National

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    Govt not serious about political dialogue, says R…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Raja Nasir Abbas, has accused the government of lacking genuine commitment to political engagement, saying it is not serious about holding meaningful talks to resolve the country’s ongoing political challenges. Speaking to private media, Abbas said the opposition has consistently advocated dialogue and political engagement as the best way to address national issues. He stressed that the opposition remains ready for constructive negotiations and urged the government to take practical steps toward initiating the process. Referring to recent efforts aimed at opening communication channels, Abbas said senior politician Mahmood Khan Achakzai had proposed a meeting in Parliament’s Constitution Room and had even suggested that discussions could take place at the residence of government representative Rana Sanaullah if needed. According to Abbas, these proposals reflected the opposition’s willingness to find common ground. Currently in Iraq to attend Arbaeen commemorations, Abbas said he is prepared to return to Pakistan immediately if meaningful negotiations are scheduled. He reiterated that the opposition is willing to meet the prime minister and the government’s negotiating team at any time to pursue a political settlement. Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai also questioned the government’s intentions, arguing that recent actions contradict its public calls for dialogue. He said that if the government were genuinely interested in negotiations, it would not have registered terrorism-related cases against opposition members. Yousafzai maintained that successful negotiations require a positive political environment, alleging that government actions have instead deepened tensions. He further claimed that meaningful talks would have included facilitating meetings between opposition leaders and jailed PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, adding that even family members have reportedly faced restrictions on meeting him. The latest statements highlight the continuing deadlock between the government and the opposition, with both sides publicly expressing support for dialogue while accusing each other of creating obstacles to meaningful political negotiations.

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    Talal Chaudhry hits back at Bilawal over AJK polls

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has criticized PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari over his reaction to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, saying political leaders should accept electoral outcomes with grace instead of complaining after defeat. Speaking at the PML-N’s election review meeting for Poonch Division, Chaudhry said the party’s victories in the first two phases of the AJK local elections reflect the confidence Kashmiris have in the performance of the federal and Punjab governments. He claimed voters supported the PML-N because of its governance and development record, adding that people across Pakistan aspire to the same level of progress achieved in Punjab. The meeting was attended by district and constituency coordinators, along with PML-N candidates from Poonch Division, where party leaders also reviewed campaign preparations and polling strategy for the third phase of the elections.

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    Lahore police station assault case sparks mass sus…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lahore: A shocking alleged sexual assault inside Lahore’s Ghaziabad Police Station has triggered the suspension of the entire station staff, including the Station House Officer (SHO), as authorities investigate the incident. According to police officials, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Imran allegedly brought a young woman to the police station on the pretext of questioning her. A sentry on gate duty reportedly asked about the woman, and the ASI claimed she was a suspect being taken in for investigation. He then allegedly took her into an investigation room, where the assault is said to have occurred. Police said the officer later dropped the woman back home. Her family had gone to the police station to report her missing but were informed during the process that she had already returned. Following the allegations, the accused ASI was arrested, while the investigation in-charge was also suspended. The incident prompted the suspension of all 78 personnel posted at Ghaziabad Police Station, including the SHO. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran said that although different police units operate within a station, the SHO is ultimately responsible for maintaining discipline and oversight. He added that all activities taking place inside the station should fall under the SHO’s knowledge and supervision. Police also confirmed that the alleged victim is mentally vulnerable, and an investigation into the case is underway.

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    Azma Bukhari fires back at Mohsin Naqvi over gover…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lahore: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has strongly responded to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s criticism of Pakistan’s governance system, arguing that he should not condemn the same structure that helped him rise to a senior position. In her reaction, Bukhari said Naqvi had advanced through the existing system and was now calling it a failure despite being one of its beneficiaries. She also claimed that the responsibilities entrusted to him had produced disappointing results, adding that the country’s leadership would decide how to address the matter if it was being raised seriously. Her remarks came after Naqvi, speaking at the Pakistan Economic Summit in Islamabad, described the current governance system as ineffective and incapable of solving the country’s long-standing challenges. The interior minister called for sweeping administrative reforms, including decentralizing authority and creating new administrative units, saying such changes are essential to improve governance and prevent Pakistan from facing the same problems in the years ahead.

