National

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

    ByJustpaste.in

    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.

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    FIA arrests two in Rs533m gold loan fraud case

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested a bank cashier and an approved goldsmith in connection with an alleged fraud worth more than Rs533 million at a bank branch in Faisalabad district. According to the FIA, the alleged financial irregularities surfaced during an internal inspection of the bank’s gold financing scheme at its Mamoon Kanjan branch. Investigators discovered that 17 bags containing pledged gold had gone missing, while several other cases involved gold that turned out to be fake, underweight or otherwise failed to match the details recorded in the bank’s loan documents. The investigation found irregularities in 107 gold loan accounts, raising concerns about the handling and verification of gold pledged against loans. The bank estimates that the alleged fraud caused financial losses of more than Rs533.62 million. The FIA has registered a case against goldsmith Tahir Mahmood, cashier Muhammad Arshad and another suspect, Abdul Razzaq. Officials have arrested the cashier and the approved goldsmith as part of the ongoing investigation. Investigators are now examining the records of the affected loan accounts and the procedures followed while assessing and approving the pledged gold. The FIA said it would determine the involvement of other individuals during the course of the investigation. Authorities are also expected to examine whether the suspects acted alone or worked with others to remove pledged gold, substitute genuine gold with counterfeit or lower-weight items, and facilitate loans against inadequate collateral. The case highlights serious concerns about oversight and verification procedures within gold financing schemes, where banks provide loans against gold deposited as security. The FIA said further action would follow as investigators establish the full scope of the alleged fraud and identify any additional people involved.

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    Operation ’11 Garaj’ continues as 10 T…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s security forces continued Operation “11 Garaj” with multiple intelligence-based operations in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The latest actions targeted militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also referred to by the state as Fitna al-Khawarij. According to security sources, two militants were killed during an operation in the Shakro area of Bajaur district. The militants had allegedly established hideouts inside mosques and were using them as operational bases. Security forces launched the operation after receiving verified intelligence about their presence in the area. In another intelligence-based operation, security forces targeted militant hideouts in the Darbi Khel and Battan areas of Khyber district. Eight more TTP militants were killed during the operation. The actions were carried out after security agencies gathered confirmed intelligence regarding militant activities in the region. Officials said all the operations were based on credible intelligence and were aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The operations form part of the ongoing campaign under Operation “11 Garaj” to eliminate militant threats and prevent terrorist attacks. Security officials said the purpose of these operations is to clear the affected areas of terrorist elements, strengthen law and order, and ensure lasting peace for local communities. They added that intelligence-based operations will continue wherever the presence of militants is confirmed.

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    245 technical institutes affiliated by FBISE face …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: Questions have been raised over the affiliation process of hundreds of technical institutes after an audit revealed that 245 technical institutions were affiliated with the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) before concerns over legal authority and inspection procedures were fully addressed. The issue came up during the 47th meeting of the Public Accounts Committee, held under the acting chairmanship of Syed Naveed Qamar, where lawmakers reviewed audit objections related to FBISE’s affiliation procedures. According to audit findings, FBISE affiliated 245 technical institutes during 2022 and 2023 and collected Rs. 26.750 million in affiliation fees. The audit questioned the process, stating that the original FBISE Act of 1975 mainly covered intermediate and secondary education and did not clearly mention technical institute affiliations. Officials informed the committee that the matter was reviewed by the Law and Justice Division, which issued a legal opinion on 15 June 2026. The opinion stated that FBISE has legal authority under relevant sections of the FBISE Act 1975 to conduct examinations, provide affiliations and issue certificates for technical education programmes including Matric Tech and Inter Tech programmes at secondary and higher secondary levels. During the discussion, PAC members stressed that clear policies and official notifications should be issued so that all concerned institutions have proper guidance regarding technical education affiliations. The committee questioned whether the legal position and policy framework were clearly communicated before allowing affiliations. Officials were directed to ensure that proper procedures and documentation are completed before moving forward. The audit also highlighted another issue related to the registration process of technical institutes. Audit observations indicated that provisional registrations were issued to technical institutes before physical inspections were completed. The audit noted that registrations were granted without complete details of teaching staff. Officials informed the committee that inspections were being carried out and most institutions had already been reviewed, while only a limited number of uninspected institutions remained pending as of March 2026. Officials also informed the committee about steps being taken to improve technical and modern education in schools. The Federal Directorate of Education has introduced coding, robotics and artificial intelligence programmes to encourage students towards technology fields. Officials said coding fellows were engaged through support from NUST, while additional technology fellows were also working to support IT education. The committee was also informed about the Matric Tech programme, which was introduced to provide practical skills to students who may not continue traditional education after matriculation and want to enter professional careers. Officials said the aim of the programme is to provide students with useful skills that can help them find employment and participate in modern industries. The meeting also discussed the shortage of teaching resources, especially in areas where educational facilities face staff challenges. Officials informed the committee that 1,699 teaching and non teaching fellows, including technology fellows, were engaged to support educational needs. The committee emphasized that technical education is important for preparing young people for future jobs but stressed that proper monitoring, legal clarity and transparent procedures must remain part of the system.

