National

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    Pentagon signs framework agreement with lockheed M…

    ByJustpaste.in

      The United States Department of Defense (Pentagon) has entered into a framework agreement with leading American defense contractors Lockheed Martinand Northrop Grumman to expand the production capacity of critical components used in missile defense systems. The agreement is part of the U.S. government’s broader effort to strengthen its defense industrial base and ensure that the military maintains sufficient stocks of advanced missile interception systems amid rising global security challenges. According to Arab media reports, the Pentagon has not disclosed the financial value of the framework agreement. While details regarding the total cost and production timeline remain confidential, officials have indicated that the initiative is intended to significantly increase manufacturing capabilities for components used in missile interceptor systems. The agreement comes at a time when the United States is reassessing its defense production capacity in response to ongoing international conflicts and growing demand for advanced military equipment. Reports suggest that the prolonged wars involving Iran-related regional tensions and the conflict in Ukraine have placed considerable pressure on U.S. weapons and missile inventories. As a result, the Pentagon has been working to replenish depleted stockpiles while ensuring that American forces remain prepared for future security challenges. Missile defense systems play a crucial role in protecting military installations, strategic assets, and civilian populations from incoming missile threats. These systems rely on highly sophisticated interceptor missiles and advanced technologies capable of detecting, tracking, and destroying hostile missiles before they reach their intended targets. Increasing production of the key components used in these systems is expected to improve the United States’ ability to respond quickly to evolving security threats and maintain a reliable supply of defensive capabilities. Defense analysts have noted that expanding manufacturing capacity is becoming increasingly important as global geopolitical tensions continue to rise. The ongoing war in Ukraine has resulted in significant military assistance from the United States and its allies, including the transfer of advanced missile defense equipment and interceptor missiles. At the same time, heightened tensions in the Middle East have increased the demand for missile defense systems capable of countering a wide range of aerial threats. The latest framework agreement follows another major defense contract announced just last week. The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $58.6 billion for the production of Patriot interceptor missiles, one of the world’s most widely used air and missile defense systems. The Patriot system is designed to intercept ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and hostile aircraft, making it a critical component of the United States’ missile defense network as well as that of several allied nations. The new agreement with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman is expected to complement that large Patriot missile contract by ensuring that manufacturers have the capacity to produce the essential components needed for future missile defense programs. By investing in increased production capabilities, the Pentagon aims to strengthen supply chains, reduce manufacturing bottlenecks, and accelerate the delivery of critical defense equipment. Although the Pentagon has not revealed the financial details of the framework agreement, the move underscores Washington’s continued commitment to enhancing national security and maintaining military readiness. As global conflicts and regional tensions persist, expanding defense production is expected to remain a top priority for the U.S. Department of Defense in the years ahead.

  • Punjab, Korean delegation agree to boost livestock and agriculture cooperation

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lahore – A Korean delegation led by CHO SOK JAE met with Punjab Minister for Livestock and Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani. Secretary Livestock Ahmad Aziz Tarar was also present on the occasion. Additional Secretary Technical Dr. Usman Tahir, Director General Production Dr. Naeem Kanwar, Director Communication Dr. Khaliq Shafi and senior officials of the Agriculture Department also attended the meeting. The meeting included a detailed discussion on the use of modern technology, mutual cooperation, investment and the promotion of trade relations in the livestock and agriculture sectors. The Korean delegation said that it was working on advanced technology for first-generation potato seed which could prove to be an effective alternative to the conventional seed currently imported into Pakistan. According to the delegation, their first-generation seed could help achieve higher yields thereby increasing the productivity and potential of the agricultural sector. The delegation also introduced an advanced blood-based pregnancy testing kit for animals. According to the delegation, the kit can detect pregnancy in animals through a blood sample as early as 28 days after conception with results available in approximately 30 minutes. The delegation also expressed interest in producing the testing kit locally in Pakistan. On the occasion, Provincial Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani invited the Korean delegation to invest in Pakistan’s livestock and agricultural sectors. He said that the Punjab government welcomed the promotion of modern technology and international cooperation. In this regard, the Provincial Minister appointed Director General Production Dr. Naeem Kanwar as the focal person to evaluate the blood pregnancy testing kit and prepare a technical report. The Provincial Minister directed that the kit be practically tested at government livestock farms and that a comprehensive technical report be prepared and submitted. This would help determine the future course of action regarding the effective use of this technology.

