National

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    Pakistan highlights mediatory role in US-Iran conf…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, has highlighted Pakistan’s mediatory efforts in the US-Iran conflict, saying the country remains committed to promoting peace and stability amid growing global tensions. Speaking at an Independence Day ceremony at Pakistan House in New York, Ahmad said Pakistan continued to seek peaceful solutions to conflicts and reaffirmed its commitment to sovereignty, security and socio-economic development. He paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, describing him as a visionary leader who played a historic role in creating Pakistan. Reflecting on the country’s journey since 1947, he praised the resilience and achievements of Pakistanis despite major challenges. Ahmad also praised the armed forces for defending the country and protecting its people, particularly during the May 2025 conflict with India. He highlighted the contributions of Pakistanis around the world, including innovators, athletes and artists, and recognised the work of Saima Saleem and Aleena Majeed at Pakistan’s UN mission. The ambassador said Pakistan had overcome major economic and structural challenges over the decades and continued to show resilience in the face of adversity.

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    Nawaz Sharif calls for better governance in AJK

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif has urged political parties to keep their differences within the bounds of democratic competition, saying political rivalry should never turn into personal hostility. Addressing a meeting of the PML-N Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) parliamentary party in Murree, Nawaz congratulated the candidates who won seats in the AJK elections and called for greater financial support for the region. He said the federal government should provide AJK with maximum possible development funds so that the territory can improve its infrastructure and public services. He also directed the party leadership to examine the reasons behind the defeat of several strong PML-N candidates and learn from the election results. Nawaz said the party had secured victories in two phases of the electoral process, describing the results as another expression of public confidence in the PML-N. However, he cautioned that the party must deliver on its promises to retain that trust. “If the PML-N fails to deliver, the people here will become disappointed,” he said. The former prime minister stressed the need to improve roads, hospitals and other basic facilities across AJK. He said children in the region should also have access to modern educational opportunities and technology, including laptops. Nawaz credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s efforts for the country’s ongoing development, saying Pakistan was moving forward. He called for AJK to experience similar progress and said the region should develop along the lines of Punjab. He stressed that the PML-N could not afford to disappoint voters who had placed their confidence in the party. Nawaz also expressed concern over complaints that emerged during the political process involving the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He said he had not expected the PPP to provide an opportunity for complaints, particularly given that the party had previously led the AJK government. “Some complaints reached us, and I was saddened by them,” Nawaz said, while emphasising the need for political parties to maintain respectful relations despite their differences. He said previous AJK governments had failed to fully meet public expectations and stressed that improving the welfare and living standards of the region’s people should remain the top priority. Nawaz maintained that the PML-N would continue to focus on development and public service while working to strengthen its political position in AJK.

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    Pakistan, Spain discuss expanding trade, investmen…

    ByJustpaste.in

    RAWALPINDI: Ambassador of Spain to Pakistan, H.E. Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna, visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) and held a meeting with RCCI President Usman Shaukat to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral economic, trade and cultural relations between Pakistan and Spain. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, was also present as the chief guest on the occasion. Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, former presidents of RCCI, Executive Committee members and a large number of Chamber members also attended the meeting. Upon their arrival, the Spanish Ambassador and Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan were warmly welcomed by RCCI President Usman Shaukat and members of the Chamber. RCCI President Usman Shaukat highlighted the significant potential for expanding Pakistan–Spain trade and called for stronger business-to-business linkages, improved market access, and enhanced cooperation in investment and technology. He said Spain offers important opportunities for Pakistani exporters, particularly in textiles and agro-based products, while Pakistan can benefit from Spanish expertise in modern agriculture, precision farming, irrigation, mechanization, greenhouse technology and water management. The discussion assumes added significance in light of recent Pakistan–Spain consultations regarding the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Agriculture. Pakistan has identified rice, ethanol, potatoes and maize as products with potential for increased exports to the Spanish market. Spain has also acknowledged Pakistan’s favourable trade balance, with textiles being among Pakistan’s major exports to Spain. On this occasion, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted RCCI’s important role in supporting the government on economic and budget-related matters and appreciated the Chamber’s contribution towards strengthening Pakistan’s economic foundations. He said Pakistan is moving forward across various sectors, particularly information technology, and stressed the need to further promote investment, innovation and entrepreneurship. Rana Mashhood said the Prime Minister’s Vision 2047 provides a roadmap for building a prosperous, self-reliant and globally competitive Pakistan. He emphasized that youth empowerment, employment generation, peace and economic stability are essential priorities for the country’s sustainable development. He added that Pakistan’s young population represents a major national asset and that greater opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship and employment are needed to fully harness its potential. He also appreciated the growing economic and diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Spain, saying stronger cooperation with European countries can create new opportunities for Pakistani businesses, exporters and young entrepreneurs. In a special gesture of friendship and goodwill, RCCI President Usman Shaukat and Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan jointly presented H.E. Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna with a football manufactured in Pakistan for the FIFA World Cup. The presentation showcased Pakistan’s strong sports manufacturing capabilities and symbolized the growing friendship, cooperation and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Spain. The Spanish Ambassador also participated in RCCI’s Independence Day celebrations and cake-cutting ceremony, further reflecting the warm cultural and people-to-people relations between the two countries. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to promoting bilateral trade and investment, technology cooperation, agricultural collaboration and stronger institutional linkages for the mutual economic benefit of Pakistan and Spain.

