National

  • | | |

    Militant facilitator Mufti Zafaryab arrested

    ByJustpaste.in

    Authorities have arrested self-styled cleric Mufti Zafaryab for allegedly facilitating the banned militant group referred to by the Pakistani government as Fitna al-Khawarij. According to an official statement, the suspect said he completed an eight-year Dars-e-Nizami course at Jamia Nizam-ul-Uloom, Yateem Khana, Bannu, and later completed a three-year specialization in Islamic jurisprudence (Takhassus fi al-Fiqh) at Al-Markaz Al-Islami, Ghoriwala. In a recorded statement, Zafaryab admitted that he had been in contact with militant commander Hikmat Roshan. He said state institutions were aware of his links, which ultimately led to his arrest. The suspect alleged that the militant commander sought religious rulings from him to justify extortion carried out in the name of jihad. He further claimed that he, along with several others, had been offered positions and financial incentives by the group. Expressing remorse, Zafaryab said he regretted his actions and stated that the group has no connection with Islam. He described its activities and ideology as un-Islamic and contrary to Sharia. He also said the militant group promotes extremist beliefs and considers the killing of Muslims to be permissible, rejecting its ideology and distancing himself from its actions. The arrest comes as security forces continue counterterrorism operations against militant groups across the country.

  • | |

    Eight killed, 37 injured as heavy rains lash Punja…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Heavy rain and strong winds caused widespread destruction across Punjab over the past 24 hours, leaving at least eight people dead and 37 others injured in a series of weather-related incidents, according to the Emergency Services Department. Rescue Punjab said most of the casualties occurred after roofs, walls, and sheds collapsed due to intense rainfall and powerful windstorms. Emergency teams responded to dozens of incidents across the province and carried out rescue and relief operations. Gujranwala was among the worst-affected districts. Rescue officials reported eight separate incidents of roof and wall collapses. Three people lost their lives, while 14 others suffered injuries. Rescue teams shifted the injured to nearby hospitals and cleared debris from the affected areas. In Kamoke, a tragic incident claimed the life of a child who drowned after falling into rainwater accumulated in an underpass. Authorities urged parents to keep children away from flooded roads and underpasses during heavy rainfall. In Pakpattan, two people were killed and two others injured when the mud roof of a house collapsed following continuous rain. Rescue workers reached the site and recovered the victims from the rubble before shifting the injured for medical treatment. In Sahiwal, a woman died after the roof of a house collapsed in Kot Khadim Ali Shah. In another incident in Harappa, three people were injured when the roof of a shop caved in during the storm. Lahore also witnessed damage as a roof collapsed near Gulshan-e-Ravi on Band Road, injuring four people. Rescue teams provided first aid and transported the injured to hospital. In Mandi Bahauddin, several villages reported roof and wall collapses. Eight people sustained injuries in separate incidents caused by the severe weather. In Bahawalnagar, one person was injured after a shed collapsed near Al-Jannat Chowk on Khan Baba Road. Three more people were injured in Sialkot when the roof of a structure gave way during the rainfall. Rescue officials also reported partial landslides and incidents of fallen trees in the hilly areas of Murree and Kahuta. Emergency teams remained on alert to clear roads and respond to any further emergencies.

