National

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    Heavy rains trigger flash floods in Gilgit-Baltist…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Torrential rainfall has caused widespread destruction across Gilgit-Baltistan, disrupting transportation networks as flash floods and landslides washed away roads, bridges, and vital infrastructure in several districts. The extreme weather conditions have left thousands of people, including tourists, stranded as major routes connecting different parts of the mountainous region were blocked. Authorities have advised travelers to avoid unnecessary journeys due to ongoing risks from floods and landslides. According to officials, several important roads, including the Karakoram Highway, Babusar Road, Baltistan Road, Naltar Highway, Ghizer-Shandur Road, and Astore Valley Road, have been affected by flooding and landslides. The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) reported that the Karakoram Highway was blocked at multiple locations between Dassu and the Hunza-Nagar areas, creating difficulties for commuters and relief teams. In Skardu’s Rondu subdivision, severe flooding in the Tormak Nallah area damaged important communication bridges, including the Malan Bridge. Several roads, agricultural lands, crops, and other infrastructure were also affected in Kharmang, Ghanche, and Shigar districts. Flooding also disrupted electricity and water supply systems in areas including Astore, Tangir, and Thore in Diamer district. Communication services were affected, while irrigation channels, drinking water schemes, and protective structures suffered damage. Several villages were cut off, and dozens of families were forced to leave their homes due to floods and landslides. Authorities moved vulnerable residents to safer locations and started relief operations in affected areas. The situation also affected Ghizer district, where temporary road closures, localized flooding, and damage to houses were reported. Rising water levels in the Hunza-Nagar River increased risks for residents in Gilgit’s Jutal area. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast further rainfall in the region and warned about the possibility of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) until July 26. The Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority, district administrations, Rescue 1122, and other departments are working together to provide emergency assistance. Officials said affected families are being provided with tents, food supplies, medicines, and clean drinking water. Heavy machinery has also been deployed to restore damaged roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain has directed authorities to speed up relief and rehabilitation activities and remain alert around the clock to protect lives and property. The chief minister also emphasized the need for stronger disaster preparedness, saying that climate change has increased the risks of flash floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods in the region. Authorities are coordinating with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to improve emergency response measures and monitor glacier-related risks through scientific and technological systems. The ongoing situation highlights the growing impact of climate-related disasters in Gilgit-Baltistan, where communities continue to face increasing threats from extreme weather events.

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    OGRA increases petrol, diesel prices again

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad – The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has announced another increase in petroleum prices marking the fourth consecutive day of fuel price hikes and issued new rates for petrol and high-speed diesel. According to an OGRA notification, the price of petrol has been increased by Rs. 4.40 per litre bringing the new price to Rs. 331.52 per litre. Similarly, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been raised by Rs. 3.62 per litre taking the new price to Rs. 378.66 per litre. The notification states that the revised prices will come into effect from 12:00 a.m. on the night between July 23 and July 24 after which fuel stations across the country will charge customers according to the new rates. OGRA said the price adjustment was made after taking into account global crude oil prices, import costs and other relevant market factors. The continued increase in petroleum prices is expected to raise transportation costs which could in turn push up the prices of essential commodities. Members of the public and the business community have expressed concern over the repeated increases and urged the government to take effective measures to stabilize fuel prices. It is worth noting that this is the fourth consecutive day that OGRA has increased petroleum prices resulting in a significant rise in fuel costs over the past several days.

