National

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    Petrol, Diesel prices rise as govt announces fresh…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The federal government has increased prices of both petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD), citing adjustments under the country’s petroleum pricing mechanism. According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division of the Ministry of Energy, the price of petrol has gone up by 45 paisa per litre, while high-speed diesel has become Rs1.16 more expensive per litre. Following the latest revision, petrol will now cost Rs325.43 per litre, compared with the previous rate of Rs324.98. The price of high-speed diesel has risen from Rs382.79 to Rs383.95 per litre. The revised rates were determined after the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) reviewed petroleum product prices in line with the government’s pricing framework, which takes international oil market movements and other relevant costs into account. The latest increase comes shortly after the previous price review, when the government raised the HSD rate by 54 paisa per litre while reducing petrol prices by 94 paisa per litre. The new prices will apply from Friday, August 14, as the government continues its periodic adjustments to petroleum rates in response to changes in global energy markets and domestic cost factors.

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    Supreme Court to hear Imran Khan meeting and treat…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan has scheduled hearings in cases concerning meetings with former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, as well as matters related to his medical treatment. According to details, the cases will be heard on August 18 by a three-member bench of the Supreme Court. The bench will be headed by Justice Shahid Waheed and will include Justice Naeem Afghan and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim. The Supreme Court Registrar’s Office has issued notices to the relevant parties and their lawyers regarding the upcoming hearing. The scheduling of the cases comes amid continued attention surrounding issues related to access to Imran Khan, including meetings with party leaders, lawyers and other relevant individuals. His medical treatment and healthcare arrangements have also remained an important issue in proceedings concerning his detention. The upcoming hearing is expected to bring the relevant legal arguments before the three-member bench. The court will consider the petitions and submissions presented by the concerned parties and their legal representatives. The development is significant for PTI supporters and political circles because questions surrounding meetings with Imran Khan have remained a recurring issue. Any observations or directions issued by the Supreme Court during the hearing could attract considerable political and legal attention. The registrar’s office has formally notified the concerned lawyers, meaning the matter is now set for proceedings before the apex court on August 18. Further developments are expected after the hearing, when the Supreme Court may issue directions or pass orders concerning the matters before it. For now, the key development is that the Imran Khan meeting and treatment cases have officially been fixed for hearing before a three-member Supreme Court bench. The hearing on August 18 will therefore be closely watched, particularly by PTI supporters and legal observers following matters related to Imran Khan’s access to meetings and medical care.

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    Pakkay dost season 4: Bilal Maqsood brings educati…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Singer and songwriter Bilal Maqsood has announced the fourth season of his popular children’s programme Pakkay Dost, promising a fresh mix of educational songs, entertainment and Urdu-language learning for young audiences. The new season of Pakkay Dost is set to premiere on YouTube on August 22. Maqsood shared the announcement on Instagram, expressing excitement about bringing the programme back with more engaging content for children and families. Maqsood explained that the main idea behind Pakkay Dost is to create healthy and wholesome entertainment in Urdu while making the language feel fun, modern and relevant to children. The upcoming season will continue using music as a way to teach children about different subjects. The programme will explore topics including Urdu, physical fitness, kindness towards animals, vegetables and the human body. One of the performances features actor Syra Yousuf, who can be seen dancing to a song about the history of the Urdu language. The performance introduces children to vocabulary influenced by languages such as Arabic and Turkish while making language learning entertaining. The new educational songs will also teach children about exercise and healthy habits. Other songs will introduce the names of vegetables as well as bones and joints in the human body. According to Maqsood, Pakkay Dost now has more than 50 songs covering a wide variety of subjects and facts. He has encouraged parents to watch the programme with their children, emphasizing that the show has been created to entertain adults as well as young viewers. The singer also said that enjoying the music himself is an important part of his creative process. His approach combines catchy songs with educational themes, allowing children to learn without making lessons feel like traditional classroom activities. With Pakkay Dost Season 4 arriving on YouTube on August 22, Bilal Maqsood is continuing his effort to introduce children to Urdu through music, humour and wholesome entertainment. The new season is expected to appeal to families looking for educational content that can keep children entertained while helping them learn about language, health, nature and their own bodies.