  • | | |

    Pakistan slams Houthi threats to Saudi Arabia

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan has strongly condemned the Houthi militia’s threats against Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping in the Red Sea, describing the actions as a serious threat to regional peace, international trade and maritime security. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Foreign Office said Pakistan unequivocally rejects the continued threats directed at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and vessels involved in lawful commercial activities. It stressed that freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted movement of global trade must be protected at all costs. The statement came after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. The group declared that ships linked to the kingdom could become targets, saying the move was a response to what it described as Saudi actions in Yemen. Pakistan said any threat to commercial shipping violates international law and undermines the rules-based maritime order. The Foreign Office warned that such actions not only endanger regional security but also put global commerce and energy supplies at risk. Islamabad expressed particular concern over reports that commercial vessels trading with Saudi Arabia could be targeted. The Foreign Office said attacks or threats against civilian shipping are unacceptable and could have serious consequences for international trade. Reaffirming its commitment to protecting national interests, Pakistan warned that any hostile act against Pakistani-flagged ships or Pakistan’s maritime assets would be treated as a grave threat to the country’s sovereignty and national security. The statement added that Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures, including lawful self-defense under the United Nations Charter and international law, to protect its maritime interests if required. Pakistan also voiced concern over attempts to widen the ongoing Middle East conflict by dragging Saudi Arabia into the regional confrontation. The Foreign Office reiterated Islamabad’s unwavering support for the security, sovereignty, territorial integrity and prosperity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The government urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation. It called for dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful solutions to resolve disputes while emphasizing the importance of protecting international shipping routes. The Foreign Office stressed that ensuring the safety of maritime trade is essential for global economic stability. It said uninterrupted navigation through international waterways is critical for maintaining the flow of energy supplies and commercial goods across the world. The Houthi announcement has raised fresh concerns among governments and shipping companies over the security of the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait serves as a vital gateway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a key route for oil exports from the Gulf to international markets.

  • | | |

    DPM Dar boosts Pakistan-ADB partnership

    ByJustpaste.in

    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited the headquarters of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila on Wednesday to review the bank’s partnership with Pakistan and discuss ways to strengthen future cooperation. The visit took place on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting, where Pakistan is participating in a series of high-level diplomatic engagements with regional and international partners. Upon his arrival at the ADB headquarters, Dar was welcomed by senior officials of the bank. He signed the visitors’ book before holding discussions on the institution’s evolving development agenda and its ongoing collaboration with Pakistan. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in several important sectors, including infrastructure, energy, climate resilience, education, economic reforms and sustainable development. Both sides also discussed future opportunities to support Pakistan’s economic growth and development priorities. Dar later attended a working luncheon hosted by Pakistan’s Executive Director to the ADB, Nashita Mohsin. The event was attended by Pakistani professionals serving in senior leadership positions across different departments of the bank. During the interaction, Dar appreciated the contributions of Pakistani professionals working at the ADB. He said their expertise and leadership have strengthened the institution’s work while enhancing Pakistan’s image at the international level. He also congratulated Nashita Mohsin on assuming her responsibilities as Pakistan’s Executive Director to the Asian Development Bank and expressed confidence that she would further strengthen Pakistan’s engagement with the institution. On the sidelines of the ASEAN forum, Dar also met Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rehman. The two leaders reviewed the positive momentum in bilateral relations and discussed ways to expand cooperation between the two countries. Both sides welcomed the steady improvement in diplomatic ties and appreciated the growing engagement in trade, communication and people-to-people contacts. They noted that the launch of direct flights earlier this year has further improved connectivity and created new opportunities for cooperation. The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the positive momentum in bilateral relations and agreed to continue close engagement in areas of mutual interest. Dar and Rehman also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including issues affecting South Asia and broader global challenges. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation in promoting regional peace, stability and economic development. Earlier, Dar arrived in Manila with a Pakistani delegation to participate in the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting. During the visit, he is expected to attend the forum’s plenary session and hold several bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from participating countries. The ASEAN Regional Forum brings together foreign ministers and senior diplomats from ASEAN member states and major global powers to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, energy security, food security, geopolitical developments and other international issues. Representatives from the United States, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom and the European Union are also participating in the meeting.

