National

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    Bilawal calls AJK polls ‘bloody elections&#8…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has strongly criticised the recent Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, describing them as “bloody” and “rigged” while vowing to continue the party’s political and legal battle over the results. In a statement, Bilawal alleged that the elections were neither free nor fair. He claimed the polls were marred by rigging and violence, calling them “bullet elections,” “killer elections,” and “bloody elections.” Despite his criticism of the electoral process, Bilawal thanked PPP supporters for their backing, saying voters had enabled the party to secure victory on nine seats. He further alleged that several seats in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad had been “stolen” from the PPP and pledged to pursue all constitutional and legal avenues to reclaim what he described as the party’s rightful mandate. Bilawal said the PPP would not be discouraged by the election outcome and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to continuing its political struggle. “The Pakistan Peoples Party does not lose courage, does not retreat, and does not abandon the political field,” he said. The PPP chairman also announced that he would address a public gathering in Bagh district as part of the party’s ongoing election campaign. Inviting supporters from the Poonch region, Bilawal said he would visit the area on August 10 and urged party workers and supporters to prepare for the rally. His remarks come amid continuing political tensions following the AJK elections, with the PPP maintaining that it will challenge the disputed results through legal and constitutional channels.

  • Senate seeks PM intervention over Khairpur Dates Research Centre

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: A major agriculture research project aimed at improving Pakistan’s date production has faced a setback after the proposed Dates Research Centre in Khairpur was excluded from the Public Sector Development Programme 2026 and 2027, prompting the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research to demand immediate reconsideration of the decision. The committee expressed concern that a project designed to improve date farming, develop disease-resistant varieties, increase exports and support farmers was left out due to financial limitations. The matter was discussed during the 29th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, chaired by Syed Hussain Tariq, MNA, at Parliament House Islamabad. Officials informed the committee that the joint project of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur for establishing the Dates Research Centre could not be included in the PSDP 2026 and 2027 because of limited financial resources. The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives informed the committee that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research had prioritized only three new development schemes for inclusion in the national development programme, leaving several important projects outside the plan. The committee strongly disagreed with the decision and highlighted the importance of the dates sector for Pakistan’s agriculture and economy. Members noted that Pakistan is among the leading date producers, and a dedicated research centre could help farmers increase production, fight crop diseases, improve quality, develop new varieties and boost the country’s share in international markets. The committee directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to formally approach the Ministry of Planning and request a review of the decision. The committee also decided to seek a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss establishing the Dates Research Centre through cooperation between the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur. During the proposed meeting with the Prime Minister, the committee also plans to discuss other major agriculture challenges including wheat imports, setting a fair minimum support price for wheat, providing DAP fertilizer subsidies similar to regional countries and investigating reasons behind wheat shortages despite earlier reports of surplus stocks. The committee said agricultural development requires long term planning and research facilities to support farmers and improve food security. The meeting also reviewed concerns regarding artificial sweeteners and flavored drinks, especially their possible health effects on children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Officials informed the committee that earlier recommendations were made after findings from the National Institutes of Health highlighted possible health risks linked with excessive consumption of such products. The committee was informed that frequent consumption of artificial sweeteners and flavoured drinks may contribute to health problems, including an increased risk of diabetes and other serious diseases. The committee expressed dissatisfaction over delays in implementing earlier recommendations and directed the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority to urgently review existing regulations. PSQCA was directed to hold a meeting in Islamabad involving committee members, health officials, NIH representatives, mango growers and other stakeholders. The committee instructed that revised standards should include clear product labels, prevention of misleading claims, visible health warnings, proper expiry date information, suitable fruit pulp requirements and regulations for plastic bottle usage. The National Institutes of Health was also directed to provide scientific evidence regarding health impacts and international guidelines to help improve the regulatory framework.