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    Lahore Board digitizes result cards, introduces QR code certificates

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE – Chairman Lahore Board of Education, Dr. Engineer Badr-ul-Islam has said that the Lahore Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE Lahore) has taken a major and revolutionary step to bring the education system in line with modern requirements and provide prompt solutions to the problems faced by students. In accordance with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz and the directions of Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and Chairman Task Force Committee for Boards Muzammil Mahmood, BISE Lahore has rapidly digitized its administrative and examination systems. Announcing this major development, Chairman Lahore Board Engineer Dr. Badr-ul-Islam said that result cards have been completely digitized and the entire record of examination results has been shifted to a modern digital system. The primary objective of this initiative is to ensure transparency in examinations, prevent the issuance of fake degrees and certificates and save students from traditional paperwork and repeated visits to the Board offices. Modern QR codes have been added to all digital result cards. By scanning the QR code with any device, a student’s complete academic record and examination results can be instantly verified online. The result cards of all private students will be uploaded to the Board’s official website from where students will be able to directly download their digital result cards. All regular students will be able to obtain their result cards through the portals of their respective schools or colleges and educational institutions. The Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) has been formally informed about the new digital system, e-verification and QR code mechanism so that students do not face any delay or difficulty during admissions to higher education institutions or the attestation of their academic documents. Chairman Lahore Board Engineer Dr. Badr-ul-Islam further said that the Lahore Board of Education is committed to making all its operations paperless and fully digital. Following the digitization of result cards, other services including online NOCs, migration certificates and online fee payments are also being further simplified and automated. He said the objective is to ensure that students can access all necessary facilities through modern cyber and IT services from the convenience of their homes.

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    Rana slams Naqvi’s ‘confusing’ provinces rem…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, said it was true that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had instructed party leaders not to respond to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent statements. He added that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) strongly disagreed with both the content and tone of Naqvi’s remarks. Speaking on a television programme, Rana Sanaullah described Mohsin Naqvi’s comments as “meaningless” and lacking context. He said he had listened to Naqvi’s speech but could not understand what message he was trying to convey. “It appeared that he wanted to make a significant point but failed to explain it properly. Once he made the statement, his subsequent remarks contradicted one another. I simply could not understand what he was saying or why he was saying it,” Rana Sanaullah said. He stressed that whenever a person makes a public statement, it reflects their personal opinion, adding that it was up to Mohsin Naqvi to clarify the intent behind his remarks and take responsibility for their interpretation. Responding to Naqvi’s proposal regarding the creation of new administrative units or provinces, Rana Sanaullah said such matters could not be decided merely through public statements. “You cannot simply talk about new provinces and expect them to come into existence. The Constitution clearly defines the procedure for creating new provinces or administrative units,” he said. He maintained that the issue should first be debated in Parliament, while the final decision would rest with the leadership of the political parties. Rana Sanaullah recalled that during the PML-N government in Punjab from 2013 to 2018, the party had formally proposed the creation of new provinces. He said he had personally presented both the resolution and the proposal for establishing a commission to examine the matter. He explained that a national commission would have to be formed to review all aspects of creating new provinces, including financial resources, administrative arrangements and constitutional requirements. “The commission would also need to consult on representation in the National Assembly, provincial assemblies and the Senate. This is a highly complex issue that requires serious deliberation by experienced policymakers,” he said. Rana Sanaullah added that Pakistan could adopt smaller provinces, a stronger local government system, or even both, but such decisions should be made collectively by political parties after thorough consultation

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    ATC remands Mushtaq Ahmad for three days

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday granted police a three-day physical remand of former senator Mushtaq Ahmad and his associate, Daniyal, in a case linked to a protest over the recent unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The suspects were presented before Duty Judge Rukhsanda Shaheen after their arrest. During the hearing, the prosecution requested a 30-day physical remand, arguing that investigators needed additional time to recover a vehicle and alleged weapons connected to the case. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court approved a three-day remand instead of the longer period requested by the prosecution and directed police to continue their investigation. The case has been registered at Islamabad’s Shalimar Police Station. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the protest and the allegations associated with it. The development comes days after Mushtaq Ahmad’s supporters claimed he had been detained for more than 24 hours after security personnel stopped him from entering Azad Jammu and Kashmir. According to his team, the detention was linked to his public support for protests taking place in the region. Following his release, Mushtaq Ahmad addressed a press conference in Islamabad, where he announced plans to hold a condolence, solidarity and peace gathering in support of the people of AJK. He invited students, journalists, civil society members and Kashmiri residents of Islamabad to participate in the event at F-10 Markaz. Earlier, Mushtaq Ahmad had stated that he was travelling to AJK carrying white flags as a symbol of peace and solidarity with families affected by the recent violence. He said security officials stopped him at Azad Pattan Bridge and prevented him from entering the region, after which he recorded a protest message and began returning to Islamabad. His team further alleged that Punjab Police later intercepted his vehicle in Kahuta and took him into custody.