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    AJK polling extended amid rain, PPP alleges electi…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Polling continued on Sunday in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, with voters casting ballots in eight of the nine constituencies in the Muzaffarabad division and all 12 refugee constituencies. The polling process began at 8am and was initially scheduled to conclude at 5pm. However, an AJK Election Commission spokesperson announced a one-hour extension, allowing voters to cast their ballots until 6pm. Heavy rainfall forced authorities to postpone polling in LA-27 (Muzaffarabad-I), AJK Chief Election Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said. More than 300 candidates are contesting the seats in the Muzaffarabad division and the 12 constituencies reserved for refugees settled in various parts of Pakistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari renewed his allegations of electoral irregularities, accusing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of attempting to influence the voting process during the second phase as well. In a post on X, Bilawal condemned what he described as an attack on PPP’s regional president Chaudhry Latif Akbar, who is also contesting from LA-31 (Muzaffarabad-V). He alleged that elements linked to the PML-N were responsible for the incident and claimed that PPP worker Mushtaq Shah was killed in the same constituency. Bilawal accused the PML-N of using intimidation and violence to interfere with the electoral process and called for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the alleged attack on Akbar and the killing of the party worker. In another statement, the PPP chairman alleged that attacks had targeted his party’s voters as well as the AJK president. He said the contest in Muzaffarabad had turned into a struggle between the PPP’s political principles and what he described as the PML-N’s use of threats, coercion and alleged rigging. The PPP also submitted a formal complaint to the AJK Election Commission, alleging that Akbar faced a physical assault while participating in election-related activities on polling day. The party named three individuals in connection with the incident and said it had initiated the process of registering a first information report (FIR). The PPP urged the Election Commission to investigate the alleged security failure and determine how the incident occurred despite security arrangements at the polling site. AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, who belongs to the PPP, also took notice of the incident. He directed the chief secretary and inspector general of police to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible face legal action.

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    Hangu operation kills terror attack mastermind

    ByJustpaste.in

    Security forces have killed the alleged mastermind of the July 30 attack on the Khazina Banda police checkpost in Hangu, where nine police personnel lost their lives. A senior security official told  that the terrorist, identified as Amir Mauviya, was killed during an intelligence-based operation in Chapri Naryab, Hangu. According to security sources, Mauviya held a key position within Fitna-al-Khawarij in Kurram and faced charges in several other terrorism cases. Security forces have intensified operations against militants under Operation 11 Garaj. The July 30 attack on the Khazina Banda checkpost killed nine police officials, including a deputy superintendent of police, and injured 28 others. Police said terrorists attacked the post, triggering an exchange of fire in which 15 militants were killed. In a separate incident on Sunday, an improvised explosive device targeted a police van near Pir Zakorhi Bridge, close to the Peshawar-Islamabad motorway toll plaza. The blast caused minor injuries to two police personnel. Earlier, on July 29, a police officer lost his life and four terrorists were killed during an operation in Matta tehsil of Swat. The latest incidents come days after a deadly attack on a joint police checkpost in Tank district, where 15 people, including 14 security personnel and a government official, were martyred. According to the military’s media wing, security forces killed 12 attackers after thwarting their attempt to breach the checkpost. One terrorist vehicle packed with explosives also struck the perimeter wall, causing significant damage. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to face a growing threat from militant attacks. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reported that security personnel deaths in terrorism-related incidents across KP, excluding the merged districts, rose from 12 in June to 38 in July. Terrorist deaths also increased from 37 to 108 during the same period, while civilian fatalities dropped from 26 to seven.

