National

  • | |

    Two officials martyred in Kohat terror attack

    ByJustpaste.in

    Two government officials were martyred and another was seriously injured after terrorists attacked a government vehicle at a joint security check post near the Kohat Toll Plaza on the Indus Highway late Thursday night, officials said. According to police, unidentified armed men opened fire on a customs enforcement vehicle that was carrying out routine anti-smuggling duties at the joint check post. The intense firing caused the vehicle to catch fire, resulting in heavy damage. The officials martyred in the attack were identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sajjad-ul-Islam of the Kohat Excise Office and Customs Enforcement Constable Jawad Ahmed of the Peshawar Collectorate. Both officers lost their lives while performing their official duties. Another Customs official, Basirullah, suffered serious injuries during the attack. Rescue teams reached the scene shortly after receiving an emergency call, provided first aid and shifted the injured official to the District Headquarters Hospital in Kohat for further treatment. Rescue personnel also recovered the body of the customs constable from the burnt government vehicle, while firefighters extinguished the blaze to prevent it from spreading further. Soon after the incident, police and security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace the attackers. Authorities have started an investigation to determine how the attack was carried out and identify those responsible. Officials said the attack created panic in the area, prompting additional security measures along the highway and surrounding locations. Funeral prayers for ASI Sajjad-ul-Islam were offered near his residence in Kohat. Senior officials from the Excise Department, law enforcement agencies and other government institutions attended the funeral and paid tribute to his services. The Excise Department described him as a dedicated and professional officer who served the department with commitment and courage. Officials expressed solidarity with his family and prayed for the elevation of his rank. Funeral prayers for Customs Constable Jawad Ahmed were also offered at the Custom House in Peshawar. Customs officials, colleagues and family members attended the funeral to pay their final respects. The Customs Department expressed deep sorrow over the loss of its officer, stating that he embraced martyrdom while carrying out his national duty. The department honoured his sacrifice and extended condolences to his family. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack and expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of the two officials. He offered condolences to their families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured officer and directed the relevant authorities to arrest those behind the attack. The prime minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism, saying operations against militant groups would continue until peace and stability are fully restored across the country.

  • | | |

    Pakistan to import 1 million tons of wheat to meet…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to immediately import one million tons of wheat to ensure an uninterrupted supply across the country and meet the growing demand of the provinces. The decision was reached after detailed consultations between the federal government and provincial authorities on wheat availability, pricing, and supply. During the meeting, participants agreed that wheat stocks currently held by the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) would be released without delay to address the immediate requirements of the provinces. Officials noted that while PASSCO’s existing reserves would help ease the short-term situation, the available stocks are insufficient to meet the combined demand of all provinces. To bridge the gap and maintain market stability, the government approved the immediate import of one million tons of wheat. Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain said the government remains committed to ensuring the availability of affordable, high-quality wheat for consumers. He stated that PASSCO’s wheat reserves would be distributed according to provincial needs, while the planned imports would help fulfill the country’s overall requirements and prevent supply disruptions. The minister added that the move is aimed at maintaining stable wheat supplies, supporting provincial food security, and preventing unnecessary fluctuations in the domestic market.