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    Two police personnel martyred in Lahore’s badami…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Two police personnel were martyred after armed assailants opened fire on them in Lahore’s Badami Bagh area on Thursday evening, according to police officials. The victims were identified as Sub-Inspector Adeel and Head Constable Asad, both of whom were deployed at Lorry Adda police station. Police said the two officers were attacked within the jurisdiction of Badami Bagh police station. According to initial reports, armed assailants opened fire on the officers before fleeing the scene. Both personnel suffered critical bullet injuries and later succumbed to their wounds. Police have identified Rehan Butt as the alleged main suspect in the attack, while efforts are continuing to determine the identities and whereabouts of his suspected accomplices. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran reached the scene with a heavy police contingent and supervised the initial investigation. The area was cordoned off as investigators collected evidence and examined the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The DIG directed the SP City to ensure the immediate arrest of those involved. Police teams have been deployed across different locations and are conducting raids to apprehend Rehan Butt and the other suspects. Preliminary police information described Butt as a suspected dangerous shooter who was already wanted by authorities. Investigators are also examining whether the attack could be connected to an earlier police encounter involving his brother, Faizan Butt. Police said the case was being investigated from all angles and that further information would be released as the investigation progresses. DIG Kamran described the deaths of the two officers as a tragic loss, saying they had sacrificed their lives while carrying out their duties. He vowed that police would continue their efforts until all suspects were arrested. Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Karim also took notice of the incident and sought a report from the Lahore DIG Operations. He directed police to use all available resources to arrest those responsible. The IG paid tribute to the martyred officers and ordered that their bereaved families receive complete care and welfare support. The Lahore Badami Bagh firing has prompted an intensified police operation, with investigators continuing raids and gathering evidence to establish the full circumstances behind the deadly attack.

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    Pakistan lights up in grand Independence Day celeb…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan marked its 79th Independence Day with spectacular celebrations, dazzling fireworks and a vibrant display of national spirit across major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta. The festivities reached a major highlight in Islamabad with the inauguration of the newly built Victory Monument. President, Prime Minister and Field Marshal attended the ceremony, where the national flag was hoisted in the presence of service chiefs, federal ministers and foreign diplomats. Across the country, streets, homes, markets and public buildings were illuminated with colourful lights and decorated with Pakistan’s green-and-white flags. Citizens joined the celebrations with patriotic enthusiasm, while national songs echoed through cities and communities. Karachi took on a festive appearance as residents decorated their neighbourhoods and public spaces. The special Azadi Safari train also travelled from Karachi to Chhor as part of the Independence Day celebrations. Lahore witnessed colourful decorations and lively festivities, while Islamabad was illuminated with spectacular displays. In Peshawar, Quetta and Multan, people also celebrated the national day with great enthusiasm. The Punjab government organised a special Independence Day ceremony featuring performances by renowned singers, adding music and entertainment to the celebrations. From fireworks lighting up the night sky to the widespread display of national flags and patriotic songs, Pakistan’s Independence Day brought citizens together in a nationwide expression of pride, unity and love for the country.

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    Pakistan’s Major General Qazi appointed as new U…

    ByJustpaste.in

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Pakistan Army Major General Jawwad Ahmed Qazi as the new Force Commander of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). Major General Qazi, who has been awarded with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military), brings more than 35 years of military leadership, operational command and international peacekeeping experience to his new assignment. His appointment reflects Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations. During his military career, Major General Qazi has held several senior command, staff and instructional positions in Pakistan and abroad. His previous appointments include serving as General Officer Commanding of an Infantry Division, Force Commander Northern Areas and Director General at the Ministry of Defence. He has also gained direct experience in UN peacekeeping, having served with the United Nations Transitional Administration in Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium (UNTAES) in Croatia earlier in his career. Pakistan has welcomed the appointment, describing it as another significant contribution to international peace and stability. The country continues to support UN peacekeeping efforts by providing trained contingents and experienced military leaders for missions around the world. Major General Qazi’s appointment further highlights Pakistan’s extensive experience and continued commitment to global peacekeeping and international security.

  • Former FATA, Balochistan students protest over medical seats

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: Students from former FATA and Balochistan have been protesting outside the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) for around a week, stating their medical and dental seat issue remains unresolved despite repeated meetings, provincial proposals and a PMDC decision allowing increased intake in public medical colleges. Protesters say they expected hundreds of seats under a federal education programme but are still waiting for a clear notification covering their admissions. Among the protesting students named are Usman Afridi, Allah Yar and Shafi ud Din. Muhammad Rehan, a student from South Waziristan, said the federal government through the Higher Education Commission had been providing medical and dental education opportunities to students from former FATA and Balochistan. He said 333 MBBS and BDS seats had been provided each year under the programme in previous years. Rehan claimed that the same number of seats had not been made available to students this time. According to his account, PMDC initially told the students that it did not hold a separate quota of 333 seats and that provincial governments would have to identify available seats before PMDC could consider approval. Students then approached the governments and medical education authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Rehan said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa identified 375 additional seats while Balochistan proposed another 36 medical seats. He said the students expected PMDC to approve these seats for their current admission session but the matter had still not been settled. Official documents in the file support that Khyber Medical University submitted a proposal for a major increase in seats for students from former FATA. The KMU proposal listed additional seats in several public medical colleges. It proposed 50 additional seats each at Saidu Medical College, Gomal Medical College, Bannu Medical College, Bacha Khan Medical College, Nowshera Medical College, Gajju Khan Medical College and KMU Institute of Medical Sciences. It also proposed 25 additional seats at KMU Institute of Dental Sciences. The total proposed increase under the KMU plan was 375 seats. Khyber Medical University said the colleges proposed for increased intake had been examined for faculty, infrastructure, teaching hospitals, equipment and other requirements. KMU stated that the institutions were capable of supporting the proposed increase and asked PMDC to approve the seats for the relevant session. Balochistan also submitted a separate proposal for 36 additional MBBS seats. According to the document, Bolan Medical College was proposed for 21 additional seats. Five seats each were proposed at Jhalawan Medical College, Loralai Medical College and Kech Medical College. The Balochistan Health Department said the proposal would support educational equality and help address the shortage of medical professionals in underserved regions. The combined proposals from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan therefore amount to 411 additional seats. However, whether all of those seats must be reserved specifically for students from former FATA and Balochistan is a central issue in the dispute. Students say they were expecting a fixed quota under the HEC programme. PMDC documents in the file show a somewhat different arrangement. PMDC approved an increase in student intake capacity across recognised public medical colleges, subject to inspections and compliance with its standards. The regulator said colleges seeking increased intake would have to meet requirements on infrastructure, faculty and accreditation. It also made clear that the increased intake was not a relaxation of minimum medical education standards. The PMDC decision further stated that where the approved capacity of a public medical college is increased, the relevant provincial or regional government may reserve an appropriate quota within those additional seats for students under the HEC scholarship programme for former FATA and Balochistan. The document says the provincial government and HEC would determine the method for nomination, allocation and admission under the quota. The PMDC notification therefore does not state in the provided text that every province must reserve a fixed number of 333 or 300 seats. Instead, it allows provincial governments to earmark an appropriate quota from approved enhanced capacity. This difference appears to be at the heart of the current dispute. Students say they were promised a specific number of seats. The formal PMDC notification in the provided documents speaks more broadly about increased capacity and allows provinces to determine an appropriate HEC quota within that capacity. Rehan also claimed that a PMDC Council meeting had agreed to approve 300 seats for students of former FATA and Balochistan. He said students were later repeatedly told that a notification would be issued soon but it did not come in the form they expected. He also claimed that students have recordings of conversations with senior PMDC officials regarding promises about the notification. These claims are statements made by the protesting student and the provided documents do not independently establish the contents of the alleged recordings. Official PMDC documents do confirm that the Council approved increased intake capacity in recognised public medical colleges across Pakistan. The decision stated that expanding capacity would give more deserving students access to medical education and strengthen Pakistan’s future health workforce. However, this approval remained subject to PMDC assessment and compliance with required standards. An earlier Khyber Pakhtunkhwa meeting regarding former FATA students also shows that the issue had been under discussion for some time. The meeting reviewed an overall capacity figure of 333 seats and discussed how additional opportunities could be created for students from former FATA. Officials were told that PMDC was willing in principle to consider increased seats if the required documents and formal requests were completed. KMU was directed to survey medical colleges and submit the required information to PMDC. The meeting record dacuments also states that the support initiative for former FATA students was described as continuing until 2031. Students are now demanding that PMDC issue a clear decision and allow the enhanced seats to apply to their current admission session. They argue that provincial governments and universities have already carried out the work required to identify additional capacity and that further delay could cost them an academic year.