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    Govt hikes petrol by Rs4.4, diesel by Rs3.62 as gl…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The federal government on Thursday increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs4.40 and Rs3.62 per litre, respectively, effective July 24. Following the latest revision, petrol now stands at Rs331.52 per litre, while HSD is priced at Rs378.66. The price hike comes amid a surge in global oil prices, with Brent crude jumping 6% to $100.50 a barrel following attacks on tankers in the Red Sea, which have choked off a second crucial Middle East artery for global oil supplies alongside Iran’s near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This is the fourth consecutive day the government has revised fuel prices after switching to a daily review mechanism last week to reflect volatility in international markets. The new system bases daily fuel prices on a seven-day average of international market rates, ensuring timely adjustments to align with global trends. The latest increase was anticipated as oil prices surged to their highest level since May, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East. The price revision came after the government and the All Pakistan Petrol Pump Owners Association reached an agreement a day ago to postpone the association’s planned nationwide shutdown for two weeks. The agreement followed successful negotiations with Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, who assured dealers that their long-pending concerns, including demands for a monthly pricing mechanism and an increase in dealer commissions, would be addressed. The surge in global oil prices has been fueled by Houthi attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea, which have raised fears of a wider regional conflict. The attacks have disrupted shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a vital alternative route for Saudi oil exports, adding to the supply concerns already triggered by the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The dual disruptions have put energy markets on edge, with fears of a global supply crunch intensifying. The spike in oil prices has also impacted global stock markets, with major tech giants knocking US stocks lower and Europe’s borrowing costs spiking to long-term highs. The unsettling day across markets reflects the broader economic implications of the Middle East conflict, which continues to disrupt global energy supplies and threaten economic stability. As the situation remains volatile, further price revisions are likely in the coming days. The government has assured the public that it is monitoring the situation closely and will take necessary measures to mitigate the impact on consumers. However, with global oil prices expected to remain elevated, Pakistani consumers are likely to face continued pressure on fuel costs, affecting transportation, goods, and services across the country. The government’s daily price revision mechanism aims to provide transparency and responsiveness to market changes, but it also means that consumers will face more frequent price adjustments as global oil markets remain volatile. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the situation stabilizes or whether further hikes are needed to reflect global trends.

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    PPP resents Punjab’s development says Uzma Bukha…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Lahore: Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari has said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is fully aware of why the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) harbors resentment toward Punjab, adding that the province’s rapid development has become difficult for its political opponents to accept. Responding to recent statements made by PPP spokespersons in Lahore, Bukhari said that the Punjab government is utilizing public funds for the welfare and development of the people of Punjab, which, according to her, is the real source of the PPP’s criticism. She remarked that the “Nawabs of Larkana” are unable to digest the fact that Punjab’s resources are being spent on improving the lives of its citizens. The Punjab information minister also addressed PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urging him to refrain from promoting what she described as politics of hatred and division. She said that as the chairman of a major political party, Bilawal should be mindful of the responsibilities associated with his position and avoid making statements that could deepen political polarization. Bukhari questioned why PPP representatives from Sindh rarely highlight the performance of their own provincial government. Instead of criticizing Punjab, she suggested, they should focus on informing the public about the achievements and governance record of the Sindh administration, which has remained under PPP leadership for several years. Highlighting the performance of the Punjab government, Bukhari said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ensured that development projects and public resources are distributed across the province without discrimination. According to her, the government has extended development initiatives from Attock in northern Punjab to Rahim Yar Khan in the south, and from Rawalpindi to Vehari, ensuring that all regions benefit equally from provincial resources. She stated that the current administration is committed to improving public services, infrastructure, and the overall quality of life for people across Punjab. Bukhari added that those who are envious of Punjab’s progress and prosperity would continue to criticize, but such criticism would not hinder the government’s commitment to development.   Referring to the PPP’s political standing in Punjab, Bukhari claimed that the party currently ranks fourth in terms of public support in the province. She said this was not the fault of the PML-N but rather a reflection of the people’s confidence in the performance of the provincial government. According to her, Punjab’s residents continue to express satisfaction with the governance and development initiatives undertaken by the PML-N administration. In her remarks, Bukhari also referred to Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, saying that when he visited Lahore to learn from the city’s governance and development model, the Punjab government welcomed him openly. She added that the same level of development, progress, and prosperity witnessed in Punjab should also be achieved in Sindh for the benefit of its people. The minister concluded by reaffirming that the Punjab government remains focused on serving the public through transparent governance and equitable development. She maintained that political criticism would not distract the administration from its objective of ensuring sustained progress and improving living standards throughout the province.