  • | | |

    FinMin Aurangzeb seeks US backing for global marke…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan has sought stronger support from the United States to improve its access to international capital markets, strengthen foreign exchange reserves and enhance its sovereign credit ratings as part of its broader strategy to accelerate economic growth and attract foreign investment. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb discussed these priorities during a meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington. The meeting focused on Pakistan’s economic progress, financial reforms and opportunities to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries. During the talks, Aurangzeb briefed the US treasury secretary on Pakistan’s improving economic outlook. He said the country has successfully moved beyond the phase of macroeconomic stabilization and is now entering a period focused on sustainable, export-led growth. He noted that ongoing structural reforms and prudent fiscal management have helped improve economic stability and restore investor confidence. The finance minister also highlighted the challenges posed by regional geopolitical tensions. He said instability in the region has affected Pakistan’s economy and continues to create uncertainty for trade, investment and financial markets. He emphasized that stronger international cooperation would help Pakistan maintain economic stability despite these external challenges. Aurangzeb requested greater US support to help Pakistan improve access to international capital markets. He said easier access to global financing would strengthen the country’s financial position, increase foreign exchange reserves and improve sovereign credit ratings, making Pakistan more attractive to international investors. The two sides also discussed ways to expand bilateral economic cooperation. They reviewed opportunities to increase US investment in Pakistan and explored prospects for advancing strategic development and investment projects that could strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing economic relations, promoting investment and supporting initiatives aimed at expanding trade and long-term financial cooperation. Separately, Aurangzeb held a virtual meeting from Washington with senior representatives of international banking consortia participating in Pakistan’s Global Medium-Term Note Programme and International Sukuk Programme. The meeting marked the beginning of a strategic partnership with selected international financial institutions that will assist Pakistan in raising funds from global capital markets through both conventional bonds and Islamic financing instruments. The banking consortia have been appointed for a three-year period and will support future sovereign bond and Sukuk issuances whenever the government decides to enter international financial markets in line with its financing strategy. Officials said Pakistan’s return to international capital markets has become more feasible due to significant improvements in the country’s macroeconomic environment. Continued fiscal discipline, stronger external financial buffers, better debt management and ongoing structural reforms have improved investor confidence and strengthened Pakistan’s economic credibility. Government officials believe these improvements have also contributed to better market sentiment, with international investors showing growing confidence in Pakistan’s economic reforms and long-term growth prospects.

  • | |

    Transporters join fuel dealers’ strike against d…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Transport associations across Pakistan have announced support for the Petroleum Dealers Association’s demands and warned of a possible suspension of transport services following a planned shutdown of petrol pumps. The All Pakistan Public Transport Owners Association said public transport operations could also come to a halt if fuel stations close at midnight. Association President Nadeem Hussain said the transport sector would support the petrol dealers’ stance against the government’s policy of fixing petrol and diesel prices on a daily basis. He demanded that the government withdraw the daily fuel pricing mechanism, saying it has created uncertainty and increased financial pressure on transport operators. Hussain said frequent changes in fuel prices directly affect transport businesses because fuel is one of the biggest operating costs for public transport owners. He warned that a continued increase in petroleum prices could further burden both transporters and passengers. The Pakistan Mini Mazda Goods Transport Association also announced its support for the strike call by petrol station owners. Association President Sher Ali Chaudhry said mini Mazda vehicles would stop operating from midnight as part of the protest against daily increases in petroleum prices. He criticized the government’s decision to revise fuel prices regularly, saying it has made it difficult for transporters to manage expenses and maintain their services. Chaudhry said rising fuel costs have severely affected the transport sector, increasing operational expenses and reducing the income of vehicle owners and drivers. Both transport associations urged the government to reconsider the current fuel pricing policy and take steps to provide relief to transporters.

  • | |

    NADRA officials arrested in Afghan document scam

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested four individuals in Karachi for their alleged involvement in preparing fake documents for Afghan citizens. According to FIA officials, the arrested suspects include employees of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and other individuals allegedly linked to the illegal activity. The FIA said the suspects were involved in creating unauthorized and forged documents for Afghan nationals. Officials believe the network was operating by misusing official systems and resources. The arrested individuals include a NADRA Assistant Director and Deputy Assistant Director. A NADRA security guard and another person were also taken into custody during the operation. FIA officials said the arrests were made after an investigation into the illegal preparation of identity documents. The agency is now conducting further inquiries to determine the scope of the network and identify other people involved. The investigation will also examine how official procedures were allegedly bypassed and whether more officials were connected to the document fraud. The FIA has intensified action against individuals involved in making fake identity documents, saying such activities pose serious security risks and undermine the national registration system. Further legal action will be taken after the completion of the investigation, officials added.

