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Chief Justice Lahore High Court (LHC) Justice Aalia Neelum has taken a major step to expedite the trials of accused persons who have remained in custody for more than three years, directing that their cases be decided within two months. On the directions of Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, letters have been issued to the Sessions Judges of 28 districts across Punjab, directing them to ensure the speedy disposal of cases involving under-trial prisoners who have been in detention for more than three years. The Sessions Judges have been instructed to place such cases on a fast-track basis and hear them on a priority basis so that decisions are delivered within the stipulated period of two months. The Chief Justice directed that all Sessions Judges in Punjab would be bound to ensure the disposal of these cases within the prescribed timeframe. The district judiciary has also been directed to accelerate proceedings in cases involving long-incarcerated under-trial accused and avoid unnecessary adjournments that could further prolong their detention. The Lahore High Court has also sought implementation reports regarding cases in which accused persons have remained behind bars for more than three years, in order to monitor progress and ensure compliance with the directions. The initiative aims to facilitate the timely provision of justice to prisoners whose trials have remained pending for prolonged periods. The directions are also intended to address unnecessary delays in criminal proceedings and reduce the backlog of long-pending cases. The Chief Justice’s directive underscores the need for the district judiciary to prioritize cases involving under-trial prisoners and ensure that prolonged detention does not continue merely because of delays in the disposal of their trials. The Sessions Courts across Punjab have accordingly been asked to take immediate measures to speed up proceedings and submit reports regarding compliance with the Lahore High Court’s directions.

LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Lahore has arrested a man accused of impersonating government institutions and senior officials to influence officers and collect money through fraudulent promises. The suspect, identified as Faiz Ali Syed, was arrested on the special directions of NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim. Investigators said the suspect allegedly used fake identities and documents to approach officials and private individuals, claiming he could arrange government-related work and facilitate appointments in public departments in exchange for money. According to FIR No. 171/2026, Syed allegedly contacted officers through multiple WhatsApp numbers while presenting himself as a representative of prominent government institutions. Investigators also found that he used a fake green registration plate on a private vehicle to create an impression of official authority. A man dressed in a police uniform was also allegedly kept with him to reinforce the appearance of influence and official status. Three mobile phones were recovered from the suspect. Their preliminary examination reportedly uncovered WhatsApp conversations, official-looking correspondence and evidence of financial transactions linked to the alleged fraud. One of the WhatsApp accounts was reportedly labelled “Apex Court,” while conversations showed the suspect allegedly portraying himself as a member of an important state institution. Investigators also recovered several letters issued in the suspect’s name that contained claims regarding appointments to senior government positions. Further analysis of the mobile devices revealed communications suggesting that money was allegedly collected from individuals on the promise of getting their work done or securing favours through government departments. The NCCIA is investigating the case from several angles, including electronic fraud, forgery, impersonation of government institutions and financial deception. A detailed forensic examination of the recovered phones and other evidence is continuing, with investigators expecting further revelations as the probe progresses.

Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has strongly criticized the government’s taxation and energy policies, accusing authorities of placing an unbearable financial burden on ordinary citizens. Addressing participants at a sit-in in Lahore, Hafiz Naeem said people were being economically crushed in the name of petroleum levies, describing the frequent increases in fuel costs as “petrol bombs” being dropped on the public. He said the government attributed rising petroleum prices to higher rates in the international market and argued that importing refined petroleum products had become increasingly expensive. However, he maintained that the resulting burden was ultimately transferred to consumers. The JI chief also criticized the condition of Pakistan’s oil-refining sector, saying successive governments had failed to modernize and upgrade refineries. He pointed out that motorcycle users and other ordinary consumers were also paying petroleum levies, while higher petrol prices eventually pushed up the cost of everyday goods. Hafiz Naeem described the petroleum levy as a form of taxation and argued that the existing system had little connection with the welfare of ordinary people. He also criticized the country’s electricity pricing structure, claiming that consumers were being charged heavily despite relatively low generation costs. He further warned that once an effective judicial system was established, those responsible for governance and financial decisions would face scrutiny. He said audits and trials would reveal the assets and financial dealings of those involved. Hafiz Naeem emphasized that the ongoing sit-in was not aimed at advancing the interests of any individual or political personality. He said the movement was being organized to raise the grievances of the public and demand relief from mounting economic pressures.