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    IHC issues cause list with eight benches for next …

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Registrar’s Office has issued the cause list for the upcoming week. According to the cause list, eight benches will be available to hear cases during the week. These include six single benches and two division benches. The court has constituted two division benches to hear cases involving matters requiring consideration by two judges. The first division bench will comprise Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro and Justice Umair Majid Malik. The second division bench will consist of Justice Muhammad Asif and Justice Shah Rukh Arjumand. The cause list also includes six single benches. These benches will hear cases assigned to individual judges during the upcoming week. The six single benches will comprise Justice Sarfraz Dogar, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, Justice Muhammad Asif, Justice Ayaz Shaukat, Justice Umair Majid Malik and Justice Shah Rukh Arjumand. The Registrar’s Office has issued the schedule as part of the court’s regular judicial proceedings. Cases listed before the respective benches will be taken up according to the cause list. The cause list determines which cases are scheduled for hearing and which judges will hear them. Lawyers and litigants will appear before the relevant benches on the dates fixed by the court. The Islamabad High Court will continue hearing cases through the six single benches and two division benches during the coming week.

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    Anti-corruption probe flags HMC appointment irregu…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Anti-Corruption Department has conducted an inquiry into alleged irregularities and appointments to key positions at Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), raising questions over the appointment procedures and eligibility of several candidates. The inquiry report identified alleged violations of rules and regulations in appointments to important positions, including Director Finance, Chief Internal Auditor, Director Supply Chain, and Director Research and Clinical Audit. According to the report, a person was appointed as Director Finance despite allegedly failing to meet the prescribed eligibility criteria. The inquiry also found that the candidate who secured the top position on merit for the post of Chief Internal Auditor was allegedly overlooked. The report further stated that the appointment of the Director Supply Chain was made despite the candidate allegedly not meeting the required technical expertise criteria. Similarly, the inquiry raised objections to the appointment of the Director Research and Clinical Audit, stating that the appointee allegedly did not meet the required eligibility criteria. The Anti-Corruption Department said the appointments allegedly violated provisions of the Medical Teaching Institutions (MTI) Act and relevant rules and regulations. Based on its findings, the inquiry recommended that the disputed appointments be cancelled. The report also recommended action against the Chairman and members of the Board of Governors, along with other officials allegedly involved in the appointment process. According to the inquiry report, the disputed appointments remained in place for around three years, allegedly causing a financial loss of approximately Rs150 million to the public exchequer. The inquiry recommended recovering the alleged financial loss from the individuals responsible. The Anti-Corruption Department has also recommended verification of the educational qualifications, professional experience and certificates of the officials concerned. The verification is aimed at determining whether the documents submitted by the candidates at the time of their appointments met the prescribed criteria and were in accordance with the relevant rules. The matter has already been under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Department. A petition challenging appointments to key posts, including Director Finance, Chief Internal Auditor and Director Supply Chain, is also pending before the Peshawar High Court.

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    KP rejects Rs6.4bn proposed cut in federal transfe…

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has rejected a proposed deduction of Rs6.4 billion from the province’s federal financial transfers. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the federal government had sought an additional amount from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before the provincial budget. The provincial government had linked the release of the additional funds to a meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan and his approval. Afridi said the KP government neither approved nor agreed to the proposed deduction of Rs6.4 billion. He said the additional federal grant had also not been included in the provincial budget for the 2026-27 financial year. The chief minister said the matter was not merely a political dispute but concerned the province’s constitutional and financial rights. He maintained that Article 164 of the Constitution does not give the federal government the authority to unilaterally deduct money payable to a province. According to Afridi, any such deduction requires a clear constitutional or legal basis as well as the consent of the provincial government. He said the Finance Department had clearly conveyed its disagreement with the proposed deduction in a letter issued on August 13. Written instructions were also issued that no deduction should be made without the province’s consent. Afridi said Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam immediately met the relevant officials of the Accountant General KP. The Accountant General of Pakistan Revenues was also directed not to record or implement any transaction without the clear consent of the provincial government. The chief minister said the provincial government had decided to prepare a summary and ordinance under the 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) after the province did not receive its share for six months. He said the provincial government did not sign the memorandum of understanding concerning the additional amount because a meeting with the PTI founder was not arranged. Afridi said the KP government had already approached the Federal Constitutional Court to seek its constitutional rights under the National Finance Commission. He made it clear that the provincial government would not compromise on its NFC rights. The chief minister further said the federal government had no authority to unilaterally deduct money on the basis of an unapproved memorandum of understanding. He vowed that the provincial government would use every legal and constitutional avenue to protect its rights and defend every rupee of its financial share. Afridi also said that if the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) achieved its Rs15.26 trillion tax collection target, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s share would amount to approximately Rs175 billion. He added that providing the merged districts with their rightful share under the 11th NFC was also one of the provincial government’s conditions.