  • | |

    Dar, Iran FM reaffirm diplomatic cooperation

    ByJustpaste.in

    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting peace through diplomacy. During the meeting, the two foreign ministers reviewed the evolving regional situation, particularly rising tensions in the Middle East. They discussed recent developments affecting regional security and agreed that continued dialogue, restraint and diplomatic engagement remain the most effective path toward achieving lasting peace and stability. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining close and friendly relations with Iran. He stressed the importance of avoiding further escalation and called on all parties to resolve differences through peaceful negotiations. He also highlighted the need to build upon the understandings reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June 2026, which aimed to encourage diplomatic engagement and reduce regional tensions. The Pakistani foreign minister expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region and said cooperation among neighbouring countries is essential to preserve peace, protect economic interests and ensure regional stability. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and promote constructive dialogue. He thanked Pakistan for its continued support in regional peace initiatives and acknowledged Islamabad’s role in facilitating the safe return of Iranian fishermen and crew members, including individuals whose vessels had been intercepted during recent regional tensions. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination and regular consultations on regional and international issues of mutual interest. They reiterated their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation for peace, security and prosperity in the region. The meeting took place as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to escalate. Recent military exchanges have increased concerns about wider instability in the Middle East, with continued air strikes and retaliatory actions raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The situation has also affected key international shipping routes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, increasing concerns over global energy supplies and international trade. The uncertainty has contributed to higher oil prices and renewed fears about the impact on the global economy. In recent days, US President Donald Trump warned of stronger military action against Iran following attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Iranian officials, however, have continued to reject the accusations and have criticised recent US policies, including proposals concerning frozen Iranian assets. Against this backdrop, Pakistan has continued to advocate dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable solution to regional disputes. Pakistani officials maintain that peaceful engagement remains essential to preventing further escalation and ensuring long-term stability across the Middle East.

  • | |

    Rs19,000 billion federal spending sparks Senate de…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: A Senate committee has raised serious questions over the functioning of the Council of Common Interests (CCI), warning that constitutional powers given to provinces after the 18th Amendment are being weakened through the revival of federal ministries on devolved subjects. The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution expressed concern that ministries related to education, health, agriculture, food security, climate change and other provincial matters were recreated at the federal level despite their transfer to provinces under the constitutional process. The committee questioned why federal institutions were continuing to handle matters that were supposed to belong to provinces after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, calling for a review of the entire system. The meeting was held at Parliament House, Islamabad, where Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro presided over the session. Senators Poonjo Bheel and Jan Muhammad Buledi also attended the meeting. Senator Ghumro said that under the 18th Amendment, a detailed process was completed in 2010 and 2011 to transfer powers from the federal government to provinces. He explained that notifications issued on December 2, 2010, April 15, 2011, and June 29, 2011 resulted in the devolution of 17 ministries dealing with subjects that were shifted to provincial control. According to Senator Ghumro, the recreation of ministries after June 30, 2011, on subjects already transferred to provinces was against the spirit of the Constitution. He specifically pointed towards areas including education, health, national food security, culture, climate change, housing, social initiatives, EOBI, Evacuee Trust matters and Zakat and Ushr related functions. The senator argued that creating federal structures for provincial subjects has increased government expenses at a time when Pakistan is facing financial pressure. He claimed that federal government expenditure has increased to around Rs19,000 billion, while the country’s total tax and non tax revenue stands near Rs20,000 billion. Senator Ghumro said that apart from defence requirements due to security challenges, other federal ministries should have limited budgets according to constitutional responsibilities. He suggested that reducing unnecessary federal administrative structures could save around Rs5,000 to Rs6,000 billion and help reduce dependence on foreign loans. The committee also raised concerns about the ineffective role of the Council of Common Interests, a constitutional body responsible for resolving issues between the federation and provinces. Senator Ghumro said the CCI’s permanent secretariat was not functioning effectively and stressed that the institution must be strengthened to protect provincial rights. The committee decided to form a subcommittee to examine alleged violations related to the implementation of the 18th Amendment, including the revival of ministries and the role of the CCI. Senator Poonjo Bheel said that ministries created on devolved subjects should be abolished because the matter had already been settled through the constitutional process. Senator Jan Muhammad Buledi said the subcommittee should not only review the recreated ministries but also examine why the CCI had become ineffective despite having an important constitutional role. The committee also directed the Establishment Division to avoid making appointments in departments dealing with devolved subjects and ensure that provincial representation is protected in government appointments and promotions. Officials were asked to provide details of appointments in different grades within two weeks and submit a compliance report within 15 days. It emphasized that the federal government should support provinces rather than reduce their constitutional benefits. The committee also reviewed the issue of the Rs46 billion allocation for Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum, which was not released last year and was reportedly transferred to another ministry. The committee directed authorities to provide monthly progress reports regarding the development and maintenance of Mazar-e-Quaid. The committee further sought details about the tenure of federal secretaries and directed the Establishment Division to submit complete records.