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    Sindh Cabinet approves increase in conveyance allo…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Karachi: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced that the Sindh Cabinet has approved an increase in the conveyance allowance for provincial government employees. The revised allowance will apply to employees in Grades 1 to 16, providing financial relief in light of rising transportation costs. Addressing a press conference following the Sindh Cabinet meeting, Memon said the cabinet had taken several important decisions covering governance, public welfare, economic development, and disaster preparedness. He stated that the meeting approved a six-month extension of the health insurance program for employees working at the Governor House and Chief Minister House to ensure continued access to medical facilities. The provincial minister further announced the establishment of multiple task forces to strengthen governance in key sectors. According to him, specialized task forces have been formed to focus on the economy, investment, finance, and water resources. In addition, the cabinet approved the creation of dedicated task forces on climate change and artificial intelligence to address emerging challenges and explore opportunities for technological and environmental development in the province. Memon also revealed that the Sindh Cabinet has approved a strict crackdown against the production, sale, and distribution of gutka and mainpuri, both of which are widely consumed forms of smokeless tobacco. He said the Department of Narcotics Control would be responsible for taking legal action against those involved in the illegal trade of these products. He added that the provincial government is also working on new legislation to further strengthen enforcement and curb the menace of hazardous tobacco products. Speaking about the agriculture sector, Memon emphasized that the Sindh government does not want farmers to suffer losses. He claimed that existing laws prohibit restrictions on the transportation of wheat, but alleged that Punjab has blocked the movement of wheat by sealing border points. He condemned the restrictions, arguing that they were negatively affecting the free movement of agricultural produce. He further stated that this year’s wheat harvest had been exceptionally good but acknowledged that some individuals in Sindh had engaged in wheat hoarding. To stabilize wheat supplies and discourage hoarding, Memon announced that the Sindh government plans to import 500,000 metric tons of wheat. He added that the province would also purchase wheat from the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO). According to him, these measures would ensure sufficient wheat availability in the market while causing significant financial losses to those involved in hoarding. The minister also announced plans to establish a 400-acre truck terminal on Karachi’s Northern Bypass. He said the project would improve transport infrastructure, facilitate logistics operations, and help reduce traffic congestion within the city.   Highlighting preparations for the ongoing monsoon season, Memon said that all relevant provincial departments and emergency response agencies had been placed on high alert. Referring to recent heavy rains across the country, he expressed concern over the loss of lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, claiming that these incidents had not received adequate attention in sections of the media. He stated that both urban and rural areas of Punjab had been severely affected by heavy rainfall and that widespread destruction had occurred across the country due to the ongoing monsoon. According to Memon, 17 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Punjab, while 20 people were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Commenting on the ongoing elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Memon alleged that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was violating the election code of conduct during the electoral process. He urged all political parties to respect democratic principles and ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.

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    PAC meeting reveals Rs1.06 billion embezzlement

    ByJustpaste.in

      Islamabad: A meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) revealed a major financial irregularity involving the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), where more than Rs1.06 billion was allegedly embezzled through the payment of salaries to ghost employees and retired staff. The disclosure was made during the committee’s review of an audit report highlighting serious financial mismanagement within the power distribution company. According to the audit findings, salaries continued to be issued in the names of non-existent employees as well as individuals who had already retired from service, resulting in a massive loss to the national exchequer. The audit report stated that the alleged embezzlement was carried out through the collusion of officials from HESCO’s Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) office, Executive Engineer (XEN) office, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) office. The report indicated that weaknesses in internal financial controls and payroll monitoring allowed the irregular payments to continue for an extended period without detection. During the PAC meeting, members expressed serious concern over the scale of the fraud and questioned how such a significant amount of public money could be misappropriated without timely intervention. The committee emphasized the need for stronger financial oversight, transparent payroll management, and strict accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future. Responding to the audit observations, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HESCO informed the committee that disciplinary action had already been taken against officials found responsible for the irregularities. According to the CEO, four employees have been dismissed from service, including three accounts officers and one finance officer. He stated that the company has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and financial misconduct and is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities. Officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) also briefed the committee on the progress of the criminal investigation. They informed lawmakers that five criminal cases had been registered in connection with the fraud. According to the FIA, more than 130 individuals were allegedly involved in the scam, either directly or indirectly, making it one of the largest payroll fraud cases uncovered in a public sector utility. Despite the registration of multiple cases, the FIA reported that only Rs130 million has been recovered so far, a small portion of the total amount allegedly embezzled. Investigators said efforts are continuing to trace the remaining funds, identify all those responsible, and recover the outstanding amount through legal proceedings. The PAC directed the relevant authorities to expedite the investigation and ensure that all individuals involved are brought to justice, regardless of their position or influence. Committee members stressed that those responsible for the misuse of public funds must be held accountable to restore public confidence in government institutions. The revelations have once again highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms in payroll management, financial auditing, and internal accountability mechanisms within state-owned organizations. The committee reiterated that transparent governance and effective oversight are essential to preventing corruption and safeguarding public resources from financial abuse.

