تازہ ترین

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    Pakistan cuts petrol price by Rs. 4.08 per litre, …

    The federal government has announced a reduction in petroleum prices, lowering the cost of petrol by Rs. 4.08 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs. 2.45 per litre. The revised prices will come into effect from August 4, providing some relief to consumers amid easing international oil prices. According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the new price of petrol has been fixed at Rs. 331.95 per litre, while high-speed diesel will now be available at Rs. 389.93 per litre. The latest revision follows a decline in global crude oil prices after geopolitical tensions in the Middle East showed signs of easing. Despite the reduction, the government continues to impose substantial taxes and duties on petroleum products. Petrol carries approximately Rs. 110 per litre in taxes and levies, while diesel is subject to Rs. 96 per litre in government charges. Fuel prices had surged sharply earlier this year following heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, which raised concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supplies. High-speed diesel reached a record Rs. 520.35 per litre on April 3 after climbing from Rs. 281 per litre in late February. During the same period, petrol rose from Rs. 266 per litre to a peak of Rs. 458.41 per litre. Earlier, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced that fuel prices would now be reviewed daily instead of weekly in response to increased volatility in international energy markets. Under the new mechanism, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has been tasked with determining petroleum prices based on prevailing global market trends. The decision to introduce daily pricing has, however, faced criticism from the All Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association, which has opposed the move and indicated that it may consider launching protests against the policy. Petrol remains the primary fuel used by private vehicles, motorcycles, rickshaws, and small transport, making its price particularly important for middle- and lower-income households. Meanwhile, high-speed diesel is widely consumed by the heavy transport sector, agriculture, industries, power plants, and commercial generators, meaning changes in diesel prices have a broader impact on transportation costs, supply chains, and inflation. The latest reduction is expected to provide modest financial relief to consumers and businesses. However, future fuel prices will largely depend on international crude oil trends, exchange rate movements, and developments in the Middle East, all of which continue to influence Pakistan’s petroleum pricing policy.

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    Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 likely to be held in U…

    The Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 is expected to be hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with participating teams reportedly informed about the possible tournament dates through unofficial channels. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is expected to make an official announcement regarding the venue and schedule soon. According to cricket reports, the tournament is likely to take place from August 28 to September 13 and will feature eight teams competing for the continental title. The UAE has emerged as the likely host after discussions regarding the tournament’s arrangements and logistics. The competition is expected to include some of the leading women’s cricket teams from Asia, including Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, and the UAE. The participation of eight teams highlights the growing popularity and development of women’s cricket across the region. The Women’s Asia Cup has become one of the most important tournaments in the Asian cricket calendar, providing teams with an opportunity to compete at a high level and prepare for major international events. The upcoming edition is expected to attract significant attention from cricket fans across Asia. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already announced its squad for the tournament. Star all-rounder Harmanpreet Kaur has been retained as captain of the Indian women’s team, with the side aiming to continue its strong performances in regional competitions. Pakistan’s women’s team is also expected to participate in the tournament as part of its preparations for upcoming international assignments. The competition will provide players with valuable experience against some of Asia’s strongest cricketing nations. The UAE has previously hosted several international cricket events due to its modern facilities, suitable playing conditions, and established cricket infrastructure. Venues in the country have regularly hosted international matches and major tournaments, making it a preferred destination for cricket events when neutral venues are required. The final confirmation of the venue, match schedule, and tournament details will come from the Asian Cricket Council. Until then, teams are expected to continue preparations based on the proposed dates. With regional rivals set to compete and eight teams participating, the Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 is expected to be an exciting event for fans and an important platform for the growth of women’s cricket in Asia.

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    New CCTV footage emerges in Mir Raza Ali murder in…