  • HEC bans two universities after baseball final controversy

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: A women’s inter university baseball championship has become a major controversy after the Higher Education Commission (HEC) banned two Lahore based universities, their players and officials for one year over alleged violence and misconduct. However, affected students and some stakeholders are demanding a separate investigation, claiming that the complete facts of the incident have not been made public. According to an HEC order issued on July 21, 2026, the University of the Punjab, Lahore and Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) have been suspended from participating in HEC/Pakistan University Sports Board (PUSB) women’s baseball activities for one year. According to documents, HEC stated that the action was taken after “serious incidents of violence, physical altercation, indiscipline and misconduct” during and after the final match and closing ceremony of the HEC Intervarsity Women’s Baseball Championship 2025–26 held at the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Islamabad. The order also imposed a one year ban on team managers, coaches and accompanying officials, while players from both teams were barred from participating in HEC/PUSB sports events during the suspension period. However, the decision has triggered criticism from some students and supporters, who are demanding an independent inquiry before any punishment is considered final. They questioned whether all sides were properly heard and whether complete evidence was reviewed before imposing the ban. Students and representatives claimed that several issues surrounding the event require investigation, including security arrangements, availability of CCTV footage, alleged loss of personal belongings, and arrangements for students’ transport after the closing ceremony. They alleged that students faced difficulties after the event ended, claiming that transport arrangements were delayed and some students had to wait late at night for vehicles. They also questioned why CCTV footage and other evidence were not made publicly available to clarify what exactly happened. The students demanded that an independent investigation committee should be formed, all available evidence should be examined, and a detailed report should be presented publicly so that responsibility can be fixed fairly. The controversy also raised questions about event management. Some stakeholders questioned the selection of the host arrangements and demanded clarity about the responsibilities assigned during the championship. Meanwhile, HEC has maintained that disciplinary action was taken under Article 2.11.12 of the Pakistan University Sports Board Constitution and Rules, which allows action against teams, players or officials involved in violence during or after inter university championships. The HEC order said the decision was approved by the competent authority and would be circulated to all public and private sector higher education institutions for implementation. The matter has now become a test for sports governance in universities, with one side demanding strict action against indiscipline while the other demanding transparency and a fair investigation before deciding the future of students involved. HEC’s version was also sought regarding the matter. The HEC media team was contacted for its official response and comments on the allegations raised by students and stakeholders. However, at the time of filing this report, no response, clarification, or additional version had been received from HEC. The story will be updated if HEC provides further information or its official position on the issue.

  • | |

    PMD issues nationwide monsoon rain alert

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread monsoon rains, thunderstorms and strong winds across most parts of the country from July 24 to July 28, warning that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding and disrupt normal life in several regions. According to the latest weather advisory, a low-pressure system over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining areas is drawing strong monsoon currents into Pakistan. Under its influence, rain of varying intensity is expected across Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir during the next few days. In Sindh, moderate to heavy rain is expected in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Thatta. Karachi is also likely to receive light rain and cloudy weather during the forecast period. In Punjab, rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Vehari, Khanewal, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree and several nearby districts. Some places may experience heavy downpours. The weather department has also predicted rain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, Dir, Malakand, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat and other districts until July 27. In Balochistan, rainfall is expected in Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Kohlu, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar and surrounding areas. Isolated heavy rainfall is also possible in some locations. The forecast further includes rain and thunderstorms in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Diamer, Ghizer, Ghanche and Astore. Similar weather conditions are expected in Azad Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Bagh, Poonch, Mirpur, Kotli and nearby areas. The PMD has warned that heavy rainfall may lead to urban flooding in cities including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Badin and several other low-lying areas. Strong winds and lightning may also damage weak buildings, electric poles, trees and temporary structures. Tourists travelling to mountainous regions have been advised to remain cautious due to the risk of slippery roads, flash floods and landslides. Farmers have also been urged to plan agricultural activities carefully and take necessary measures to protect standing crops and livestock from adverse weather. Provincial governments and disaster management authorities have been directed to remain on alert throughout the forecast period. Rescue services, emergency response teams and drainage machinery have been placed on standby to respond quickly to any weather-related incidents.

