National

LAHORE: The fourth International Punjabi Conference will be held in Lahore from Nov 27 to 29, bringing together writers, academics, artists and other professionals from Pakistan and abroad, organisers announced at a press conference. The event is being organised by the Punjabi Parchar Organisation in collaboration with Punjabi Lehar and the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture (PILAC), where the three-day conference will take place. Chief organiser Ahmed Raza Punjabi said the event would be held on a large scale, following the three previous editions of the conference. According to the organisers, thousands of participants from Pakistani Punjab and more than 50 foreign delegates from nine countries are expected to attend. The international participants will include writers, intellectuals, politicians, scientists, journalists, film artists, businesspeople and farmers. Mr Ahmed said the conference aimed to promote Punjabi language and literature while providing a platform to discuss issues facing Punjab and Punjabi communities around the world. He said prominent figures from Pakistani Punjab and successful members of the Punjabi diaspora would be invited to discuss those challenges and propose possible solutions. Conference focal person Dr Zaheer Wattoo said 10 panel discussions would be organised on Punjabi language and literature, the environment, agriculture, politics, sports, film and Punjabi nationalism. Academics from leading universities around the world would also present research papers during the three-day event, he added. Dr Wattoo said separate committees had been formed for different fields. These committees would select speakers from Pakistan and abroad for the panel discussions. The programme will also feature Punjabi cultural performances, live music and theatre. According to the organisers, nine Punjabi singers from different countries will perform during the conference. Several competitions aimed at connecting Punjabi with younger generations will also be held. These will cover public speaking, modern technology, short films, social media reels, singing, poetry and scientific innovation. Two Punjabi books will be launched on each day of the conference, including works by authors from Pakistan, the United States and Canada. On the final day, 16 awards across eight categories will be presented to individuals for their contributions to Punjab and Punjabi culture. Eight recipients will be from Pakistani Punjab, while the remaining awards will go to Punjabi personalities from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. A number of Punjabi literary and cultural figures from Lahore attended the announcement and presented suggestions regarding the conference programme.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with Jewish religious leaders at City Hall as rabbis raised concerns about his public criticism of Israel and its potential impact on Jewish New Yorkers. The closed-door meeting brought together 10 rabbis representing Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Orthodox Jewish communities. It was organized by the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism as part of efforts to strengthen communication with Jewish communities and address concerns about safety and antisemitism. Several participants urged Mamdani to reconsider the tone and frequency of his comments about Israel. They argued that his criticism of the Israeli government could contribute to feelings of insecurity among Jewish residents, particularly amid continuing concerns about anti-Jewish hate in New York City. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, spoke directly to the mayor during the discussion. Jacobs said he was willing to work with Mamdani’s administration but argued that the mayor’s repeated criticism of Israel was causing harm. The conversation was reportedly candid but respectful, with participants also discussing practical concerns affecting Jewish communities across the city. Rabbi Rachel Timoner said Mamdani listened carefully and responded with care during the meeting. Rabbi Jon Leener, meanwhile, encouraged City Hall to focus on issues such as security around synagogues rather than making unnecessary comments about the Israel-related conflict. The meeting comes as Mamdani’s administration continues to emphasize its commitment to combating antisemitism. The mayor appointed Phylisa Wisdom to lead the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism in February, describing Jewish safety, respect and belonging as priorities for his administration. Mamdani has repeatedly distinguished between criticism of Israel’s government and antisemitism. During a May news conference, he said his administration had a responsibility to keep Jewish New Yorkers safe while maintaining his position on Israeli government policies. He also said criticism of a government should not be confused with hatred toward people of a particular faith. City Hall has also highlighted its broader efforts to address anti-Jewish hate, including increased funding for hate-crime prevention and security initiatives. The administration has said its approach should go beyond responding to incidents and focus on preventing antisemitism. The latest City Hall meeting reflects the continuing challenge facing Mamdani as he attempts to maintain dialogue with New York’s diverse Jewish communities while remaining outspoken about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For the rabbis involved, the central issue remains Jewish safety and the atmosphere in New York City. For the mayor, the meeting provides another opportunity to demonstrate that political disagreements over Israel can coexist with his stated commitment to protecting and supporting Jewish New Yorkers.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has denied any known connection between the party and the man who was killed during a security incident in Rawalpindi, saying the party does not know which group the deceased belonged to or what actions he may have been involved in. Speaking about the incident, Raja said PTI was a peaceful political party and strongly opposed terrorism. He stressed that the party had never had any connection with terrorist activity and was pursuing its political struggle within the framework of the Constitution and law. “We do not know which group the man who was killed in Rawalpindi belonged to or what his actions were,” Raja said, according to reports. His comments came after a man was killed following an incident involving gunfire at security personnel on Mall Road in Rawalpindi. Police said a suspect opened fire on security forces, injuring a member of a patrol team before the suspect was killed. The incident has sparked a political dispute over the identity and political affiliation of the deceased. PTI leader Shafi Jan separately claimed that the man killed on Mall Road was a PTI worker. The claim contrasts with Raja’s statement that he did not know which group the deceased belonged to. The differing statements have added to questions surrounding the man’s identity and alleged activities. Raja also rejected any suggestion that PTI was involved in violent activity, saying the party was committed to pursuing its political objectives through constitutional and legal means. On the possibility of negotiations with the government, the PTI secretary general said there was currently no government offer on the table. However, he maintained that the party had never rejected negotiations on principle. Raja was also questioned about PTI Senator Shumail Yousafzai. He explained that she had not been removed from the party because the leadership did not want to create further divisions within PTI. He claimed that Yousafzai was not acting alone and had a group of people supporting her. Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi incident has become part of a broader political debate over security, terrorism and the role of political parties in Pakistan. Government officials and opposition figures have offered sharply different interpretations of PTI’s political conduct. The conflicting claims regarding the deceased man’s affiliation are likely to keep the issue in the spotlight as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the Rawalpindi shooting and determine the identity and background of the person who was killed.