    A significant development has emerged in the investigation into the murder of Mir Raza Ali, a young resident of Karachi’s PECHS area, as police continue to gather evidence and analyze new surveillance footage to determine the circumstances surrounding the case. According to investigators, a newly obtained CCTV recording shows Mir Raza Ali walking along a street shortly before the incident. During the footage, he appears to remove a glowing object from his pocket and throw it away while continuing on foot. Police believe the object seen in the video is likely to be a mobile phone, although forensic analysis is still underway to confirm its identity. Officials said a local resident had earlier informed police about the location where a mobile phone was found. The spot reportedly matches the location visible in the CCTV footage where the illuminated object was discarded, strengthening investigators’ efforts to establish a timeline of events. Police have since collected additional evidence from the area where the phone was recovered. Investigators are examining the location for forensic clues that may help determine what happened before the victim’s death and whether anyone else was present at the scene. Authorities also confirmed that more CCTV footage tracing Mir Raza Ali’s movements has been obtained from nearby locations. The investigation team is carrying out a detailed technical and forensic examination of these recordings to reconstruct the victim’s final movements and identify any individuals who may have come into contact with him. Law enforcement officials said the investigation remains active and that all available evidence is being carefully reviewed. Detectives are comparing CCTV footage, forensic findings, witness statements, and digital evidence to establish a clearer picture of the events leading up to the murder. Police have not yet announced any arrests or identified suspects in connection with the case. They emphasized that multiple aspects of the investigation are being examined and that conclusions will only be drawn after all evidence has been thoroughly analyzed. The emergence of the latest CCTV footage is considered an important development because it may help investigators verify key details of the victim’s movements before the incident. However, officials cautioned that the investigation is still in progress, and no final determination has been made regarding the significance of the recovered mobile phone or its possible connection to the crime. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing every lead and using forensic and technical analysis to ensure that those responsible for Mir Raza Ali’s death are identified and brought to justice.

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    Seven law enforcement personnel martyred during re…

    Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif has said that seven law enforcement personnel, including police and Rangers officials, were martyred during the recent unrest in the region. In a televised address on Monday, Hanif said the casualties occurred during clashes linked to ongoing protests by the now-proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The committee has been demonstrating in the region for several weeks over its demand to abolish 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian-held Kashmir. The unrest intensified after clashes between protesters and security personnel in Rawalakot and Mirpur last week. The incidents reportedly resulted in multiple casualties and increased tensions across the region. Hanif stated that weapons allegedly recovered from JAAC members were presented during a previous press conference by a police official on July 27. He claimed that seven law enforcement personnel were killed using similar weapons, while 45 personnel suffered serious injuries and several others sustained minor injuries. The AJK information secretary also alleged that police and Rangers vehicles were damaged and burned during the unrest. He claimed that the incidents indicated the presence of armed elements within the banned organization and accused them of attempting to challenge the state’s authority and disrupt peace. Responding to allegations made by JAAC regarding events in Rawalakot and surrounding areas between July 27 and July 31, Hanif rejected the claims and described them as part of a misinformation campaign. He said the security institutions of AJK had shown restraint and professionalism while handling the law and order situation. Hanif denied allegations of unprovoked firing by security forces and rejected claims that bodies were being withheld. He stated that the government currently had no bodies in its custody and accused the organization of spreading misleading information through social media. He further alleged that JAAC activists had been involved in blocking and damaging vehicles carrying essential supplies and food items. The information secretary also highlighted previous incidents involving casualties among law enforcement personnel, claiming that one police official was martyred in 2024 and three others in October 2025 during unrest-related incidents. Meanwhile, the AJK government criticized international media reports regarding the clashes, describing some coverage as biased and incomplete. Officials said reports should have included the government’s position and verified information before publication. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also criticized coverage of the AJK elections by some media outlets, alleging selective reporting from specific polling locations. The situation in AJK remains tense as authorities continue security measures while political and public disputes over electoral representation and governance issues continue. The government and protest groups have presented conflicting accounts of the events, and further developments are expected as investigations proceed.

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    Man arrested after allegedly shooting himself to s…