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    Pakistan intensifies efforts to secure release of …

    ByJustpaste.in

      Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to assess Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to secure the safe and early release of 10 Pakistani nationals being held hostage aboard the oil tanker MT Honour 25 after it was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia. The tanker, which was operating under the Somali flag, was travelling from Oman to Somalia when it was seized by pirates on April 21. A total of 17 crew members were on board the vessel, including 10 Pakistani citizens. Since the incident, the families of the Pakistani hostages have repeatedly appealed to the government to intensify efforts for their loved ones’ safe recovery. During the meeting, officials briefed the deputy prime minister on the latest developments surrounding the hostage situation and the measures being taken to secure the release of the Pakistani nationals. Dar directed all relevant authorities and stakeholders to maintain close and regular coordination while further strengthening diplomatic efforts with both national and international partners. The foreign minister placed particular emphasis on continued communication with Somali authorities and relevant international organisations. He said sustained diplomatic engagement was essential to creating conditions that could facilitate the safe recovery and repatriation of the hostages. Dar also expressed solidarity with the families of the detained Pakistanis and assured them that the government was closely monitoring the situation. He stressed that all possible efforts were being made to achieve a positive outcome and expressed hope that ongoing diplomatic contacts would ultimately result in the safe return of all 10 Pakistani citizens. Last month, Dar spoke by telephone with his Somali counterpart, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, to convey Pakistan’s serious concern over the hostage situation. During the conversation, Dar emphasised the need to protect the health and safety of the hostages, secure their early release and ensure their safe return to Pakistan. The Somali foreign minister assured Dar that his government was continuing sincere efforts to help secure the hostages’ release as soon as possible. The latest meeting in Islamabad comes amid growing concerns about the deteriorating conditions reportedly being faced by the Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel. In video and audio messages, some of the hostages have described severe shortages of essential supplies. They said food and medicines had run out and claimed that they were receiving only one serving of boiled rice each day. They also reported that clean drinking water was no longer available, forcing them to consume contaminated water. According to the hostages, the lack of safe water has already caused illnesses among several crew members, further increasing concerns about their health. One hostage said their lives remained under constant threat and that gunfire could be heard almost every day in the surrounding area. The situation has renewed attention on piracy along Somalia’s coastline and its potential threat to international shipping. Somali pirate attacks reached their highest level in 2011, when armed groups operated as far as 3,655 kilometres from Somalia’s coastline. At its peak, Somali piracy posed a major threat to one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, disrupting commercial shipping and placing hundreds of seafarers at risk. Pakistan’s government is now seeking to strengthen diplomatic and international cooperation to ensure the safe release of the 10 Pakistani nationals. Authorities remain engaged with Somalia and other relevant stakeholders as efforts continue to bring the hostages home safely.

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    Pakistan moves to strengthen digital finance and e…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has called for a more supportive regulatory framework to expand electronic transactions, improve digital access to finance and accelerate Pakistan’s broader digital transformation. The minister made these remarks during a meeting with Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) Chairperson Dr Sohail Munir, where the two discussed digital finance, technology-driven economic activity and the development of Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. According to the Ministry of Finance, Aurangzeb stressed that existing regulations must evolve alongside technological advancements and new business models. The meeting focused on creating an environment that recognises electronic transactions and encourages greater use of digital systems in trade and financial activities. The participants also examined ways to improve access to finance by expanding digital platforms and making financial procedures more efficient. Aurangzeb particularly highlighted the need to simplify customer onboarding, strengthen data-sharing systems and improve the interoperability of financial information. Greater integration between banks and capital markets was also discussed, with the aim of making investment opportunities more accessible to ordinary citizens. The minister said streamlined digital account-opening procedures could encourage wider participation in the capital market. Better connections between banking and capital-market systems, he added, could increase investor participation and improve access to investment opportunities. The meeting also covered the importance of connecting government data systems. According to the ministry, better-integrated data could help policymakers improve planning, policy formulation and decision-making. The increased use of technology and artificial intelligence was identified as another opportunity to improve the efficiency of government and financial services. Digital infrastructure was another key area of discussion. Aurangzeb emphasised that new initiatives should be practical, scalable and consistent with Pakistan’s wider digital transformation goals. Digital assets and tokenisation were also discussed, particularly their possible applications in real estate and other investment sectors. Participants stressed that appropriate regulations and supporting mechanisms would be necessary for the responsible adoption of emerging technologies. Aurangzeb appreciated the work of the Pakistan Digital Authority and called for practical, high-impact initiatives that could improve efficiency, expand financial access and strengthen the country’s digital capabilities. He also emphasised continued coordination among relevant stakeholders to ensure steady progress in Pakistan’s digital economy. Pakistan has already witnessed significant growth in digital payments. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, retail payments through the banking system reached 3.7 billion transactions during January-March 2026, representing a 9% increase from the previous quarter. Digital channels accounted for 92% of total retail payment volumes, processing around 3.4 billion transactions worth Rs68.3 trillion. Mobile banking and digital wallet registrations exceeded 132 million by March 2026, rising 37% year-on-year. Nearly half of Pakistan’s 268 million bank accounts were connected to a mobile banking application or digital wallet. Meanwhile, Raast processed 742 million transactions worth Rs23.27 trillion during the quarter, reflecting growing public acceptance of instant digital payments. Mobile wallets such as Easypaisa and JazzCash have also expanded access to basic financial services, particularly for people previously underserved by traditional banking. Merchant adoption is growing as well. QR-enabled merchants more than tripled during FY25, rising from 516,000 in FY24 to more than 1.9 million by the end of 2025. Although digital adoption remains stronger in urban areas, the figures indicate that Pakistan’s digital financial ecosystem is expanding rapidly.