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    SSGC explains strong gas smell in Karachi

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) on Sunday clarified that the strong gas smell reported in several parts of Karachi, including areas near Abul Hasan Isphahani Road, did not result from a gas leak. The company said residents began reporting the unusual smell on Saturday night, raising concerns about a possible leak. However, SSGC explained that the smell came from the testing of odourisation plants during the commissioning process of a newly installed gas pipeline. According to the company, natural gas has no smell of its own. Gas distribution companies add special odorants to the supply as a safety measure so that consumers can quickly detect a potential leak. During the testing process, SSGC added a larger-than-usual quantity of the odorant, which caused the gas to produce a much stronger smell than normal. The unusual odour prompted people from different parts of Karachi to report what they believed could be a gas leak. SSGC, however, said its teams found no evidence of any leak and confirmed that the gas network was operating at normal pressure. In a media alert issued on Sunday, the company urged customers not to panic and said they could continue with their routine activities. SSGC also reassured consumers that the strong smell resulted solely from the increased amount of odorant used during the testing of the new odourisation facilities. Gas leaks can pose serious risks to public safety. Accumulated gas can cause fires and explosions, while inhaling high concentrations in enclosed spaces can lead to suffocation and death. Authorities regularly advise consumers to take immediate precautions if they detect an unusual gas smell and to report suspected leaks to the relevant gas utility. The latest clarification comes months after a tragic gas leak incident in Rawalpindi. In January, three women died from suffocation while another woman fainted after a gas leak in an apartment in Bahria Town Phase VII. SSGC’s clarification aims to reassure Karachi residents that the strong smell reported in the city was linked to the testing of its odourisation system rather than an actual gas leak.

  • What worried Sharifs more: Bilawal’s attack or Naqvi’s remark?

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lahore: A routine family gathering or an emergency political huddle? That is the question many analysts are asking after Saturday night’s meeting of the Sharif family at Raiwind. PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met at the family’s residence amid rising political turbulence. Officially, it was their regular weekly meeting. Unofficially, it came at a time when Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s remarks about a “governance system collapse” had sent shockwaves through political circles. The timing alone was enough to trigger speculation. According to reports, Shehbaz Sharif briefed Nawaz Sharif on developments at the Centre, while Maryam Nawaz presented the political picture from Punjab. The meeting also reviewed Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, where the PML-N defeated its main rival, the PPP, in first phase of the polls. The first phase of the AJK polls, however, have refused to die down. Analysts continue to question their credibility, while PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has mounted an aggressive campaign against the PML-N. Bilawal has even warned that the federal government could face consequences if the elections in second and third phases were manipulated. Yet many political observers believe Bilawal’s criticism is not the Sharifs’ biggest headache. For them, Naqvi’s remark carries far greater political weight. The reason is simple. Bilawal is the head of a coalition partner and his criticism is part of routine political sparring. Naqvi, however, occupies a far more sensitive position. His words are rarely treated as ordinary political rhetoric. That also explains why the PML-N responded swiftly to Bilawal’s attacks but chose not to publicly challenge Naqvi’s remarks. And many believe silence, in politics, often speaks louder than rebuttals. Naqvi made the comments while addressing members of the business community in Islamabad. Although he somehow elaborated on what he meant by “system failure”, the phrase immediately ignited debate across political and media circles. Some analysts see the statement as a warning about governance failures. Others believe it reflects growing unease within influential quarters over the government’s performance. There are also those who argue it should not be overinterpreted and was merely a critique of the country’s political dysfunction. The debate gained further traction after the DG ISPR, during his recent media interaction, also described Pakistan’s problems as political failures, though in a different context. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday termed good governance “quintessential” for Pakistan’s security and stability. He made the remarks while addressing a press conference on the country’s overall security situation, particularly the situation in Balochistan. However, together, the two statements have fueled fresh political speculation. Whether that speculation has any substance remains an open question. Analysts themselves remain divided. Senior analyst Najam Sethi believes the Shehbaz is not going anywhere yet reshuffling of the federal cabinet and constitutional changes that could strengthen the Centre’s authority are on cards. Veteran journalist Sohail Warraich, weeks ago, had read the situation differently He argues that governments ultimately survive on economic performance, not political messaging. In his view, the coalition that has governed Pakistan since the parliamentary vote that removed former prime minister Imran Khan in April 2022 has struggled to convince the public that it can turn the economy around. If economic indicators fail to improve, he believes political pressure will only intensify. The political temperature continued to rise on Sunday. For now, the Raiwind meeting has ended, but the questions it has raised remain unanswered. Was it merely another weekly family consultation? Or did Naqvi’s “system failure” remark force the ruling family to reassess an increasingly uncertain political landscape? The coming weeks may provide the answer.