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    Police officer martyred in gun attack near Jamali …

    ByJustpaste.in

    A police officer was martyred after unidentified gunmen opened fire on two policemen near Jamali Bridge on Karachi’s Super Highway on Monday. The attack has prompted senior police officials and the Sindh government to order an immediate investigation and intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible. According to police, the two officers were deployed on duty near Jamali Bridge when unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle approached and opened indiscriminate fire. Constable Zaman, who was serving at Site-A Police Station, sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. His fellow officer survived the attack without injury. Authorities have not yet confirmed the motive behind the shooting, and an investigation is underway to determine whether the incident was a targeted attack or linked to other criminal activity. Police have begun collecting evidence from the crime scene and reviewing available information to identify the suspects. Following the incident, Inspector General (IG) Sindh Javed Alam Odho took immediate notice of the attack and directed the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) East to submit a detailed report without delay. The IG instructed law enforcement officials to ensure that those involved in the attack are arrested and brought to justice as quickly as possible. The police chief also ordered investigators to utilize all available resources, including modern technology, intelligence networks, and investigative tools, to trace and capture the suspects. He further directed police units to strengthen patrolling, checkpoint operations, and snap checking across the area while maintaining strict surveillance of suspicious individuals and vehicles. Separately, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar also sought an immediate report from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) East regarding the incident. He emphasized that every available resource should be employed to identify and arrest the attackers and ensure they face the full force of the law. The home minister instructed police to make effective use of intelligence information, forensic techniques, and modern investigative methods during the operation. He also called for enhanced police patrols, tighter security measures, and increased monitoring of suspicious activity to prevent similar incidents. Paying tribute to the fallen officer, Lanjar said the sacrifice of police personnel would not be forgotten and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing those responsible. The attack highlights the continued security challenges faced by law enforcement officers in Karachi, where police personnel remain on the frontline against crime and violence. Investigations into the shooting are ongoing, and authorities have yet to announce any arrests.

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    Bilawal vows fight back after AJK election loss

    ByJustpaste.in

    PML-N secures 23 of 45 seats to form AJK government Information minister says rigging claims need real evidence Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said the countdown for the federal government has begun. He made the statement after his party won fewer seats than expected in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. The PPP has called the polls rigged. The PML-N government at the centre relies on support from several parties. The PPP remains its main ally. But during the AJK elections, the PPP repeatedly claimed the polls were unfair. The PML-N has won a simple majority to form the government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The party secured 23 out of 45 seats. This was confirmed by Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the prime minister on political affairs. Bilawal addressed PML-N directly in a video message. He asked if they could hear a sound. He said it was the countdown for the federal government beginning. He also announced a public gathering in Bagh district. He called on supporters in Poonch to prepare for a rally on August 10. He told them to get ready for his arrival. Bilawal described the elections as neither free nor fair. He called them rigged, and used strong words like bullet elections and bloody elections. Despite the results, he praised his party workers. He said the PPP had won nine seats despite the difficult circumstances. He vowed to reclaim seats he said had been stolen in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad. He said the PPP would continue its struggle and would not lose courage or leave the field. Sindh minister and senior PPP leader Sharjeel Inam Memon issued a similar warning shortly before Bilawal spoke. Memon said the countdown for the federal government had begun. He claimed PML-N had given ballot papers to its candidates two days before voting, working together with the Election Commission. Memon also alleged that the administration was ignoring complaints from the current president and prime minister of AJK. He called it historic rigging. He questioned whether top PML-N leaders, including Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Maryam Nawaz Sharif, had genuinely won their own seats in the 2024 elections. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar responded on Monday. He said accusations of rigging should not be made without solid evidence. He urged the PPP to show political maturity and accept the election results. His comments came a day after the second phase of voting was held in Muzaffarabad Division and refugee seats. Unofficial results showed PML-N leading in five constituencies, while PPP had won two. In the first phase, PML-N had already secured nine of the thirteen seats in Mirpur Division, with PPP winning four. Tarar said PPP should have worked harder, as it did during the Gilgit-Baltistan elections. He questioned the evidence behind Memon’s claims and said accusations should not be made without proof. He said the people of AJK voted for the party that focused on development. He advised PPP to reflect on its own performance in Sindh instead of blaming others. Tarar praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for congratulating PPP after its win in Gilgit-Baltistan. He called it an example of political tolerance. He said PML-N ran a united and strong campaign in AJK, led by Nawaz Sharif, which helped secure the party’s victory.