The government has announced a slight reduction in the price of petrol while increasing the price of high-speed diesel in Pakistan. The new petroleum prices will take effect from August 12, 2026, according to an official notification. Under the latest revision, the price of petrol has been reduced by Rs1.70 per litre. Following the decrease, the new petrol price has been set at Rs325.92 per litre. At the same time, consumers using diesel will face a price increase. The government has raised the price of diesel by Rs1.39 per litre, taking the new rate to Rs382.25 per litre. The notification was issued by the Ministry of Energy following the latest price recommendations under the petroleum pricing mechanism. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) determines petroleum price calculations under the mechanism established by the federal government. The latest adjustment means petrol consumers will receive a modest reduction, while diesel users will have to pay more from August 12. Before the latest revision, petrol was priced at Rs327.62 per litre, while diesel was available at Rs380.86 per litre. The new rates therefore represent a Rs1.70 reduction in petrol and a Rs1.39 increase in diesel. New petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan According to the notification, the revised rates are: Petrol: Rs325.92 per litre, down Rs1.70 Diesel: Rs382.25 per litre, up Rs1.39 The revised prices will apply from August 12, 2026, under the government’s petroleum pricing mechanism. Petroleum prices remain closely watched in Pakistan because changes in fuel costs can affect transportation expenses and the prices of goods and services. Diesel prices are particularly important for commercial transport, agriculture and other sectors that depend heavily on diesel-powered machinery and vehicles. The latest decision comes as consumers continue to monitor fuel prices amid changing international oil market conditions and domestic pricing adjustments. For motorists, the petrol reduction provides limited relief at fuel stations, while the diesel increase could add to operating costs for transporters and businesses. The government’s latest notification has therefore resulted in a mixed adjustment for consumers, with petrol becoming slightly cheaper and diesel becoming more expensive. The new Pakistan petrol price of Rs325.92 per litre and diesel price of Rs382.25 per litre will remain applicable from August 12, subject to any subsequent government revision under the petroleum pricing mechanism.

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has warned Pakistan’s rulers and decision-makers to “open their eyes” before September 27, saying the situation could become increasingly difficult to control if justice, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law are not restored. Speaking to reporters while attending a protest outside the Supreme Court, Afridi also expressed concern over reports about the health of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan. The chief minister said serious concerns were emerging about Khan’s health and called for the matter to be treated with urgency. He said neither he nor Khan had attempted to use the former prime minister’s health for political relief. Afridi demanded that Khan’s family be allowed to be present and that his treatment be conducted under the supervision of his personal doctors. The KP chief minister referred to the treatment of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during Imran Khan’s government. He said Khan had allowed Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment on humanitarian grounds, despite questions that had been raised at the time regarding medical certificates. According to Afridi, Khan was now being deprived of basic human rights and justice, which he described as a matter of serious concern. Afridi also criticized what he described as politically motivated cases against Khan. He alleged that his political opponents had themselves faced corruption allegations and accused them of misusing national resources. These claims represent Afridi’s political position and were not independently established in his remarks. The KP chief minister also spoke about the judiciary, saying Pakistan’s justice system was facing a major test. He urged judges to stand up for justice and said that one judge taking a principled position could encourage others to do the same. Afridi argued that the public was looking toward the judiciary for relief and justice. He questioned where citizens would turn if judges failed to perform their constitutional responsibilities. The chief minister further warned about growing anger among young people, saying he could see what he described as a “revolution” in the eyes of the country’s youth. He cautioned that continued injustice and rising hatred could eventually create a situation in which even Imran Khan might struggle to persuade people to respond with affection or restraint. Afridi urged the rulers and decision-makers to understand the seriousness of the situation before September 27 and move the country toward justice, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law. He warned that failure to address these concerns could make the situation increasingly difficult to manage, adding another strong political message to the ongoing tensions surrounding Imran Khan and his supporters.