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    Punjab launches drone flood surveillance

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Punjab government has introduced drone-based monitoring for the first time to strengthen its flood management system and improve early warning capabilities across the province. The new initiative is aimed at detecting flood surges before they reach populated areas, allowing authorities to take timely preventive measures and reduce the risk of damage to lives, property and infrastructure. According to a spokesperson for the Punjab government, the drone surveillance programme has been launched on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The operation covers all major barrages, rivers and headworks in Punjab. Officials are using drones to monitor water levels, river flow and changing conditions in real time. The spokesperson said the technology will help authorities identify any sudden increase in water flow and provide advance warnings to disaster management agencies. This will improve emergency planning and allow local administrations to respond more quickly if flood conditions develop. As part of the monitoring campaign, drones surveyed Trimmu Barrage, where water levels were found to be within the normal range. Drone inspections were also carried out along the Ravi and Sutlej rivers in Pakpattan. Officials reported that water levels in both rivers remained stable and did not pose any immediate threat. Further drone surveillance was conducted at Talibwala Bridge over the Chenab River in Sargodha. Authorities observed that the river’s flow was normal. Similar monitoring was also carried out at Head Sidhnai, where officials reviewed water movement and overall river conditions through aerial imaging. At Head Marala, drones recorded a water flow of 174,000 cusecs. Authorities also monitored water conditions at Rasul Barrage in Mandi Bahauddin to assess the overall flood situation in the region. The provincial government said drone technology will play a key role in modernising Punjab’s flood monitoring system. Real-time aerial surveillance will help officials detect changes in river conditions more accurately and improve coordination among disaster response agencies.

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    SBP reserves climb to $17.26bn

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) posted a slight increase during the week ending July 17. However, the country’s overall liquid reserves recorded a small decline as commercial banks’ holdings decreased. According to the latest figures released by the central bank, SBP’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $33 million, taking the total to $17.26 billion. The increase reflects a gradual improvement in the country’s external financial position. Despite the rise in the central bank’s reserves, Pakistan’s total liquid foreign exchange reserves slipped by $5.9 million to $22.67 billion. The decline was caused by a fall in the reserves held by commercial banks. Commercial banks’ net foreign exchange reserves dropped by $38.7 million, bringing their total holdings to $5.41 billion. As a result, Pakistan’s total foreign reserves now provide import cover for nearly 2.5 months, highlighting the need for further improvement in external inflows. The Pakistani rupee remained stable in the interbank market. It closed at Rs277.90 against the US dollar, compared with Rs277.91 a day earlier. The slight gain came as the US dollar also remained mostly steady in global markets despite continued geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, gold prices in Pakistan declined sharply after international bullion prices fell by more than two percent. The price of 24-karat gold per tola dropped by Rs1,800 to Rs432,036. The price of 10 grams of gold fell by Rs1,543 to Rs370,401. Silver prices also moved lower, with the per tola rate declining by Rs33 to Rs6,370. The decline followed a strong rally in the previous trading session when gold prices had increased significantly in the domestic market. Internationally, gold prices fell after investors shifted their focus to rising oil prices and expectations that the US Federal Reserve may continue raising interest rates to control inflation. Spot gold traded near $4,047 per ounce, while US gold futures also recorded noticeable losses. Global energy markets remained under pressure as Brent crude oil climbed to around $100 per barrel. Rising tensions in the Middle East and concerns over disruptions to oil supplies supported higher crude prices. Analysts believe that increasing oil prices could push inflation higher around the world. This may encourage central banks, particularly the US Federal Reserve, to maintain a tighter monetary policy. Higher interest rates generally reduce the appeal of gold because the precious metal does not provide any interest or fixed return to investors. As borrowing costs increase, investors often shift towards interest-bearing assets.