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    KP government orders immediate closure of mines

    ByJustpaste.in

      The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has ordered the immediate closure of all mines where explosive materials are used, as part of a broader effort to strengthen security and tighten oversight of potentially hazardous substances across the province. According to official directives issued by the Provincial Home Department in Peshawar, all district administrations have been instructed to take immediate action and ensure strict implementation of the government’s orders. The directive emphasizes the need for swift compliance and close coordination among local authorities to enforce the new measures without delay. The Home Department has also directed all districts to prepare and submit comprehensive lists of mines operating within their jurisdictions. These lists will distinguish between mines that use explosives and those that do not. Officials have been instructed to classify all mines using explosive materials under a Red List, indicating that they fall under stricter regulatory scrutiny and are subject to immediate closure or further action. On the other hand, mines extracting soft rock without the use of explosive materials will be placed on a Green List. These mines are considered comparatively safer from a security perspective and may continue operations in accordance with existing regulations, provided they comply with all relevant legal requirements. The department has instructed district administrations to submit both the Green List and the Red List as soon as possible. The reports are expected to provide a clear picture of mining activities across the province and help authorities monitor compliance with the latest directives. In addition to regulating mining operations, the Home Department has ordered strict monitoring of the purchase, sale, transportation, storage, and use of explosive materials. Authorities have also been instructed to closely monitor the movement and use of urea fertilizer, which can potentially be misused in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices if diverted from legitimate agricultural purposes. As part of these measures, all districts have been asked to compile and submit complete district-wise lists of licensed urea dealers. The purpose of collecting this information is to strengthen oversight of the distribution chain and prevent the illegal sale or diversion of urea for unlawful activities. The Home Department has further instructed all relevant officials to submit the required reports and lists without delay. Once these reports are received, the provincial government will review the findings and determine any additional actions that may be necessary. Relevant authorities are expected to take further administrative, regulatory, or legal measures based on the information collected from across the province. The latest directives reflect the KP government’s commitment to enhancing public safety, improving regulatory oversight of mining activities, and preventing the misuse of explosive materials. By introducing a district-wise classification system and increasing surveillance over explosives and urea distribution, the provincial administration aims to strengthen law enforcement efforts and reduce potential security risks associated with unauthorized use of hazardous substances. The implementation of these measures is expected to improve coordination among government departments and ensure greater accountability in the mining and chemical supply sectors across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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    Sardar Yousaf renews call for creation of Hazara p…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has reiterated his demand for the creation of a separate Hazara province, saying there is broad political consensus on the issue and that administrative reforms are essential to improve governance and public service delivery. Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad alongside Senator Talha Mahmood, the minister said the movement for Hazara province began in 2010 and has remained a longstanding demand of the region’s people. He said seven young people sacrificed their lives during the movement, adding that their contributions would always be remembered. According to the minister, people from different political parties have consistently supported the establishment of Hazara as a separate province. Sardar Yousaf noted that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has passed constitutional resolutions in support of Hazara province on three occasions—in 2014, 2018, and 2020. He added that bills seeking the creation of the new province have also been introduced in both the National Assembly and the Senate and have been referred to the relevant standing committees on law and justice. The minister said the creation of new administrative units has become a necessity in view of Pakistan’s growing population, which now exceeds 250 million. He argued that additional provinces would improve governance, revenue collection, and the implementation of development projects. He stressed that the demand for Hazara province is not linked to any single political party but represents a united movement supported by people from all walks of life, including political leaders, lawyers, journalists, students, traders, and religious scholars. Sardar Yousaf said several national political leaders have publicly expressed support for the Hazara province during visits to the region and public gatherings. He maintained that smaller administrative units would bring government services closer to the people, help address public issues more effectively, and strengthen the federation. He also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the Hazara province movement, noting that Hazara Martyrs’ Day is observed every year on April 12 in their memory.

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    Sugar mills seek approval to export 585,000 tonnes…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has requested the federal government to allow the export of 585,000 tonnes of surplus sugar, saying the country has sufficient stocks to meet domestic demand while supporting sugarcane growers ahead of the next crushing season. In separate letters addressed to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the Minister for National Food Security, the association urged the government to grant immediate permission for sugar exports, as it has done in previous years. According to the letters, Pakistan had 3.4 million metric tonnes of sugar in stock as of July 15, 2026, while the country’s average monthly consumption stands at approximately 567,000 metric tonnes. The association said that even before the start of the upcoming crushing season, an estimated 1.158 million metric tonnes of sugar would remain in stock, ensuring ample supplies for domestic needs. PSMA further stated that another bumper sugarcane crop is expected during the next crushing season, which is projected to produce around 8 million metric tonnes of sugar—well above the country’s annual requirement. The association warned that with the sugarcane sowing season approaching, growers are facing uncertainty due to concerns over excess sugar stocks and limited storage capacity. It urged the government to allow the export of surplus sugar, including stocks held as strategic reserves, within one month of the beginning of the new crushing season. According to the association, timely exports would help stabilise the domestic market, create storage space for the new crop, and ensure better returns for sugarcane farmers