KARACHI: The investigation into the death of young businessman Mir Raza has taken a new turn after his family’s lawyer, Jibran Nasir, claimed that the victim was allegedly abducted and tortured for around 12 hours before he was killed. Speaking at a press conference alongside Mir Raza’s parents at their residence, Nasir said information gathered during the investigation had raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the businessman’s death. According to the lawyer, CCTV footage showing Mir Raza emerged on July 28, while his body was recovered the following day. Nasir said a chemical analysis report from the University of Karachi found evidence of acid on the victim’s clothing, along with what he described as a bullet mark from the rear side of the shirt. Nasir further claimed that the condition of Mir Raza’s face was not simply the result of decomposition but may have been caused by acid. He also alleged that the victim was given a local anesthetic or another substance that caused him to become unconscious. The lawyer said the body appeared to have been dead for approximately 20 to 22 hours when it was recovered. Based on that estimated timeline, he argued that Mir Raza may have remained in captivity for around 12 hours before his death. Nasir alleged that the businessman was abducted during that period and subjected to torture. These claims have not yet been independently established and remain part of the allegations surrounding the investigation. The lawyer also raised questions about Mir Raza’s digital devices and financial activity. He claimed that someone had accessed the victim’s phone and emptied a cryptocurrency account, allegedly in an attempt to create an impression that Mir Raza had been facing financial difficulties or was in debt. Nasir further questioned the handling of key evidence, claiming that the station house officer was carrying the digital video recorder (DVR), while Mir Raza’s smartwatch and mobile phone were reportedly in the possession of other individuals. The allegations have intensified scrutiny of the investigation as Mir Raza’s family seeks answers about his final hours and the circumstances leading to his death. Investigators are expected to examine CCTV recordings, forensic reports, digital devices, financial transactions and other evidence to establish a detailed timeline. Police have yet to publicly establish the full circumstances of Mir Raza’s death or identify those responsible. The allegations made by his family’s lawyer will need to be verified through forensic evidence and the ongoing investigation.

Senior Pakistani actress Bushra Ansari has clarified her recent remarks after social media pages linked a story she shared during a podcast to actors Saira Yousuf and Shehroz Sabzwari. Bushra Ansari, who remains popular for her acting as well as her personal vlogs, recently discussed an incident involving the marriage of the only son of close friends during a podcast conversation. However, some social media pages allegedly connected the story to Saira Yousuf and Shehroz Sabzwari. In her latest vlog, Bushra Ansari expressed surprise over the way her comments had been presented online. She explained that she had been talking about close friends who are associated with the banking sector and had never said that the people involved in the story were actors. According to the actress, she was discussing a couple whose marriage ended because of differences over living arrangements. She said the wife wanted to establish a separate home, while the husband was unwilling to leave his parents. Bushra Ansari said that some social media pages subsequently used pictures of Saira Yousuf and Shehroz Sabzwari alongside the story, creating the impression that she had been referring to the former couple. The veteran actress strongly rejected the interpretation and criticized what she described as misleading and negative social media reporting. She said that parts of conversations are sometimes taken out of context and presented in a way that creates an entirely different narrative. Bushra Ansari also came to Saira Yousuf’s defense, describing her as a respectable person and saying that she continues to maintain good relations with members of her former in-laws’ family. She further said that Saira shares a loving relationship with her daughter, Zahra, and suggested that the families involved understand their relationships better than outsiders speculating on social media. The actress questioned why she would use the names of people close to her while discussing an unrelated personal story. She emphasized that the people she had mentioned in the podcast were her banker friends and that the story had no connection to Saira Yousuf or Shehroz Sabzwari. Bushra Ansari’s clarification comes amid growing speculation surrounding celebrities on social media, where comments from interviews and podcasts can quickly be reshared without their original context. The actress urged people to avoid believing or spreading claims based on misleading interpretations and reiterated that her original comments were not about Saira Yousuf and Shehroz Sabzwari.