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    Audit reveals Rs47bn electricity overbilling

    ByJustpaste.in

    A government audit has uncovered an alleged Rs47 billion electricity overbilling scandal, raising serious concerns over billing practices by power distribution companies (DISCOs). The findings were presented before a subcommittee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), where officials said inflated electricity bills were issued to hundreds of thousands of consumers. Audit officials informed the committee that 278,649 consumers received excessive electricity bills in a single month. According to the findings, the overbilling involved nearly 904 million electricity units, creating a major financial burden for households and businesses across the country. The audit report stated that the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) accounted for the largest share of the overbilling, with consumers allegedly charged around Rs45 billion beyond actual consumption. The Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) was identified as the second-largest contributor, with overbilling estimated at Rs1.56 billion. Officials told lawmakers that the inflated bills were mainly caused by incorrect meter readings and misuse of authority by field staff responsible for recording electricity consumption. They alleged that overbilling was used to hide electricity theft, transmission losses and inefficiencies within the distribution system. Consumers who regularly paid their bills were reportedly charged extra, while refunds were usually made only after formal complaints were submitted. The Power Division informed the committee that reforms are being introduced to improve the billing system. Smart electricity meters and transformer-based metering technology are being installed in different regions to reduce human error and improve transparency. Officials said these measures have already helped reduce complaints of overbilling in areas where the new system has been implemented. Members of the Public Accounts Committee expressed concern over the scale of the issue and questioned how many similar cases had gone unnoticed. They said the reported figures likely represent only the cases detected through audits, while many more consumers may have suffered from incorrect billing without being aware of it. Lawmakers highlighted the financial difficulties faced by ordinary citizens because of inflated electricity bills. They said many families had been forced to borrow money or sell personal belongings to pay their electricity charges, adding that such practices have increased public frustration over rising utility costs. The committee was also informed that disciplinary action had been taken against officials found responsible for irregularities. According to the management of LESCO, stronger anti-theft operations and stricter monitoring have significantly reduced electricity theft and eliminated overbilling in its service area. Several officers, including an executive engineer and multiple sub-divisional officers, have been dismissed over misconduct. During the same meeting, another audit report highlighted alleged financial irregularities in the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO). The report claimed that Rs1.06 billion was misappropriated through payments made to ghost employees and retired staff, with investigators pointing to possible collusion among officials involved in financial administration.

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    Pakistan’s UN envoy hits back at India in Se…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s Counsellor at the United Nations, Saima Saleem, strongly criticised India during a meeting of the UN Security Council. She accused New Delhi of violating international law, ignoring UN Security Council resolutions and pursuing policies that threaten regional peace and stability. In her address, Saleem said it was contradictory for India to present itself as a supporter of peace while, according to Pakistan, it continues to violate international law and fail to implement UN Security Council resolutions related to the Kashmir dispute. She also alleged that India has pursued aggressive policies toward neighbouring countries and has been involved in activities that undermine regional security. The Pakistani diplomat highlighted what she described as a clear difference between the situations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). She said people in AJK enjoy political freedoms, while residents of IIOJK continue to face restrictions, arrests and alleged human rights violations. Saleem said the denial of basic rights in the disputed territory cannot be ignored. She stressed that political freedom and the suppression of civil liberties cannot be viewed as the same. According to her, the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to possess an inalienable right to self-determination under relevant UN resolutions. She further stated that Jammu and Kashmir is not an integral part of India and cannot be treated solely as its internal matter. She said India’s position does not change the internationally recognised status of the dispute and called for implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The Pakistani representative also said that India had originally taken the Kashmir issue to the United Nations and is now distancing itself from the resolutions adopted by the Security Council. She maintained that the dispute remains on the UN agenda and requires a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law. Referring to the Indus Waters Treaty, Saleem criticised India’s decision to suspend the agreement. She said the move violates international legal obligations and warned that water should never be used as a political or military tool. She described the Indus River system as a lifeline for millions of people and stressed that international agreements must be respected. She also alleged that terrorism networks linked to India have expanded beyond the region. In addition, she claimed that the rise of Hindutva ideology has contributed to increasing Islamophobia in India and accused the Indian government of promoting discriminatory policies against Muslims.