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    Sohail Afridi says KP Police, CTD key to restoring…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that lasting peace in the province can only be ensured by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), stressing that no other force can replace their role in maintaining law and order. Speaking to reporters after visiting those injured in the recent explosion in Swat, the chief minister said peace is a shared responsibility and a common need for every citizen. He added that all political parties, religious groups, and people from different schools of thought are united in their desire to restore peace across the province. Afridi said the provincial government remains fully committed to its security policy and will implement it without compromise. He urged the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to stand together in support of peace and stability. He praised the sacrifices made by the provincial police and said the government is providing the force with all the resources it needs to combat terrorism and maintain security. According to the chief minister, more than Rs35 billion has been allocated to strengthen police infrastructure, modern equipment, and operational capacity. He maintained that the KP Police and CTD have the experience, capability, and commitment required to tackle security challenges and said no third party could establish peace in the province more effectively than these institutions. The chief minister said peace is essential for economic growth and public prosperity, adding that development cannot take place without a secure environment. He reaffirmed that strengthening law enforcement agencies remains one of the provincial government’s top priorities. Commenting on national politics, Afridi criticised the federal government, claiming it came to power through what he described as a “Form 47 mandate.” He urged the federal leadership to focus on addressing its own governance and economic challenges instead of criticising the provincial government. He also alleged that Rs5 trillion had been paid under the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) framework and claimed that the country’s economic indicators, including GDP growth, were declining.

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    Islamabad High Court extends stay on 50% additiona…

    ByJustpaste.in

      The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has extended its earlier interim order preventing the collection of an additional 50 percent toll tax from vehicles that do not have an M-Tag installed. The relief will remain in effect until the next hearing of the case, providing temporary protection to motorists while the legal proceedings continue. During the hearing, the National Highway Authority (NHA) submitted its written response before the court, outlining its position regarding the policy of imposing an additional toll charge on vehicles that are not registered under the M-Tag system. The response is expected to form the basis of further arguments in the case. The petitioner’s counsel requested additional time to carefully review the written reply submitted by the NHA before presenting a detailed response. Accepting the request, the court adjourned the proceedings to a later date, allowing both parties sufficient time to prepare their arguments. While postponing the hearing, the Islamabad High Court announced that its previous order would continue to remain in force until the next hearing. As a result, authorities have been restrained from collecting the additional 50 percent toll tax from vehicles that either do not have an M-Tag installed or have insufficient balance in their M-Tag accounts. The interim relief means that motorists falling into these categories cannot be charged the extra amount until the court issues further directions. However, the regular toll charges applicable under existing rules may still be collected. The dispute centers on the National Highway Authority’s policy requiring motorists to register their vehicles with the M-Tag electronic toll collection system. Under the authority’s regulations, vehicles that are not registered with M-Tag are subject to a 50 percent higher toll fee when using motorways and designated highways. Similarly, vehicles with an M-Tag account that does not have sufficient balance may also be charged the additional amount under the same policy. The NHA introduced the M-Tag system to modernize toll collection, reduce congestion at toll plazas, promote cashless payments, and improve the efficiency of traffic management on Pakistan’s motorway network. The electronic system enables vehicles to pass through toll plazas more quickly, minimizing delays and reducing manual cash transactions. Despite these objectives, the policy of imposing an additional 50 percent toll charge has faced criticism from some motorists and legal experts. Opponents argue that the surcharge is excessive and places an unnecessary financial burden on drivers, particularly those who have not yet registered for the M-Tag system or encounter technical issues with their accounts. They also contend that such a financial penalty should have a clear legal basis and should not be enforced without proper safeguards. The NHA’s decision has therefore been challenged before the Islamabad High Court, where the petitioner seeks to have the additional toll charge declared unlawful. The court will examine the legal validity of the policy after considering the arguments of both parties, including the authority’s written response and the petitioner’s objections. Until the next hearing, the High Court’s interim order will continue to provide temporary relief to affected motorists by preventing the collection of the disputed 50 percent additional toll tax. The outcome of the case is expected to determine whether the National Highway Authority can lawfully enforce the surcharge in the future or whether changes to the policy will be required.

