first issues he addressed was the common warning that having a baby means saying goodbye to a good night’s sleep forever. Gul Pir questioned the idea, saying babies eventually settle into routines and begin sleeping for longer periods. He also rejected the belief that becoming parents means their personal lives are effectively over. According to the comedian, every family has a different experience and the difficulties faced by one set of parents should not automatically be presented as the future of every new parent. Gul Pir also spoke about another common belief — that children and pets should not live together. As a dog owner, he disagreed with the idea and referred to research suggesting that children who grow up around pets may develop fewer allergies and greater compassion. The comedian then turned his attention to questions about having a second child. He joked that people who constantly ask about expanding their family should not expect to receive personal updates. His response also highlighted how intrusive questions can become overwhelming for new parents. Gul Pir suggested that couples should be allowed to make decisions about their families without constant outside commentary. He also criticised people who comment on women’s bodies shortly after childbirth. Gul Pir questioned why women are often expected to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy appearance. His broader message was about the pressure Pakistani society can place on people whenever they enter a major new phase of life. Gul Pir said big life changes naturally involve sacrifices. However, he argued that people should focus on the positive experiences that come with those changes instead of constantly warning others about what they might lose. The comedian welcomed his first child, Salar, last month. He publicly announced the arrival of his son on Father’s Day by sharing family photographs and pictures of the gifts he received for the occasion.

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    Khanewal placed on flood alert as DC Hena Arshad o…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Protective embankments inspected at Head Sidhnai, Mai Safura, Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah as Ravi and Chenab water levels remain under continuous surveillance Khanewal: Deputy Commissioner Khanewal Hena Arshad has issued a pre-emptive alert to all relevant departments, directing them to maintain complete operational preparedness for any possible flood emergency in the district. The alert comes as Punjab faces an evolving monsoon and river-flood situation. According to the latest official update, moderate flooding has been recorded in the River Chenab at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. Low-level flooding has also been reported at Trimmu on the Chenab and at Balloki and Sidhnai on the River Ravi. The Deputy Commissioner visited Head Sidhnai, the Mai Safura Bund Breaching Section, Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah Bund, where she inspected flood-protection infrastructure and reviewed emergency response arrangements. Officials of the Irrigation Department briefed her on the prevailing water situation in the Ravi and Chenab rivers, the structural strength of protective embankments, vulnerable riverine areas, evacuation planning and precautionary measures being taken to minimise possible losses. Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Fazal Abbas, Assistant Commissioner Kabirwala Muhammad Haroon and officers representing the Irrigation Department, Rescue 1122, Revenue Department and other concerned agencies accompanied the Deputy Commissioner during the inspection. At Head Sidhnai, Hena Arshad inspected the Mai Safura Bund Breaching Section, surrounding flood embankments and the railway bridge. She reviewed the condition of the protective infrastructure and the safety measures being implemented around vulnerable locations. The Deputy Commissioner directed the Irrigation Department, Kabirwala tehsil administration, Rescue 1122, Revenue Department and other agencies to remain fully alert and maintain uninterrupted coordination. She stressed that machinery, rescue boats, emergency equipment, personnel and transportation resources must remain available for immediate deployment. Any weakness detected in an embankment or protective structure should be repaired without delay, she added. Earlier, while chairing a flood-preparedness meeting at Head Sidhnai, the Deputy Commissioner said that the district administration had completed the necessary arrangements to respond effectively to a possible emergency. She ordered the immediate strengthening of flood embankments, removal of encroachments from waterways and vulnerable locations, and implementation of all remaining precautionary measures. During her visits to Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah Bund, Hena Arshad instructed officials to prepare for the timely and safe evacuation of residents from low-lying riverine settlements whenever water conditions require such action. She directed the administration to identify vulnerable populations in advance, maintain updated evacuation lists and ensure the availability of transport for families, livestock and essential belongings. The Deputy Commissioner also ordered that flood-relief camps and facilities established by the Health and Livestock departments remain fully operational. These camps must be prepared to provide shelter, medicines, drinking water, food, veterinary assistance and other essential services immediately after an emergency is declared. Punjab authorities have intensified flood monitoring across rivers, headworks and barrages. Drone surveillance has also been conducted at Head Sidhnai and other strategic locations to monitor water flows, riverbank erosion and possible incoming flood waves. The wider provincial situation remains sensitive. More than 4,300 residents have already been evacuated from vulnerable settlements along the Chenab in Chiniot district following an increase in water levels, illustrating the speed with which river conditions can affect downstream communities. The National Disaster Management Authority has also issued a weather advisory covering July 25 to July 30, warning of further monsoon activity and associated flooding hazards. Hena Arshad said water levels and river conditions across Khanewal district were being monitored continuously. She instructed all departments to remain vigilant and respond immediately to any rise in water levels, weakening of embankments or other emergency situation. “The protection of citizens’ lives, property and livestock is the district administration’s foremost priority,” the Deputy Commissioner said, reaffirming that negligence or delays in flood-preparedness measures would not be tolerated. Residents of low-lying areas near the Ravi, Head Sidhnai and adjoining riverine belts have been advised to remain attentive to official announcements, avoid approaching rivers and flood channels, and cooperate with the administration if precautionary evacuation becomes necessary. Citizens may contact Rescue 1122 during an immediate emergency or call the Provincial Disaster Management Authority’s disaster helpline 1129 to report flood-related risks and seek assistance.

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    Expo Faisalabad 2026’ a springboard for MSMEs: SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE (July 25) – Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a robust and competitive ecosystem for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Speaking at “Expo Faisalabad 2026”, being held from July 24 to 26 at the Expo Center, Lahore, he emphasized that the sector remains central to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for sustainable economic growth, industrial development and export promotion. He said Pakistan has militarily shown its prowess to the world and it’s time to show economic resilience and development. He appreciated the efforts of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) for organizing the exhibition. “Faisalabad is the industrial and textile heart of Pakistan and a major contributor to our exports and manufacturing sector. Platforms like Expo Faisalabad create valuable opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their products, build business partnerships and explore new markets,” he said. The SAPM said the government has placed special emphasis on improving access to finance, promoting business formalization, enhancing exports and creating an enabling environment where entrepreneurs can innovate, invest and expand their businesses. He appreciated SMEDA’s proactive engagement with the business community and its efforts to connect entrepreneurs with government support programmes through exhibitions and outreach activities across the country. Earlier, CEO SMEDA Nadia Jahangir Seth said the Authority remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs through strategic partnerships and market-driven interventions. “SMEDA believes that exhibitions such as Expo Faisalabad are powerful platforms for connecting entrepreneurs with opportunities, knowledge and government support services. Its participation reflects the commitment to promoting business formalization, improving competitiveness, facilitating market access and strengthening Pakistan’s MSME ecosystem through sustained engagement with the private sector,” she emphasized. SMEDA has established a dedicated helpdesk where entrepreneurs and visitors are being briefed on the flagship initiatives, government support programmes and business development services. The helpdesk is also facilitating free registration of informal enterprises through the SME Registration Portal (SMERP), enabling businesses to formalize their operations and benefit from enhanced opportunities for growth, financing and market access. As part of its capacity-building programme, SMEDA is conducting sessions on “Marketing Strategies for SMEs” and “Improving Product Quality for Export Markets”, equipping entrepreneurs with practical knowledge to improve competitiveness and strengthen their presence in domestic and international markets. Expo Faisalabad 2026 has brought together leading manufacturers, exporters, investors, entrepreneurs and business support organizations to showcase Faisalabad’s industrial excellence and create new avenues for trade, investment and business collaboration.

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    Four terrorists killed in foiled South Waziristan …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Security forces have thwarted a suspected suicide attack on a security check post in South Waziristan, killing four terrorists, according to the military’s media wing. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said terrorists attempted to target a security forces’ post on Saturday using a vehicle packed with explosives. The vehicle was intercepted before it could reach the check post. Security personnel destroyed the explosive-laden vehicle outside the post’s perimeter, killing the suicide bomber inside. The failed attack caused no damage to the check post, according to the military. The ISPR said three other attackers attempted to escape and took shelter in a nearby compound. Security forces subsequently launched a targeted clearance operation and killed all three terrorists. No security personnel were reported killed or injured during the operation. Following the engagement, security forces launched a sanitisation operation in the area to search for any remaining militants and ensure the area was secure. The military said the operation demonstrated the preparedness and professional response of security personnel against terrorist threats. It added that counterterrorism efforts would continue under the government’s broader security strategy. President Asif Ali Zardari praised the security forces for responding quickly and preventing the attack. He said security and law enforcement agencies would continue their operations against terrorism with determination. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also commended the personnel involved in the operation. He said the nation was proud of the security forces and their continued efforts to counter terrorism. The latest incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where militant attacks have increased in recent years. Security forces have continued targeted operations in several areas to disrupt militant networks and prevent attacks on security personnel and civilians. The South Waziristan operation comes shortly after a deadly attack in Tank district in which several security personnel and a government official were killed. Another attack in Kohat also claimed the lives of government officials after militants ambushed a vehicle at a joint check post.