  • | | |

    15 martyred in terror attack on joint security Che…

    ByJustpaste.in

    At least 15 people, including 14 security personnel, were martyred after terrorists launched a major attack on a joint security checkpost in Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the early hours of Friday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attackers attempted to storm the checkpost in a coordinated assault. Security personnel immediately responded with heavy fire and successfully prevented the militants from capturing the position. During the intense gun battle, security forces killed 12 terrorists who were attempting to escape after the failed assault. Officials said the troops displayed exceptional bravery and professionalism while defending the post. The attackers later rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the outer wall of the checkpost. The massive explosion caused severe structural damage and resulted in the martyrdom of 12 army personnel, two police officers and one Forest Department official who were performing their duties at the time of the attack. The blast also damaged parts of the security installation, while emergency teams rushed to the area to assist the injured and secure the site. Following the attack, security forces launched a large-scale search and clearance operation in the surrounding areas to track down any remaining militants and ensure the area was fully secured. The operation is continuing. Military officials said Pakistan’s security forces remain fully committed to eliminating terrorism and will continue intelligence-based operations across the country under the Azm-i-Istehkam national counterterrorism strategy. The military paid tribute to the martyred personnel, describing their sacrifice as a symbol of courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to the defence of the country. Officials said such attacks would not weaken the nation’s resolve to defeat terrorism. The latest incident comes amid continued efforts by security forces to dismantle militant networks operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan through intelligence-led operations. Authorities have intensified counterterrorism efforts in recent months following a rise in attacks targeting security personnel and public installations. Senior officials condemned the attack and vowed that those responsible would be hunted down and brought to justice. They reaffirmed that operations against terrorist groups would continue until peace and stability are fully restored across Pakistan. Security experts believe militant groups are attempting to target security installations to undermine ongoing counterterrorism operations. However, officials maintain that such attacks will only strengthen the determination of Pakistan’s security forces to continue their mission against terrorism.

  • Senate seeks 16-year oil and gas profit record

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: A Senate committee has raised serious questions over the distribution of billions of rupees generated from Pakistan’s oil and gas resources, demanding a complete financial breakdown of profits earned by oil and gas companies over the last 16 years. The Sub Committee of the Senate Functional Committee on Devolution directed authorities to provide a clear record of revenues and prepare a plan to ensure provinces receive their constitutional share from natural resources. The committee reviewed the implementation of Article 38(g) of the Constitution and examined whether provinces were receiving proper representation in federal institutions and a fair share from national resources. During the discussion on oil and gas revenues, the committee sought details of profits earned by oil and gas companies during the past 16 years. Officials were directed to verify and finalize the figures and prepare a proposal for the distribution of funds. Officials from the Petroleum Division informed the committee about the existing 50:50 revenue sharing system between the federal government and provinces. They explained that revenues generated from natural resources contribute to the national treasury through non tax income. However, the committee stressed that natural resources belong to the people and called for stronger transparency mechanisms to ensure that provinces receive their rightful share without unnecessary delays. Chairman Senator Zamir Hussain Ghumro directed authorities to introduce necessary legal and administrative improvements to strengthen the system of revenue distribution and prevent unequal treatment of provinces. The committee also focused on provincial employment representation in federal ministries and government linked corporate boards. The chairman expressed concern that constitutional provincial quotas were not being implemented effectively in some areas. He directed the Establishment Division to remove gaps in recruitment procedures and ensure that people from less developed and rural areas receive their due opportunities. The committee ordered officials to identify provinces facing representation shortages and take immediate steps to correct the imbalance. