National

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    PM directs MDCAT delay, admission test rescheduled…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has postponed the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, giving thousands of aspiring medical students additional time before the nationwide examination. According to an official statement issued by the PM&DC, the entrance test, originally scheduled for August 16, will now be held on September 20, 2026. The council said the decision was made to ensure the examination is conducted in a more organized, secure, transparent, and candidate-friendly manner. Officials emphasized that the revised schedule is intended to improve overall arrangements while maintaining the integrity of the admission process. PM&DC clarified that, apart from the change in the examination date, all previously announced terms, conditions, and examination arrangements will remain unchanged. Any further revisions, if required, will be communicated through a separate official notification. The council has advised candidates, parents, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to regularly monitor its official website and communication channels for updated information, instructions, and announcements related to the examination. Expressing regret over any inconvenience caused by the postponement, PM&DC thanked students and stakeholders for their patience and cooperation.

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    Centre, Sindh join hands to tackle marine pollutio…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The federal government and the Sindh administration have agreed to launch a coordinated campaign to combat marine pollution, safeguard coastal ecosystems, and promote the sustainable growth of Pakistan’s blue economy. The decision was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori’s successor, Governor Nehal Hashmi, where both sides reviewed the growing environmental challenges facing the country’s coastline and discussed their impact on marine biodiversity, fisheries, coastal communities, and critical infrastructure. Speaking on the occasion, the maritime affairs minister said marine pollution had evolved into a major environmental, economic, and public health challenge. He noted that pollution was not only damaging coastal ecosystems but was also threatening livelihoods and economic activities dependent on marine resources. The minister said the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, through its Marine Pollution Control Board, was already implementing measures to address the issue and proposed a joint meeting with the Sindh government and relevant provincial departments to develop a comprehensive response. He identified the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea as one of the most serious threats to Pakistan’s marine environment, warning that the continuous release of wastewater was harming mangrove forests, fish habitats, coral ecosystems, and other sensitive coastal resources. Emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation, he said protecting marine ecosystems was essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the country’s blue economy. Governor Nehal Hashmi described marine pollution as a growing public health concern, particularly for residents of Karachi’s coastal communities, who face increasing health risks due to contaminated seawater. He stressed the need for stronger coordination among federal, provincial, and local authorities to improve wastewater management and prevent untreated sewage from reaching the sea. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to strengthen institutional coordination and jointly formulate long-term strategies aimed at reducing marine pollution, preserving coastal ecosystems, and supporting sustainable economic development through a healthier marine environment.

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    NCCIA Punjab arrests 4 in cybercrime crackdown

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has arrested four suspects during coordinated enforcement operations conducted in Lahore and Multan as part of its ongoing campaign against serious cybercrime. The cases involve the alleged trafficking of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), online harassment of a minor, cyber blackmail, and the unlawful sharing of intimate digital content. In the most significant operation, NCCIA investigators in Lahore arrested a suspect accused of possessing and distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material, including illegal content depicting the sexual abuse of children and animals. According to investigators, the material was allegedly circulated through online platforms for commercial purposes. Mobile devices and other electronic evidence were seized during the operation and have been sent for forensic examination. Investigators are working to identify additional victims, trace the origin of the material, and determine whether other individuals were involved. Child Sexual Abuse Material is regarded worldwide as one of the most serious forms of online criminal exploitation. The production, possession, distribution, or sale of such material is treated as a major criminal offence by law enforcement agencies across the globe. In a separate operation in Lahore, NCCIA officers arrested another suspect accused of using social media to harass and intimidate a minor. Investigators collected digital evidence that will form part of the continuing criminal investigation. In Multan, two additional suspects were taken into custody in separate investigations involving the alleged blackmail of female victims through private photographs and videos. Investigators allege that the suspects used WhatsApp and other online platforms to issue threats and unlawfully share sensitive digital content. Electronic devices and other evidentiary material were recovered during the operations, and forensic analysis is continuing. Director NCCIA Punjab Muhammad Ali Wasim said the agency will continue to pursue individuals involved in child exploitation, cyber extortion, online harassment, and related offences. He said crimes involving Child Sexual Abuse Material demand an immediate and uncompromising law enforcement response because of the serious harm they inflict on children. He also encouraged parents and members of the public to remain alert, supervise children’s online activity, and promptly report suspected cybercrime so that timely legal action can be taken.

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    Pakistan backs Iran-US dialogue, Hormuz progress k…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed hope that progress on the Strait of Hormuz issue will create momentum for renewed dialogue between Iran and the United States, reaffirming its commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions in the region. Speaking at the weekly media briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan expects the implementation of the Islamabad Reconciliation Framework to advance through consensus on the Strait of Hormuz, paving the way for technical-level talks between Tehran and Washington. He said Pakistan supports the resumption of negotiations between Iran and the United States and will continue to play a constructive diplomatic role alongside regional partners. According to the spokesperson, Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, and other friendly countries remain engaged in coordinated efforts to promote peace and stability, with Oman playing a particularly positive role in efforts related to the Strait of Hormuz. Andrabi also confirmed that Iran’s foreign minister has been invited to visit Pakistan, while noting that the National Assembly Secretariat would clarify whether an invitation has also been extended to the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament. On the situation in Gaza, the spokesperson said lasting peace requires not only the disarmament of Hamas but also Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied territories. He stressed that Israel must fulfill its international obligations and end its military presence in Gaza. Responding to questions about the possible deployment of an international peacekeeping force in Gaza, Andrabi said it was too early to discuss such a proposal. He added that Pakistan would examine any formal plan if it is presented through appropriate international channels. Commenting on political developments in Bangladesh, the spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and declined to comment on statements made by Bangladesh’s former prime minister. He also strongly condemned recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, describing them as violations of international law and threats to maritime security. Andrabi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the safety of global trade routes and said defense cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would continue.

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    FO rejects India’s criticism of AJK elections

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) has strongly rejected India’s criticism of the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative elections, saying New Delhi has neither the legal standing nor the moral authority to question the democratic process in the region. Speaking at the weekly media briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi dismissed remarks made by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which had described the AJK elections as a “farce.” He termed India’s comments baseless, politically motivated and an attempt to undermine a democratic process being conducted under the constitutional and legal framework of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Andrabi said the elections are taking place in a peaceful, transparent and orderly manner despite security challenges, reflecting the democratic aspirations and political will of the people of AJK. He added that Pakistan remains committed to ensuring a free and fair electoral process in the region. The spokesperson said India’s criticism comes as the seventh anniversary of New Delhi’s August 5, 2019 decision to revoke the special constitutional status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) is being observed. He maintained that those unilateral measures violated international law, relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and India’s own international commitments. He reiterated Pakistan’s position that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognised disputed territory, whose final status should be determined through a UN-supervised plebiscite in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. Andrabi also accused India of attempting to divert global attention from alleged human rights violations and restrictions on political freedoms in occupied Kashmir. He said references to casualty figures and other claims made by Indian authorities cannot overshadow concerns raised by the international community over the situation in the region. Responding to another question regarding India’s reaction to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent remarks on Youm-e-Istehsal, Andrabi described the Indian statement as an effort to justify its policies in occupied Kashmir. He alleged that a heavy military presence, strict security laws and demographic changes continue to affect the Muslim-majority character of the territory. He further claimed that development projects promoted by India cannot replace the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination

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    ECP proposes new powers to verify lawmakers’ ass…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has proposed amendments to the Election Rules, 2017, aiming to strengthen scrutiny of lawmakers’ annual declarations of assets and liabilities by allowing the commission to seek information directly from relevant institutions. According to a notification issued by the ECP, the proposed amendment would add a new provision to Rule 137 of the Election Rules. Under the proposed change, the commission would be empowered to seek clarification whenever it finds ambiguity or inconsistency in the asset and liability statements submitted by members of the National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies. The proposal would also authorize the ECP to obtain information not only from the concerned lawmaker but also from any individual, government department, organisation or financial institution that may possess relevant records. If approved, all entities approached by the commission would be legally required to provide the requested clarification or information within the timeframe specified by the ECP. The electoral body said the amendment has been proposed under the powers granted to it by Section 239 of the Elections Act, 2017. The draft amendment has been published to invite public feedback before it is finalised. Citizens and stakeholders have been invited to submit objections or suggestions regarding the proposed amendment to the ECP Secretariat in Islamabad by August 15, 2026. The commission said it will review all submissions and provide an opportunity for hearing before making a final decision. The draft amendment has also been uploaded to the ECP’s official website to ensure transparency and allow public participation in the legislative process.

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    IHC reserves verdict on judges’ appointments ple…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday reserved its verdict on the maintainability of a petition challenging the delay in the approval of judicial appointments for high courts across the country. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the petition filed by advocate Luqman Zafar Chaudhary through his counsel Zahid Asif Chaudhry. The petitioner requested the court to direct President Asif Ali Zardari to approve a summary forwarded by the prime minister for the appointment of 19 additional judges and the confirmation of five judges in the Islamabad, Lahore, Sindh, Balochistan and Peshawar high courts. During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) had recommended the appointments during its meetings held on July 20 and 21. He said the summary was later sent to the president for approval, but no decision has been made despite the passage of more than two weeks. The counsel maintained that the delay is affecting the functioning of the superior judiciary. He informed the court that the tenure of an additional judge of the Sindh High Court has already expired, while the terms of four additional judges of the Peshawar High Court are expected to end within the coming days. The lawyer also told the court that reports suggest the government may issue notifications regarding the appointments within the next 48 hours. Justice Tahir repeatedly questioned whether a constitutional petition could legally be maintained against the president. He asked the petitioner’s counsel to cite any previous court ruling in which a writ had been issued against the president regarding the exercise of constitutional powers. The court observed that the judgments presented by the petitioner did not support the argument that courts could direct the president in matters governed by Article 48 of the Constitution. Justice Tahir asked whether any legal precedent existed requiring the president to act on such matters through a judicial order. The petitioner’s counsel argued that Article 48 requires the president to act on the advice of the prime minister or the cabinet. He maintained that the president has no independent authority to indefinitely delay judicial appointments once the Judicial Commission has completed its recommendations. The lawyer further argued that the Ministry of Law is the competent authority to issue appointment notifications after the completion of the constitutional process. He claimed that the president’s role in the appointment process is largely formal and that unnecessary delays should not hinder the functioning of the judiciary. The petitioner requested the court to seek responses from the federal government, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Law regarding the status of the pending summary. However, the court declined to issue notices at this stage.

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    Father seeks fresh post-mortem in Mir Raza case

    ByJustpaste.in

    The father of deceased businessman Mir Raza Ali has decided to seek a second post-mortem examination, saying he is not satisfied with the initial medical report or the progress of the investigation into his son’s death. Mir Hussain said he will move the court to request a fresh medical examination. He believes the first post-mortem did not fully explain the circumstances of his son’s death and has called for a transparent and impartial investigation. Mir Raza Ali, an IBA graduate and businessman, went missing on the night of July 28 after leaving his home. According to his family, he told them he would return within a few minutes. However, he did not come back. His body was found the following day in bushes in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area. The victim’s father has rejected the theory that his son died by suicide. He insists that Mir Raza was murdered and claims attempts are being made to present the incident as a suicide. He alleged that his son’s body showed signs of violence, including burns to the face, body and fingerprints. He also claimed that Mir Raza was shot from behind and questioned why the initial medical report focused only on the gunshot injury without mentioning other visible injuries. Mir Hussain further questioned what happened to his son during the nearly 24 hours between his disappearance and the recovery of his body. He said Mir Raza had spoken to his sister before leaving home and appeared to be in a normal mood. According to the family, the taxi driver who dropped him off also told investigators that the businessman seemed cheerful and was singing during the journey. Preliminary medical findings indicated that the victim died from a gunshot wound. The report estimated that the body was between 24 and 36 hours old when examined. Medical officials also noted facial injuries and marks on one of his hands. The bullet’s path suggested it entered from the back and exited through the front. To ensure a thorough inquiry, Karachi police have constituted a three-member special investigation team. The team has been directed to examine every aspect of the case, identify those responsible and submit daily progress reports to senior police officials. Investigators have also reviewed the victim’s mobile phone records and forensic evidence. According to officials, the data indicates that Mir Raza had been facing financial difficulties. Authorities said he had reportedly sent a message to a friend shortly before his death requesting a loan of Rs30 million. Police have recorded statements from 15 individuals, including the taxi driver who last transported the victim and the person who first informed authorities about the body.

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    Punjab seeks Rs12.5bn for local polls

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Punjab government is expected to consider a request for Rs12.5 billion to finance the upcoming local government elections in the province. According to official sources, the Punjab Local Government Department has formally sought the funds from the provincial government to meet the financial requirements for conducting the elections. The requested amount is intended to cover the expenses associated with organising the electoral process, including administrative arrangements, polling operations, election staff, logistics and other necessary preparations. Sources said the proposal for the release of funds will be presented before the Punjab Cabinet for approval. The cabinet will review the request and decide whether to allocate the required amount for the elections. An important meeting of the Punjab Cabinet has been convened for today. The meeting is expected to discuss several major policy and administrative matters, with the funding proposal for local government elections among the key agenda items. If the cabinet approves the request, the release of funds will pave the way for the Election Commission and the provincial authorities to begin practical preparations for the long-awaited local government elections. The financial allocation is considered a key step toward ensuring that the electoral process is conducted smoothly and that all logistical and administrative requirements are met on time. Officials believe that timely approval of the funds will help avoid delays in election preparations and support the successful organisation of local government polls across Punjab.

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    Pakistan’s blasphemy cases hit record low

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan has witnessed a significant decline in registered blasphemy cases this year following a crackdown on hardline religious groups, signalling what analysts describe as a major shift in the country’s security policy. According to figures cited by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), only 13 blasphemy cases have been registered so far in 2026, marking a fall of nearly two-thirds compared with the same period in recent years. Data from conflict monitoring organisation ACLED also indicates that only one blasphemy-related riot or attack has occurred over the past year, compared with an annual average of more than seven incidents between 2021 and 2024. The decline comes after security agencies intensified action against several extremist organisations accused of exploiting blasphemy allegations to incite violence. Officials familiar with the matter said the campaign has included arrests of key figures, restrictions on organisational activities, freezing of financial assets and tighter monitoring of religious gatherings. The change was evident during an incident in Karachi last month, where allegations of blasphemy against a Christian family drew a large crowd. Police officers intervened before the situation turned violent and persuaded protesters to disperse peacefully. Authorities later determined that the accusations against the family were baseless, allowing them to be moved to safety without further harm. Analysts believe the reduced presence of organised extremist groups has played a key role in preventing mob violence that has historically followed blasphemy accusations. Pakistan has witnessed around 90 blasphemy-related lynchings since 1990, with many incidents beginning after rumours spread through local communities. Security experts say the military leadership has adopted a tougher stance against groups previously accused of using religious sentiments to mobilise supporters and pressure governments. They argue the policy shift is linked to broader efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s international image, attract foreign investment and improve relations with Western countries while tackling growing security threats at home. Officials also believe that curbing religious extremism is necessary to address worsening militancy in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where insurgent violence continues to challenge the state’s authority. Some analysts say extremist organisations and militant groups have historically drawn support from similar networks of radicalised youth. The country’s largest hardline religious party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), was banned last year after authorities concluded that its activities posed a threat to public order and Pakistan’s international reputation. Government measures reportedly included detaining senior leaders, sealing offices and restricting financial operations. The party has rejected the ban, calling it unconstitutional. Despite the decline in violence, observers caution that extremist ideology remains deeply rooted in parts of society. Human rights advocates say minority communities, including Christians, Ahmadis and Shia Muslims, continue to live under the fear of false accusations, as Pakistan’s blasphemy laws remain in force and carry the death penalty. Security analysts also warn that sustained enforcement will be necessary to prevent banned organisations from regrouping or resurfacing under new identities. They argue that long-term success will depend on consistent policies rather than temporary crackdowns.