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    Pakistani celebrities rally behind Mir Raza Ali’…

    ByJustpaste.in

      A growing number of Pakistani celebrities have expressed solidarity with the family of Mir Raza Ali, calling for justice in the case of the 25-year-old entrepreneur whose death in Karachi has attracted renewed public attention amid developments in the investigation. Ali, who owned the business Wafflix, was reportedly kidnapped from the PECHS area of Karachi before his body was discovered in bushes near a wedding hall in Gulistan-e-Johar on July 29. A second post-mortem examination reportedly supported the family’s longstanding claim that Ali was murdered, prompting renewed calls for authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. The case has increasingly drawn the attention of prominent public figures, with several celebrities turning to social media to express their grief, raise questions about the investigation and demand accountability. Some have also participated in public demonstrations in support of Ali’s family. Actor Mahira Khan publicly backed lawyer and activist Jibran Nasir, who is representing Ali’s family and has been advocating for a fresh investigation into the case. Khan indicated that she would support efforts to seek justice and said she was prepared to join public protests if required. Television host and doctor Shaista Lodhi also shared an emotional message about Ali and the suffering faced by his family. She said she could not stop thinking about the young entrepreneur and his loved ones, describing the loss as deeply painful. Lodhi also expressed sympathy for Ali’s mother and prayed that no parent would ever have to experience such an unbearable loss. She concluded by calling for justice to be served. Veteran actor Bushra Ansari also spoke out, offering prayers for Ali and his family while demanding punishment for those responsible if wrongdoing is established. She questioned the circumstances of the case and argued that a person should not be subjected to violence simply because they are involved in lending money or financial dealings. Journalist and television anchor Waseem Badami used his platform to raise broader concerns about equal treatment under the law. He questioned whether wealthy and influential individuals receive greater public and institutional attention when they face difficulties, while ordinary citizens may not receive the same level of support when they become victims of violence. Actor Osman Khalid Butt also reacted strongly to the case, describing the reported details surrounding Ali’s death as disturbing. He called for the alleged conspiracy to be fully investigated and expressed hope that Ali’s family would receive the justice they have been seeking. Television host Maya Khan similarly voiced her support for Jibran Nasir’s efforts. In a social media message, she encouraged the lawyer to remain strong and assured him that members of the public were willing to support the campaign for justice. Several celebrities have gone beyond online statements and attended protests in Karachi. Actors Shuja Asad and Azlan Shah were among those who reportedly joined demonstrations, expressing solidarity with Ali’s relatives and friends. They also encouraged others from the entertainment industry to speak up and support the family’s demand for justice. The growing involvement of celebrities has brought additional public attention to the case at a time when questions surrounding the investigation remain under scrutiny. Ali’s family and their legal representatives continue to call for a comprehensive investigation into his death and for those responsible to be held accountable. As public pressure grows, attention remains focused on the authorities and the next stages of the investigation, with Ali’s supporters demanding transparency and justice for the young entrepreneur.