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    Nawaz Sharif urges PML-N leaders to ignore Naqvi&#…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif has reportedly directed party leaders to avoid reacting to recent remarks made by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, stressing that national unity and institutional harmony are essential in the current political and security environment. According to sources, Nawaz Sharif described coordination between the federal government and state institutions as a critical national requirement at a time when Pakistan is facing significant economic, political, and security challenges. He reportedly advised party leaders to exercise restraint and refrain from making statements that could create the impression of differences between the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The development comes after Mohsin Naqvi’s recent remarks regarding the country’s political system reportedly prompted concerns within sections of the PML-N leadership. Senior party members are said to have conveyed their reservations to Nawaz Sharif during internal consultations. Sources said Nawaz Sharif instructed party leaders to ignore the statement and avoid escalating the matter publicly. He emphasised that the country’s national interest requires maintaining close cooperation and mutual understanding among all state institutions. According to the sources, the PML-N president believes that unnecessary public controversy over individual statements could undermine confidence at a time when the country is confronting multiple internal and external challenges. Nawaz Sharif reportedly maintained that preserving institutional harmony is essential for political stability, effective governance, and addressing the country’s economic and security priorities. He also urged party leaders to remain focused on governance and public service rather than engaging in political disputes that could create perceptions of divisions within the state structure.

  • Lahore Hijama scam exposed, NCT issues show-cause notice

    ByJustpaste.in

    ​LAHORE: A major scam involving the sale of fake Hijama (Cupping Therapy) diplomas and the extortion of millions of rupees from aspiring practitioners has been uncovered in Lahore, prompting the National Council for Tibb (NCT) to issue an official show-cause notice. According to reports, an engineer named Muhammad Raheel Iqbal Butt, running an engineering firm named “3 DOTS GLOBAL FORUM,” unlawfully converted his company into an unauthorized Hijama training center. By posing as a “Professor and Surgeon” alongside his Saudi Arabia-based sister, Rabeel Iqbal Butt, whom he portrayed as a lecturer, he misled individuals seeking a shortcut into the medical field. The center charged each student PKR 90,000 for a 4-month course and PKR 50,000 for practical training, accumulating PKR 140,000 per student without any statutory approval, accreditation, or legal authority. Having completed seven sessions—training roughly 70+ unverified practitioners—the firm reportedly pocketed over PKR 10 million (1 Crore PKR). Responding to this public health risk, the Registrar of the National Council for Tibb (Government of Pakistan) issued a formal show-cause notice demanding a written explanation and legal documentation authorizing their courses within seven days, warning of strict regulatory and legal action upon non-compliance.

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    Malala expresses grief over Swat attack, calls for…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai has expressed deep sorrow over the recent suicide attack in Swat, urging authorities to ensure the protection of civilians and prevent the region from falling back into violence. In a statement, Malala said she was deeply saddened by the suicide bombing in her hometown of Swat, describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the suffering the region has endured over the years. She noted that the attack claimed the lives of more than a dozen people, including police personnel, and said she could understand the pain and grief being experienced by the families of the victims. Malala extended her heartfelt condolences to those who lost their loved ones and prayed for strength and patience for the bereaved families. She also expressed hope for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack. Emphasising the importance of public safety, Malala called on the authorities to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and property of citizens and ensure lasting peace and security in the region. Reflecting on Swat’s past, she said the girls of the valley have always dreamed of living in peace, free from fear and violence. She added that her prayers are with the people of Swat and expressed hope that they would never again be forced to live under the shadow of the Taliban. Malala said the people of Swat deserve a peaceful future where children can pursue their education, families can live without fear, and communities can rebuild their lives in a secure environment.