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    Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein: Rana Qasim N…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Chairman of the Parliamentary Kashmir Committee and Federal Minister Rana Qasim Noon has said that Kashmir remains central to Pakistan’s national interests, stressing that the country has already fought wars to defend the region and will continue to stand by the Kashmiri people. Speaking about the current regional situation, Noon alleged that following India’s defeat in last year’s conflict, New Delhi has been attempting to create instability in Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He warned that Pakistan would not allow any external force to undermine its sovereignty or destabilize the country. Noon said Azad Kashmir is an integral part of Pakistan and asserted that no power in the world could separate it from the country. He also criticized attacks and abusive behavior directed at the military, police and other state institutions, saying that such conduct would not be tolerated in any country. The federal minister said the government has previously responded to public demands by providing relief and would continue to address genuine concerns in the future. However, he firmly rejected calls to withdraw the voting rights and political representation of refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir living in Pakistan. According to Noon, removing the political rights of Kashmiri refugees would amount to betraying the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people over decades. He maintained that refugees from occupied Kashmir must retain their right to vote and participate in the political process. The Kashmir Committee chairman also drew attention to the ongoing situation in Indian-administered Kashmir, alleging that Indian authorities continue to suppress the Kashmiri population. He said several Kashmiri leaders have remained imprisoned for decades, with some spending between 30 and 40 years behind bars. Noon further accused India of altering the demographic landscape of occupied Kashmir by issuing what he described as fraudulent domiciles to Indian citizens and facilitating their settlement in the region. He argued that those advocating the removal of refugees’ voting rights were, knowingly or unknowingly, supporting an agenda that serves India’s interests. He vowed that such efforts would not succeed and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the political and democratic rights of Kashmiri refugees. The minister called for unity on the Kashmir issue and said Pakistan would continue to raise its voice for the rights of the people of Kashmir at national and international forums.

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    NAB recovers record Rs5.4 trillion in six months

    ByJustpaste.in

    The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has announced record recoveries worth Rs5.414 trillion during the first six months of 2026, describing it as the highest six-month recovery in the institution’s history. According to an official statement, the bureau recovered Rs2.452 trillion during the second quarter alone, significantly increasing the overall recovery figure for the first half of the year. Among regional offices, NAB Sukkur recorded the highest overall recoveries. Meanwhile, NAB Balochistan reclaimed 209,544 acres of forest and state land valued at Rs604.64 billion, including areas linked to Hingol National Park and land belonging to the Gwadar Industrial Estate Development Authority (GIEDA). In Karachi, the anti-corruption watchdog recovered 11,422 acres of illegally allotted government land and disputed housing society leases worth Rs467.11 billion. The Lahore bureau reclaimed 1,909 acres of state and PCBL land valued at Rs288.29 billion, while the Islamabad/Rawalpindi office recovered 810 acres of CDA amenity plots in various housing societies, with an estimated value of Rs66.63 billion. NAB also reported progress in housing and financial fraud cases. The bureau said more than 24,365 victims received compensation through the return of recovered money and assets worth Rs42.303 billion. The accountability body said the recoveries reflect its continued efforts to retrieve public assets, restore illegally occupied state land, and provide financial relief to citizens affected by fraud and corruption

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    Subway launches legal action after Multan staff as…

    ByJustpaste.in

    MULTAN: Subway Pakistan has initiated legal proceedings after one of its employees was allegedly assaulted by a customer at its Multan outlet, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage on social media. The altercation, captured on the restaurant’s CCTV cameras, quickly went viral online, prompting strong reactions from the public and renewed calls for better protection of frontline service workers. The employee, identified as Fazil, said the incident occurred while he was performing his duties and enforcing the restaurant’s policy prohibiting customers from consuming food purchased from outside the outlet. According to Fazil, a group of customers entered the restaurant carrying samosas. After an initial request from another staff member was reportedly ignored, he approached the group himself and politely explained the restaurant’s policy. He said he respectfully asked the customers to finish their food quickly to avoid disturbing others and to comply with the outlet’s operating procedures. Fazil alleged that the situation escalated unexpectedly when one of the customers, identified as Asad Khan, slapped him without warning. He claimed that even after stepping away to avoid further confrontation, the accused followed him and assaulted him again. The employee further alleged that he was grabbed by the neck, dragged across the restaurant and physically attacked by three individuals for several minutes. He said he sustained multiple blows to his face, back and other parts of his body despite offering no resistance. In an official statement, Subway Pakistan strongly condemned the incident, saying the safety, dignity and well-being of its employees remain a top priority. The company confirmed that it has referred the matter to the relevant legal authorities and is pursuing legal action against those allegedly involved. Subway also reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for both employees and customers at all its outlets.