  • Pakistan says no date fixed yet for new US-Iran talks

    ByJustpaste.in

    President Donald Trump lashed out on Monday after Iran denied it was holding talks with the United States. He declared in an angry social media post that the American military blockade would continue until there was a deal or what he called total surrender. Trump called Iran duplicitous for openly saying it was not negotiating. He wrote that whether Iran wants to admit it or not, the two sides are talking about a problem that Iran has caused for decades. His post came after Iran denied direct talks were happening, even though Trump had said talks would occur when he called off a threatened bombing campaign over the weekend. Iran’s foreign ministry said on Monday that its only talks were with Oman, focused on sharing control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil trade. Trump insisted Iran had asked for talks, but was now giving what he called usual excuses about controlling Hormuz. He said the strait is already fully controlled by the US Navy, and that nothing would pass through unless Iran agreed to a deal or surrendered completely. Trump launched the war against Iran together with Israel in February. The original goals included destroying Iran’s nuclear industry and missile programs. Pakistani officials told Turkish news agency Anadolu that no date or location has yet been finalised for the resumption of direct US-Iran talks. A senior Pakistani official said no meeting is scheduled in Islamabad within the next day. Pakistani and Qatari mediators remain in contact with both Washington and Tehran to arrange the next round of talks. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is expected to visit Tehran soon to discuss reviving negotiations under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed on June 17. Sources said the first phase of talks would focus on restoring the ceasefire and returning to the situation before hostilities resumed on July 9, rather than addressing the nuclear issue immediately. Under one proposal, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the US would lift its blockade of Iranian ports. According to a CNN report, a senior US Central Command officer sent an email to military analysts asking for creative and unconventional ideas to pressure and punish Iran. This unusual request suggests Washington may have limited options left to force Iran into an agreement. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei repeated that Iran is not holding any current talks with the US. He said reaching an agreement with Oman would not be enough to reopen the strait as long as what he called American aggression continues. He also said the Strait of Hormuz will never return to its pre-war state. Tensions on the ground continued to rise. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it shot down a US drone over the Strait of Hormuz. Several oil tankers rerouted away from the Bab al-Mandab Strait to avoid attacks by Yemeni forces, adding millions of dollars to shipping costs. An explosion was also reported near a tanker off the coast of Oman. Israel launched two days of naval and ground military drills as regional tensions grew. Separately, Israel continued attacks on southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire, targeting several towns with drones and artillery. Iran also announced it had executed two people accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister held phone calls with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan’s military chief to discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.