LAHORE: Lahore High Court ( LHC) Justice Ghulam Sarwar Nihang has recused himself from hearing the post-arrest bail petition of a suspect allegedly linked to the Libyan boat tragedy. The case involving accused Shafaqat Ali was taken up by the Lahore High Court, where Justice Nihang informed the court that he had previously served as a member of the commission formed to investigate the Libya shipwreck. Given his previous involvement with the commission, the judge said he did not consider it appropriate to hear the bail petition concerning the same matter. The case record was subsequently referred to the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court for further proceedings. During the hearing, the defence counsel argued that bail had already been granted to suspects in several similar cases and requested that Shafaqat Ali also be released on bail until the trial court reaches a decision. The case is part of investigations launched following the Libyan boat accident. The Federal Investigation Agency’s Mandi Bahauddin office has registered cases against suspects allegedly connected to the incident. In a related development, another accused, Muhammad Tahir, has also been granted post-arrest bail in the Libya boat tragedy case.

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, during which the two sides discussed recent regional developments and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two foreign ministers agreed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective means of addressing regional challenges and advancing peace and stability. The conversation comes as Pakistan continues diplomatic efforts to help ease tensions surrounding the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Islamabad has stepped up engagement with key international and regional partners and has offered its platform for dialogue between Washington and Tehran. Dar has recently held discussions with senior diplomatic representatives from the United States, United Kingdom and China, as well as Pakistan’s ambassador-designate to Sweden, focusing on developments in the region. He has repeatedly emphasised the importance of implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding as a pathway towards lasting peace and security. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also recently praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating diplomatic efforts during the conflict, describing Islamabad’s contribution as important and constructive. The latest Dar-Fidan conversation also comes against the backdrop of growing security cooperation among Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. On August 7, the three countries signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, a trilateral framework aimed at strengthening collective deterrence, expanding military cooperation and supporting regional stability. The agreement builds on the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year, under which aggression against either country is to be regarded as aggression against both. The latest diplomatic contacts underline Pakistan and Türkiye’s shared emphasis on dialogue, cooperation and diplomatic engagement as tools for managing regional tensions and promoting stability.

GENEVA: Pakistan is set to assume the presidency of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament on Monday, taking on a key diplomatic role in international efforts to advance arms control and global security. Tahir Andrabi, Pakistan’s representative, has arrived in Geneva to take charge of the presidency and will chair important sessions of the Conference during his tenure. He will continue performing his responsibilities as spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs alongside his new assignment. As president, Andrabi will be responsible for steering the Conference’s proceedings in an organised, balanced and consensus-driven manner. Pakistan is expected to focus on facilitating dialogue among member states and helping move discussions forward on key disarmament issues. During his tenure, Andrabi will also oversee the preparation of the Conference’s annual report, which will be presented to member states for consideration and approval. Diplomatic sources said Pakistan will subsequently engage in negotiations aimed at securing agreement on a resolution based on the annual report. The resolution is expected to be taken up by the UN General Assembly for approval in November. Pakistan’s presidency provides Islamabad with an opportunity to play a prominent role in international discussions on disarmament while promoting dialogue, consensus and multilateral cooperation on global security challenges.

KARACHI: Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced a significant hydrocarbon discovery at its operated Sarani Block in Sindh’s Sujawal district, opening fresh prospects for exploration in the country’s shallow offshore and swampy onshore regions. The discovery was made at the Dolphin X-1 exploratory well, where PPL identified hydrocarbons in the Chiltan Formation of the Lower Indus Basin. The company described it as the first reported hydrocarbon discovery from the Jurassic-age Chiltan Formation in the basin. PPL said the find could expand exploration opportunities in adjoining shallow offshore areas and strengthen the hydrocarbon potential of Pakistan’s low-depth marine zones. The region had remained largely unexplored for years because of its challenging geological and geographical conditions. Drilling of Dolphin X-1 began on April 17, 2026, with the well reaching a measured depth of 3,850 metres to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of the Chiltan Formation. Analysis of drilling results and wireline logs subsequently identified a hydrocarbon-bearing zone. During testing, the well produced gas from the Chiltan Formation at a rate of 0.942 million standard cubic feet per day. The gas recorded a heating value of 1,000 British thermal units per standard cubic foot, with a wellhead flowing pressure of 211 pounds per square inch gauge through a 64/32-inch choke. PPL holds a 75 per cent working interest in the Sarani Block and serves as its operator, while Government Holdings (Private) Limited owns the remaining 25 per cent stake. The company said the well was drilled and tested using the expertise of its technical teams. The results have led to the identification of a new hydrocarbon play within the Chiltan Limestone, potentially providing a foundation for further exploration in the surrounding onshore and shallow offshore areas.