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    Suicide blast outside Swat police station injures …

    ByJustpaste.in

    A suspected suicide bomber detonated explosives outside the Kabal Police Station in Swat district on Sunday after reportedly failing to enter the premises, leaving several police personnel and civilians injured. According to senior police officials, the attacker tried to force his way into the police station but was intercepted by an alert police officer at the main entrance. Unable to gain access, the suspect blew himself up near the station’s gate, triggering a powerful explosion. Authorities said the police station is located close to the police lines and several other sensitive government installations, raising concerns that the attacker may have intended to target security facilities. Officials credited the swift response of police personnel with preventing the bomber from reaching the compound, which likely averted greater casualties and damage. Initial reports indicated that at least four police officers sustained serious injuries in the blast, while two civilians were also hurt. However, rescue officials later confirmed that more than 15 injured people had been transported to different hospitals for medical treatment, suggesting the number of casualties could rise as rescue efforts continued. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene immediately after the explosion, providing first aid to the injured and shifting them to nearby healthcare facilities. Security forces cordoned off the area, launched a search operation, and began collecting evidence to determine the nature of the attack and identify those behind it. Police officials also clarified that a protest by local youths was taking place in the wider area at the time of the incident, but the demonstration was located some distance from the blast site and was not directly affected.

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    AJK election polling ends, counting underway

    ByJustpaste.in

    Polling for the second phase of the 2026 general elections to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly concluded on Sunday, with vote counting now underway across the contested constituencies. The election was held for eight constituencies in the Muzaffarabad Division and 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in different cities of Pakistan. Polling in LA-27 Muzaffarabad was postponed due to bad weather and landslides, while clashes in LA-31 left a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) worker dead. In Khawra, Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Salahuddin Junejo and two party workers were injured in a firing incident. Voting began at 8:00 a.m. and was originally scheduled to end at 5:00 p.m. However, the AJK Election Commission extended polling by one hour in the Muzaffarabad Division due to a high voter turnout, allowing voters to cast their ballots until 6:00 p.m. More than 1.2 million registered voters were eligible to vote in the second phase of the elections. A total of 208 candidates contested nine constituencies in the Muzaffarabad Division, which has 809,621 registered voters, while 143 candidates competed for the 12 refugee seats. Authorities established 1,483 polling stations across the Muzaffarabad region, with heavy security deployed at highly sensitive locations. Polling Postponed in LA-27 Although elections were scheduled in nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad Division, polling was held in only eight. The Election Commission postponed voting in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-II (Lachhrat) after severe weather and landslides disrupted access to several polling stations. Fresh polling in the constituency has been scheduled for August 4. Voting in some constituencies began late, while the PPP accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of electoral irregularities. The party’s election cell submitted formal complaints to the Chief Election Commissioner. Clashes and Violence A PPP worker, identified as Mushtaq Shah, was killed during clashes in LA-31. In Khawra, PPP MNA Salahuddin Junejo, who represents NA-210 Sanghar-II, suffered a gunshot wound to his arm during a firing incident. Two party workers were also injured and all three were shifted to hospital for treatment. In LA-29 (Muzaffarabad-III), polling was temporarily suspended after clashes erupted between supporters of the PML-N and the PPP. In LA-43 (Rawalpindi Valley-IV), PPP candidate Javed Butt reportedly entered the Millat Colony polling station accompanied by an armed guard. According to reports, the guard was not stopped by police personnel. Security and Key Contests Constituencies LA-28, LA-29, and LA-31 were declared highly sensitive due to security concerns. Closely watched contests included prominent political figures such as Shah Ghulam Qadir of the PML-N, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), former Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider, and AJK Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar. In the Rawalpindi Division, 35 candidates contested three refugee seats, representing 27,907 registered voters. Voting also took place in Karachi for two refugee constituencies representing Kashmir and Jammu. For security, around 4,000 police personnel were deployed. Out of 175 polling stations, 31 were declared sensitive. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 41 polling stations were established across 21 districts for LA-45 Kashmir Valley-VI, where 7,655 registered voters were eligible to cast their ballots.