  • Police get 3 days to quiz Mushtaq over F-10 unrest

    ByJustpaste.in

    An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has handed over former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan to police custody for three days. The order came in a case linked to a protest in the capital. Police produced the former senator along with another suspect named Daniyal before Duty Judge Rukhsanda Shaheen at the anti-terrorism court. During the hearing, the prosecution asked the court for a 30-day physical remand. They said police needed more time to recover a vehicle and weapons allegedly connected to the case. After listening to the arguments, the court approved a three-day physical remand for Mushtaq Ahmad and the other suspects. The court directed police to bring them back once the remand period ends. The case was registered at Islamabad’s Shalimar Police Station on July 31. The complaint was filed by Sub-inspector Ghulam Murtaza. According to the First Information Report, Mushtaq Ahmad led a crowd of around 400 to 500 people who gathered in the capital’s F-10 sector. The report accused him of delivering provocative speeches through loudspeakers. It said his speeches forced nearby shops to close down. It also said the crowd chanted slogans against current government institutions. The FIR further stated that Mushtaq then led the protesters toward Sambal Road. Police say the group intended to march toward Main Jinnah Avenue and block the road there. The district administration reportedly used loudspeakers to tell Mushtaq to end the gathering, since it was being held without a no-objection certificate. Despite this warning, the former senator and his supporters blocked a main road near Shalimar Plaza at around 7:10pm, according to the FIR. The report also accused the protesters of vandalising a media DSNG vehicle along with several private cars passing through the area at the time. It claimed that protesters pelted stones and attacked police officials on duty. The FIR further alleged that some protesters snatched anti-riot helmets from police personnel and threatened them. Police say the case has been registered under relevant sections of the law dealing with terrorism and unlawful assembly. Investigators are now working to gather further evidence, including recovering the vehicle and weapons mentioned in the case. The former senator will remain in police custody during the three-day remand period. He is expected to be produced before the court again once this period concludes, where police may seek further custody or the case may proceed to the next legal stage. The incident has drawn attention to ongoing tensions between political groups and law enforcement in the capital, with authorities stressing that unauthorised gatherings and road blockages will not be tolerated without proper permissions from the district administration.

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    PMDC announces special measures for AJK students a…

    ByJustpaste.in

      The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced a series of special measures to ensure that students from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), who have been affected by prolonged internet disruptions, are able to participate in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) without facing unnecessary obstacles. As part of these initiatives, the PMDC has established a dedicated examination center in Islamabad and has also reached a preliminary agreement to set up a regional PMDC office in Azad Kashmir. The decisions were made during a meeting between AJK Secretary of Health Brigadier Aamir Raza and Joint Admission Committee Chairman Professor Dr. Faisal Bashir with PMDC President Professor Dr. Rizwan Taj, Registrar Brigadier (Retd.) Rehan Naqvi, and Director of Admission Affairs Dr. Imdad Ali Khushk. The meeting focused on the registration challenges faced by AJK students due to the prolonged internet shutdown and explored practical solutions to ensure that no eligible candidate is deprived of the opportunity to take the MDCAT. During the meeting, the Secretary of Health of the AJK government informed PMDC officials that the ongoing internet suspension in the region had created serious difficulties for students attempting to complete their online registration for the entrance examination. He requested the council to extend every possible facility to affected students so that deserving candidates would not miss the examination because of circumstances beyond their control. Speaking on the occasion, PMDC President Professor Dr. Rizwan Taj stated that the council had already introduced several special measures to facilitate students from Azad Kashmir. He emphasized that the Government of Pakistan remains committed to ensuring equal opportunities for every eligible student seeking admission to medical and dental colleges, regardless of the challenges they face. Dr. Rizwan Taj explained that, considering the extraordinary circumstances in the region, the deadline for MDCAT registration with the regular fee had been extended twice. Initially, the deadline was extended until July 13, and later it was further extended until July 23, 2026, to provide additional time for students affected by the communication disruptions to complete their registration process. The PMDC President further said that students from Azad Kashmir had been given multiple options for submitting their registration applications. In addition to the online process, applications could be sent through WhatsApp, email, postal mail, or submitted in person. He also assured students experiencing registration difficulties that they could contact the PMDC directly, where officials would provide all possible assistance to help them complete the process successfully. To further support students, the PMDC has established a special MDCAT examination center in Islamabad specifically for candidates from Azad Kashmir. A public notice has already been issued regarding the facility, and a dedicated focal person has been appointed to guide students throughout the registration and examination process. The council hopes these measures will reduce confusion and ensure smooth coordination for affected candidates. During the meeting, PMDC President Professor Dr. Rizwan Taj and Registrar Brigadier (Retd.) Rehan Naqvi assured the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir of their full cooperation in addressing students’ concerns. Both sides also reached a preliminary agreement to establish a PMDC regional office in Azad Kashmir to improve access to council services for students and healthcare professionals in the region. The proposal will now be presented to the PMDC Governing Body for formal approval. At the conclusion of the meeting, the AJK Secretary of Health and the Chairman of the Joint Admission Committee appreciated the PMDC’s timely response and the special facilities provided for students affected by the internet shutdown. They expressed confidence that these initiatives would ensure that no eligible student from Azad Jammu and Kashmir would be deprived of the opportunity to appear in the MDCAT because of technical or communication-related difficulties.