  • | |

    10 terrorists eliminated in Balochistan operation

    ByJustpaste.in

    Security forces have eliminated 10 terrorists during intelligence-based operations in Balochistan, targeting militant networks linked to Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were carried out over 48 hours in Surab and Mastung districts. Security forces conducted targeted actions after receiving intelligence about the presence of militants in the areas. The ISPR said troops successfully attacked terrorist hideouts and neutralized several militants. Seven terrorists were killed in Surab, while three others were eliminated during an operation in Mastung. During the operations, security forces also arrested two female suicide attackers associated with Fitna al-Hindustan along with a facilitator. Officials said the arrests helped prevent possible terrorist activities in the region. Security forces recovered a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the militants. The recovered material was taken into custody for further investigation. After the successful operations, clearance activities were launched in the affected areas to search for any remaining members of the terrorist networks. Security personnel are continuing efforts to ensure that no militant elements remain active in the region. The ISPR said the fight against terrorism will continue without discrimination under the Azm-e-Istehkam initiative. It added that security forces remain determined to eliminate terrorist threats and protect the lives and property of citizens. Officials said such intelligence-based operations will continue across the country to dismantle militant networks and restore lasting peace and stability.

  • | | | |

    S&P upgrades Pakistan’s rating to ‘B’ o…

    ByJustpaste.in

    S&P Global Ratings has upgraded Pakistan’s long-term sovereign credit rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’, citing improvements in economic stability, foreign exchange reserves and reform progress. The global rating agency maintained a stable outlook for Pakistan, indicating expectations that the country’s economic recovery will continue if current policies and reforms remain in place. S&P said the rating upgrade reflects stronger institutional capacity and Pakistan’s progress in implementing reforms under the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) programme. The agency highlighted that the $7 billion IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) has played an important role in improving economic management, supporting fiscal reforms and rebuilding external financial buffers. According to S&P, Pakistan has achieved most of the IMF programme targets so far, which has helped maintain the flow of financial assistance and improve investor confidence. The rating agency also pointed to a major improvement in Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. It said reserves increased to around $25.3 billion, including gold holdings, by the end of last month. This is a significant rise compared with the low level of around $6.7 billion recorded in December 2022. S&P said the improved reserve position provides greater capacity to manage external payments and cover upcoming foreign debt obligations. The agency added that continued support from international partners, multilateral institutions and access to global financing markets would help Pakistan strengthen its external position. S&P projected further improvement in Pakistan’s fiscal performance, saying the government deficit could decline to around 4% of GDP by fiscal year 2027. This compares with nearly 8% during the economic difficulties faced in 2022 and 2023. The agency also noted that economic reforms, fiscal discipline and improved financial management could help Pakistan achieve sustainable growth in the coming years. However, S&P warned that a slowdown in reforms, increased fiscal pressures or worsening external conditions could create risks for the country’s future rating. The agency said Pakistan could receive another rating improvement if it continues reducing fiscal deficits, increasing revenues, lowering financing costs and strengthening external economic indicators.

  • | |

    Bilawal Bhutto declares AJK elections a historic v…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections a landmark moment for the region. Addressing a political rally in Mirpur, Bilawal said the elections were not an ordinary political contest. He described them as among the most important elections in AJK’s history. He said the decisions taken by voters would play a key role in determining the future direction of the region. Bilawal said previous PPP leaders, including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari, contributed to securing political and constitutional rights for the people of AJK. He said he wanted to continue that legacy by working for greater empowerment and opportunities for the people of the region. The PPP chairman said his party’s agenda focuses on strengthening self-governance, creating employment opportunities and giving people more control over decisions related to their future. While speaking about Gilgit-Baltistan, Bilawal recalled his party’s promises of greater political rights, employment opportunities and increased autonomy for the people there. He said the same vision was being presented for AJK, with a focus on improving governance and expanding public participation. Bilawal added that the people of Kashmir should have access to rights and opportunities similar to those available to citizens in other parts of the region. He urged voters to make decisions carefully, saying the upcoming elections would shape the political and social future of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The AJK elections are expected to witness strong competition among political parties, with campaigns focusing on development, governance, employment and regional empowerment.