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    CJP unveils nationwide women facilitation centres

    ByJustpaste.in

    Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi has announced that Women Facilitation Centres will be established in courts across the country to make the justice system more accessible, supportive and efficient for women. The announcement was made during a meeting with representatives of the Sindh High Court Bar Association and the Karachi Bar Association at the Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry. The meeting focused on improving facilities for women litigants and addressing challenges faced by female lawyers in the legal profession. During the discussion, the chief justice said the proposed centres are part of broader judicial reforms aimed at creating a more welcoming and convenient environment for women seeking legal assistance. He stressed that women should have easier access to courts and receive the support needed to pursue their cases without unnecessary difficulties. Justice Yahya Afridi said the Women Facilitation Centres would provide a wide range of services under one roof. In addition to offering legal guidance, the centres would include mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) facilities to help settle suitable cases quickly and reduce the burden on courts. He added that the centres would also provide psychological counselling and connect women with relevant government departments and support organisations whenever required. The initiative is intended to ensure that women receive both legal and social assistance throughout the judicial process. The chief justice informed the delegation that the judiciary has already selected the three best designs for the proposed centres. These model designs will be shared with all high courts to ensure a uniform system is introduced across Pakistan. The representatives of women lawyers welcomed the initiative and thanked the chief justice for giving priority to the needs of female litigants. They also highlighted several issues affecting women in the legal profession, including workplace challenges and barriers to equal opportunities within the justice system. Justice Afridi assured the delegation that the concerns raised during the meeting would be addressed on a priority basis. He said the judiciary would work closely with the relevant high courts and other institutions to develop practical solutions and improve facilities for women across the country’s judicial system.

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    UK opens fully funded scholarships, startup fellow…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United Kingdom has invited applications from Pakistani students, professionals and entrepreneurs for its fully funded Chevening Scholarships, Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship and Commonwealth Startup Fellowship. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the British High Commission said the programmes aim to help talented Pakistanis gain access to world-class education, strengthen professional skills and build international networks. The Chevening Scholarship offers fully funded one-year master’s degree programmes at leading UK universities for individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, professional achievements and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities. The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship is designed for mid-career academics and professionals. It provides an opportunity to conduct independent research at the University of Oxford while engaging with scholars from around the world. The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship targets promising entrepreneurs, helping them develop innovative businesses through mentorship, expert guidance and training in the UK. The programme also supports participants in preparing their ventures for future growth and expansion. British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said Pakistan has an abundance of talented individuals, and these programmes are designed to equip them with the skills, knowledge and global connections needed to lead organisations, expand businesses and address major global challenges. She advised applicants to submit original applications based on their own experiences, ambitions and ideas, warning that the use of AI-generated responses could lead to disqualification during the selection process. The High Commission said all three programmes cover major expenses, including airfare, tuition fees, visa costs and living allowances, allowing selected candidates to focus entirely on their studies or professional development. Beyond academic and career opportunities, participants will also gain international exposure, experience different cultures and establish long-term professional relationships with leaders and experts from across the globe. According to the British High Commission, Pakistan has produced more than 2,000 Chevening alumni who are serving in government, business, academia, media and civil society. Worldwide, the Chevening network includes numerous influential leaders, including several current and former heads of state and government. Applications for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship opened on August 3 and will remain open until September 1, while applications for the Chevening Scholarship and the OCIS Fellowship are also currently being accepted through their respective official application portals.

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    Rana Sanaullah dismisses AJK rigging claims, calls…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah  has strongly rejected allegations of electoral rigging in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s LA-27 constituency, calling the claims baseless and politically motivated. Speaking to reporters, Rana Sanaullah said a fake video was being circulated on social media to create the impression that irregularities had taken place during polling in the Muzaffarabad constituency. He alleged that the video was being used as part of a campaign to mislead the public and damage the credibility of the electoral process. He challenged the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to produce credible evidence if it believed rigging had occurred. He said accusations alone were not enough and urged the party to present proof before making such serious claims. Rana Sanaullah said polling in LA-27 had been conducted peacefully since the morning. He added that no complaints had been received regarding polling staff or the administration of any polling station during the voting process. The adviser also questioned whether the PPP had filed any formal complaint with the Election Commission regarding the alleged irregularities. He said the appropriate legal and constitutional forum was available for any political party that wished to challenge the election process. According to Rana Sanaullah, the PPP had adopted a narrative of election rigging from the very beginning instead of waiting for the electoral process to conclude. He maintained that if the party had evidence, it should submit it to the Election Commission for investigation rather than relying on unverified videos and public statements.