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    New provinces a national issue, says Aleem Khan

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister and President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) Abdul Aleem Khan has said the creation of new provinces is a national issue and should not be sacrificed for political interests or expediency. In a statement, Aleem Khan said people across the country wanted new provinces to be created on an administrative basis. He said the IPP would continue raising its voice for the issue at every forum. The federal minister said the prevailing circumstances clearly demanded a new working order across the country. He urged politicians to take ownership of the demand for new provinces while fulfilling their responsibilities. Aleem Khan said political leaders needed to focus on resolving public problems instead of protecting their personal influence and authority. He stressed that the creation of new provinces was a national matter and should not become a victim of political considerations. The IPP president said there was nothing wrong with dividing each of the four existing provinces into four administrative units, if this helped improve governance and addressed public issues. He also expressed support for the creation of South Punjab and Bahawalpur provinces. Aleem Khan said the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party also supported the demand for a Hazara province. He noted that voices were also being raised for new provinces in Punjab and Sindh. He said demands for a Hazara province had been raised in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly since 2010. Aleem Khan welcomed the fact that major political parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were now supporting the creation of a Hazara province. He said the debate over new provinces should be approached as a matter of better administration, public welfare and effective governance rather than narrow political interests.

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    Nawaz Sharif fires warning: Politics must not beco…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif has called for political tolerance, saying political rivalry is a normal part of democratic politics but differences should never turn into personal or political enmity. Addressing a PML-N meeting in Murree on Saturday, Nawaz Sharif said he was surprised by the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) objections regarding the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. He noted that the PPP had previously been in power in AJK and said the political situation that emerged during the elections was a matter of concern for all political stakeholders. Nawaz said the situation had developed because previous governments had failed to properly fulfil their responsibilities. He stressed that political parties should respect democratic differences and avoid creating an atmosphere of hostility. The PML-N president said his party had always treated its political opponents with respect. He urged all political forces to demonstrate patience and tolerance and keep political disagreements within the limits of democratic debate. Nawaz Sharif said the PML-N had secured a simple majority after the first two phases of the AJK elections. The party has won 24 seats, while the PPP has secured 10 seats in the first two phases. The third phase of the election process is yet to be completed, with final results expected after the remaining polling process. Nawaz expressed confidence that the PML-N would form the government in AJK. He said the party would work to fulfil the commitments made to voters during the election campaign. He congratulated PML-N leaders and workers on their electoral performance and appreciated their efforts during the election campaign. Nawaz Sharif called for maximum financial resources to be provided to Azad Kashmir. He said improving the lives of the people and accelerating development should remain the government’s top priority. He claimed that the people of AJK were looking towards Punjab for development and better public services. Nawaz said development work had been initiated during Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure in Punjab and later expanded under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He pledged that the PML-N would seek to replicate its development model in AJK. “The way we transformed Punjab, we will transform Azad Kashmir as well,” Nawaz said, while stressing that failing to deliver on promises made to voters could result in public disappointment. The PML-N president also praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team for their efforts to address Pakistan’s economic and administrative challenges. He said the government inherited an extremely difficult situation but was now working to improve the country’s overall position. According to Nawaz, economic conditions were gradually improving and efforts were underway to put Pakistan on a stronger and more sustainable footing. He said the government was also seeking to reduce Pakistan’s dependence on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and move the country towards greater economic self-reliance.

