National

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought responses from the federal government and the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports over the reported non-renewal of the passport of Arshad Khan, popularly known as “Arshad Chaiwala.” Justice Umair Majid Malik heard the petition filed by Arshad Khan, with Barrister Umar Ejaz Gilani representing him in court. The petitioner’s counsel told the court that Arshad Khan is an entrepreneur who has promoted Pakistani culture internationally. According to the counsel, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) verification board has already cleared Arshad Khan’s identity. His Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) is also active. The court was informed that Arshad had applied for renewal of his passport on August 20, 2025. However, despite the passage of nearly a year, the renewed document had allegedly not been issued. The lawyer said Arshad had repeatedly contacted the office of the interior secretary to resolve the matter but had not received a satisfactory response. He also informed the court that a legal notice had been served on the interior secretary. Despite the notice, no response was reportedly received. Arshad has asked the high court to direct the authorities to issue his renewed passport without further delay. His petition also seeks a declaration that the continued failure to issue the passport is unlawful and violates his fundamental rights. During the hearing, Justice Umair Majid Malik observed that the court would first obtain the position of the relevant government authorities before examining the matter further. The IHC subsequently issued notices to the Director General Immigration and Passports and the federal government through the interior secretary.

LAHORE: More than 317,000 Pakistanis travelled abroad for employment during the first half of 2026, as economic pressures, unemployment, inflation and limited professional opportunities continue to push workers towards international job markets. Official figures show that 317,436 Pakistanis left the country for employment between January and June. Saudi Arabia remained the most popular destination, attracting 183,951 Pakistani workers during the six-month period. The United Arab Emirates ranked second with 50,773 workers, followed by Qatar with 34,025. Bahrain received 13,329 Pakistani workers, while 4,673 travelled to Türkiye for employment. Several other countries, including Cyprus, Greece, the United Kingdom and Malaysia, also attracted Pakistani workers. Of the total number, 316,848 workers completed their overseas employment registration through the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BE&OE). Another 588 workers secured employment through the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC). The overseas workforce includes professionals from a wide range of sectors. Doctors, engineers, IT specialists, software developers, technicians and paramedical workers are among those seeking better employment prospects abroad. Experts say the continuing outflow could have both positive and negative consequences for Pakistan. Remittances sent by overseas workers provide an important source of foreign exchange and support millions of families in Pakistan. However, the departure of skilled professionals could also create challenges for sectors already facing shortages of qualified workers. Economic difficulties are being cited as a major factor behind the growing trend. Rising living costs, unemployment, heavy taxation and limited career opportunities have encouraged many young professionals to consider leaving the country. Experts have also expressed concern over Pakistan’s technological infrastructure. They argue that inadequate digital facilities, slow or disrupted internet services and limited research opportunities make it harder for professionals and businesses to compete internationally. The high cost of higher education is another concern. Young people seeking advanced qualifications often face significant financial pressure, while limited employment opportunities after graduation can encourage them to seek careers overseas. Thousands of additional Pakistanis are reportedly preparing to leave for employment and are currently completing documentation and other formal requirements through government offices. Workers travelling abroad have also reported difficulties during the departure process at airports in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and other cities. The trend is not limited to blue-collar workers. A significant number of highly qualified professionals and students are also considering international opportunities. Some Pakistani students who travelled to Canada, Europe and the United States on scholarships have expressed a desire to return after completing their studies. However, they say their decision will depend on whether employment, research and professional opportunities improve in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s petrol dealers have announced an indefinite nationwide strike from August 15 after talks with the government failed to resolve their concerns over the fuel pricing mechanism. The Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) said on Thursday that negotiations with government representatives did not produce a breakthrough. The association maintained that its major demand regarding the daily adjustment system for petroleum product prices remained unresolved. PPDA Chairman Malik Khuda Baksh said the government was unwilling to change the existing mechanism during the talks. However, officials reportedly assured the dealers that an increase of Rs1.34 in their profit margin would be considered, subject to approval from the federal cabinet. The assurance failed to convince the dealers to withdraw their strike call. According to the association, its delegation left the negotiations following the unsuccessful talks and travelled back to Karachi. An emergency meeting of the PPDA executive committee was also convened to discuss the situation. The association subsequently reaffirmed its decision to shut petrol pumps across the country from Saturday morning. The proposed shutdown could create difficulties for motorists and businesses if it continues for an extended period, particularly as another major transport strike is already affecting movement of goods across Pakistan. The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has also decided to continue its nationwide strike after negotiations with the federal and Sindh governments failed to resolve transporters’ demands. Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan said the strike had entered its sixth day and would continue until the government formally accepted the transporters’ demands and issued the required notification. He accused both the federal and provincial governments of failing to take the issue seriously. Awan said transporters would not end their protest merely on the basis of verbal assurances. At the same time, he appealed to transporters to remain peaceful and avoid blocking roads during the protest. The petrol dealers had initially announced their planned shutdown earlier this week after giving the government a 72-hour deadline to address their concerns. They had warned that the existing fuel pricing arrangement was making it increasingly difficult for dealers to operate their businesses. The dispute centres largely on the mechanism used to determine petroleum prices and the margins available to petrol pump owners. Earlier, another petrol dealers’ body had postponed a planned nationwide shutdown following talks with the petroleum ministry. The dealers had called for reforms to the fuel pricing mechanism and expressed concerns over delays in implementing previously agreed measures.

BANNU: A highly wanted terrorist commander carrying a bounty of Rs6 million has been killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bannu, police said on Thursday. The slain militant was identified as Naseer Muhammad, alias Geedarh, according to Bannu District Police Officer (DPO) Captain (Retd.) Muhammad Furqan Bilal. The operation was jointly conducted by Bannu Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) following intelligence reports about the presence and movement of suspected terrorists in the area. Police said security teams launched targeted actions in Akbar Ali Khan Kili, Sada Khel, Sadarwan and surrounding areas under the supervision of DPO Bilal. Search and surveillance activities were also carried out during the operation. Security was strengthened in different parts of Bannu Township and areas falling within the Domel police jurisdiction. Authorities said further information about the operation and the identity and activities of the slain terrorist would be released after the operation was fully completed. The latest action is part of intensified counterterrorism operations in Bannu, where security forces have carried out several intelligence-based raids in recent weeks. On August 10, a joint operation in the Miryan area resulted in the killing of a suspected terrorist and the detention of eight others. District police, CTD, Elite Force and Pakistan Army personnel participated in that operation. According to police, the suspect killed during the August 10 operation was allegedly attempting to plant an improvised explosive device when security personnel intercepted him. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered. A similar operation was conducted in Bannu on July 20, when another suspected terrorist was killed and eight others were detained by a joint security team. The latest operation comes amid continued security concerns across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The province has witnessed a series of attacks targeting police, security personnel and public infrastructure in recent months. On July 15, terrorists attacked the Miryan police station in Bannu using an explosives-laden vehicle before engaging security personnel in a prolonged gun battle. The attack left several police officers and civilians injured. Security officials have since increased surveillance and intelligence-based operations across sensitive areas of the district. Bannu and other parts of southern K-P have remained particularly vulnerable because of their proximity to the Afghan border and the continued threat posed by militant networks. The federal government has repeatedly called on Afghan authorities to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to plan and carry out attacks against Pakistan. The security situation has also resulted in increased operations targeting suspected militant hideouts, movement routes and support networks. Earlier incidents in Bannu included attacks on public infrastructure and attempts to damage key transport links through explosives.