      A young man has been arrested in Kasur after allegedly shooting himself in the leg and staging a fake robbery in an attempt to avoid giving his salary to his family, according to police officials. The unusual incident has drawn attention due to the elaborate plan the suspect reportedly carried out to deceive both his relatives and law enforcement authorities. According to the police, the accused, identified as Adnan, had recently received his salary but did not want to hand over the money to his family as expected. Instead, he reportedly intended to use the money to purchase a new mobile phone. Fearing that his family would insist on receiving his earnings, he allegedly came up with a plan to fake a robbery in order to explain the disappearance of his salary. Police said that Adnan allegedly shot himself in the leg to make the fabricated robbery appear genuine. After sustaining the self-inflicted injury, he reportedly claimed that unidentified robbers had intercepted him, stolen his money, and opened fire before fleeing the scene. The incident initially appeared to be a case of armed robbery, prompting authorities to launch an investigation. However, as investigators examined the evidence and questioned the victim, inconsistencies began to emerge in his account of the incident. Police officers carefully reviewed the circumstances surrounding the alleged robbery and collected forensic and testimonial evidence. Their investigation eventually led them to conclude that the robbery had never taken place and that the injury had been deliberately self-inflicted as part of a staged incident. During the course of the investigation, police also uncovered the alleged involvement of three of Adnan’s friends. According to officials, the three men are accused of providing him with the firearm that was used in the incident. As a result, they were also taken into custody and are being questioned regarding their role in helping carry out the alleged plan. Police stated that the suspects now face legal action for allegedly misleading law enforcement, staging a false crime, and illegally facilitating the use of a firearm. Authorities emphasized that fabricating criminal incidents wastes valuable police resources and diverts attention away from genuine emergencies and victims who require immediate assistance. The case has generated widespread discussion on social media, where many users expressed surprise at the lengths to which the accused allegedly went to avoid giving his salary to his family. Others noted that personal financial disputes should be resolved honestly rather than through actions that could endanger lives and lead to criminal charges. Law enforcement officials reiterated that filing false reports and creating fake crime scenes are serious offenses that can result in legal consequences. They urged the public to cooperate with authorities by providing truthful information and avoiding actions that interfere with criminal investigations. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police are expected to complete the legal process after gathering all relevant evidence and recording statements from those involved. Authorities have not yet disclosed additional details about the charges that will be filed, but they confirmed that both the main suspect and his three friends remain in custody as the investigation continues.

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    West Indies post 344 in first innings as Pakistan …

    West Indies were dismissed for 344 runs in their first innings against Pakistan in the second Test match being played in Port of Spain. Pakistan’s off-spinner Sajid Khan delivered an impressive bowling performance, taking four crucial wickets to help restrict the home side. West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first, looking to take advantage of favorable conditions. Their innings was built around important contributions from Justin Greaves and captain Roston Chase, who played responsible knocks to strengthen the team’s total. Greaves scored 73 runs, while Roston Chase added 70 runs to lead the West Indies batting effort. Brandon King contributed 46 runs, while Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo scored 29 and 26 runs respectively as the hosts attempted to build a competitive first-innings score. Pakistan’s bowling attack responded strongly, with Sajid Khan emerging as the standout performer. The experienced off-spinner troubled the West Indies batters with his accuracy and variations, finishing with four wickets. His spell played a key role in preventing the hosts from gaining further momentum. Fast bowlers and other bowling options also supported Sajid Khan effectively. Ubaid Shah, Mohammad Ali, and Ali Usman claimed two wickets each, ensuring that West Indies were unable to extend their innings beyond 344 runs. At the toss, Pakistan captain Babar Azam said that his team would also have preferred to bat first if they had won the toss. He expressed confidence in the squad and said Pakistan aimed to play positive and attacking cricket throughout the match. West Indies captain Roston Chase said his team wanted to make their home conditions a strength and decided to maintain the same playing XI for the second Test. The hosts entered the match with confidence after taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Pakistan now face the challenge of responding strongly with the bat as they look to level the series. A victory in the second Test is essential for Pakistan to avoid a series defeat, while West Indies will aim to maintain their advantage and secure a historic series win. With both teams fighting for crucial championship points and momentum, the second Test is expected to produce an exciting contest as the match progresses.

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    China reaffirms support for independent Palestinia…

    China has reaffirmed its steadfast support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, while pledging to continue providing humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian people. Speaking to the media, Chinese Ambassador to Palestine Sun Xin said Beijing remains firmly committed to strengthening its ties with Palestine and advancing bilateral cooperation. He noted that China is eager to deepen its strategic partnership with Palestine and further expand collaboration in the years ahead. The ambassador said his meetings with Palestinian leaders gave him a firsthand understanding of the immense hardships and suffering faced by Palestinians. He stressed that China remains concerned about the humanitarian situation and is committed to supporting efforts that contribute to relief, reconstruction, and long-term development. Sun Xin also highlighted that this year marks the third anniversary of the strategic partnership between China and Palestine, describing it as an important milestone in the two sides’ growing relationship. He reiterated that China will continue to stand by the Palestinian people through humanitarian assistance and development initiatives while maintaining its support for an independent Palestinian state.

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    UAE resumes visit visas for Pakistanis

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has resumed issuing visit visas to Pakistani citizens applying through registered travel agents, ending months of uncertainty for travelers and offering fresh hope to families, tourists and business visitors. The move has been confirmed by travel industry representatives and a UAE Embassy official, who said visit visas for holders of ordinary Pakistani passports are once again being processed through authorized travel agencies. The resumption comes after months of delays, stricter scrutiny and a higher rejection rate that had created difficulties for thousands of Pakistani applicants. Although UAE authorities repeatedly maintained that no blanket ban had been imposed on Pakistani nationals, many travelers experienced lengthy processing times and uncertainty over visa approvals. Travel experts say the biggest improvement has been seen in family applications. Pakistani citizens traveling with family members or visiting relatives in the UAE are reportedly receiving faster responses than before, reflecting a more streamlined processing system. Officials from the travel industry also noted that tourism-related bookings have started to recover as confidence returns. Passenger traffic between Pakistan and Dubai, which had dropped significantly during recent regional tensions and stricter visa checks, has begun to increase in recent weeks, although it remains below previous peak levels. Applicants seeking a UAE visit visa are advised to apply only through registered travel agents and ensure all required documents are complete. A valid passport, recent photographs, proof of accommodation or an invitation from a host, return travel arrangements and evidence of sufficient financial resources are among the documents generally required for processing. Industry representatives believe applicants with complete and genuine documentation are more likely to receive approvals, while family applications currently appear to have stronger prospects.

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    KP orders blacklist of corrupt, underperforming of…

    PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has directed all provincial departments to prepare verified lists of corrupt, disreputable, underperforming and suspicious officers by August 7 as part of a major governance reform aimed at improving transparency, accountability and public service delivery. According to official directives, officers included on the verified negative lists will not be posted to sensitive positions or offices involving direct interaction with the public. The government has also instructed departments to ensure that all appointments and transfers are made strictly on the basis of merit, performance and suitability. The directives further emphasize transparency in public procurement and financial management, the establishment of an effective public grievance redressal system, the digitization of government services and ensuring that officers deliver timely and efficient services to citizens. Sources said the instructions were issued following a high-level meeting chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah. The meeting was attended by administrative secretaries, director generals and heads of various government departments. According to the sources, if the decisions are fully implemented, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could become the first province in Pakistan to officially maintain a verified negative list of government officers with poor performance records, corruption allegations or damaged reputations. An official document quoted the chief secretary as saying that providing quality public services and ensuring the welfare of citizens should remain the top priority of every government department

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    Karachi issues traffic plan for Chehlum procession

    KARACHI: The Karachi Traffic Police has announced a comprehensive traffic management plan ahead of the central Chehlum procession on Tuesday, urging commuters to use alternative routes as several major roads will remain closed during the religious event. According to the traffic arrangements, the main Chehlum procession will begin from Nishtar Park at 9:00am and proceed along its traditional route. M.A. Jinnah Road will remain closed to regular traffic for the duration of the procession to ensure the safety of participants and maintain security. Authorities have prepared a series of traffic diversions to minimize disruption across the city. Vehicles traveling from Saddar towards Tower will be redirected through Preedy Street and I.I. Chundrigar Road, while motorists approaching from Shahrah-e-Quaideen will be diverted via Kashmir Road and People’s Chowrangi. Traffic from Korangi, Landhi and the National Highway will be routed through Rashid Minhas Road and the Super Highway. Commuters coming from Nazimabad will be able to use Lasbela, Garden and Nishtar Road, while traffic from Liaquatabad will be diverted from Lasbela Chowk towards Nazimabad No. 10. Motorists traveling from Hassan Square and Shahrah-e-Faisal have also been advised to follow designated diversion routes through Society Light Signal, Teen Hatti and Sher Shah Suri Road. Drivers using Jamshed Road toward Guru Mandir have been asked to use Bahadur Yar Jang Road or Soldier Bazaar Road as alternate routes. Traffic police further announced that heavy vehicles will not be allowed to enter Karachi from 10:00am until the conclusion of the procession. Parking will also be prohibited along the procession route, and any vehicle found violating the restrictions will be removed immediately. Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala will be observed across the country on Tuesday with mourning processions and religious gatherings taking place under heightened security arrangements.