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    Women who helped shape the Pakistan movement

    ByJustpaste.in

      When the history of Pakistan’s independence is discussed, the narrative often focuses on the male political leaders who negotiated with the British, addressed large public gatherings and worked toward the creation of a separate homeland. However, women also played an important and often overlooked role in the Pakistan Movement. They organised political activities, mobilised communities, created awareness, participated in protests, assisted refugees and challenged traditional expectations about women’s place in public life. Among the prominent women of the movement, Fatima Jinnah remains one of the most widely recognised figures. However, her contribution extended far beyond her relationship with Muhammad Ali Jinnah as his sister. She worked closely with her brother and played an active role in encouraging Muslim women to participate in political activities. At a time when women’s involvement in public politics was socially restricted, Fatima Jinnah’s visibility carried considerable significance. Her participation demonstrated that the struggle for Pakistan was not intended to be limited to men. She became an important symbol of women’s political participation and helped encourage Muslim women to take an active interest in the future of the community. Following Partition in 1947, Fatima Jinnah continued her public service. She became involved in efforts to support refugees and assist with their rehabilitation. She also continued to speak for greater participation of women in the political and social development of Pakistan. Another important figure was Abadi Bano Begum, popularly known as Bi Amma. Long before the demand for Pakistan became the central political objective of Indian Muslims, Bi Amma had already demonstrated that Muslim women could play a role in political movements. She was the mother of prominent leaders Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Maulana Shaukat Ali and became actively involved in the Khilafat Movement. Bi Amma addressed public gatherings and encouraged people to support the political struggle against British rule. Her involvement was significant because political activism was still considered unusual for many Muslim women. By entering the public sphere, she helped challenge the idea that politics was exclusively a man’s responsibility. Begum Jahan Ara Shah Nawaz was another influential woman associated with Muslim League politics. Rather than remaining a passive supporter, she actively participated in political mobilisation and worked to increase women’s involvement in the Pakistan Movement. During the politically tense period of 1946–47, Muslim League women participated in protests in Punjab, with some even facing arrest. Her political involvement had begun well before Pakistan was established. She participated in the First Round Table Conference and raised concerns about discrimination against women in political rights, government employment, business and professional opportunities. After independence, Begum Jahan Ara Shah Nawaz became one of the two women members of Pakistan’s first Constituent Assembly. Alongside Shaista Ikramullah, she worked to bring women’s rights and legal equality into discussions about the new state. The contributions of these women show that Pakistan’s independence was not achieved through the efforts of men alone. Women participated in political mobilisation, social reform and nation-building, helping establish the principle that they had a legitimate and important role in Pakistan’s public life.

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    Man climbs electricity pole in Peshawar to steal P…

    ByJustpaste.in

      A man climbed an electricity pole in Peshawar in an alleged attempt to steal power cables, according to the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO). The unusual incident took place in the Shahibagh Sub-Division area, where electricity supply had already been suspended because maintenance work was underway. According to PESCO officials, the man climbed onto the pole while power was switched off in the area. The incident reportedly occurred during a period when electricity lines were not operational due to repair and maintenance work being carried out by the power distribution company. PESCO said that the man appeared to have taken advantage of the temporary suspension of electricity supply. He reportedly climbed the pole with the intention of removing electrical wires. The incident was noticed by people in the area, who alerted the relevant authorities. Officials reached the location and took action to prevent the situation from becoming more serious. The man was eventually brought down safely from the electricity pole. The incident occurred in the Shahibagh Sub-Division, an area served by PESCO as part of its electricity distribution network in Peshawar. Authorities said that the power supply had been deliberately shut down because repair work was being conducted on the network. The temporary power outage may have created an opportunity for the suspect to attempt the alleged theft. Electricity cables and other equipment belonging to power distribution companies are frequently targeted by thieves because the materials can be sold as scrap or for their metal value. However, climbing an electricity pole can be extremely dangerous even when the power supply has been switched off. Electrical systems can contain residual risks, and unexpected restoration of electricity can also create a serious threat to anyone working on or near power lines. PESCO officials did not immediately provide further details about whether the man had successfully removed any cables before being stopped. It was also not immediately clear whether a formal case had been registered against him or what legal action would be taken. The incident highlights the challenges faced by electricity distribution companies in protecting their infrastructure from theft and illegal interference. Power cables, transformers and other equipment are essential for maintaining electricity supplies, and their theft can cause additional outages and financial losses. Authorities regularly warn members of the public against approaching electricity poles, wires and other electrical equipment without proper training or authorisation. Such actions can result in serious injuries or even death. Residents in the area reportedly alerted officials after noticing the man on the pole. His safe removal prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating. PESCO has been carrying out maintenance and repair activities in different parts of its service area to improve the reliability of electricity supplies. Planned outages are sometimes necessary to allow technical teams to safely work on power lines and related infrastructure. Officials have advised consumers to cooperate with maintenance schedules and report suspicious activity involving electricity infrastructure to the relevant authorities. The Peshawar incident serves as a reminder that electricity infrastructure remains vulnerable to theft, particularly during planned outages. It also demonstrates the dangers associated with attempting to interfere with electrical equipment. While the man was successfully brought down from the pole, authorities are expected to investigate the incident further and determine whether he intended to steal cables and whether any electricity infrastructure was damaged during the attempt.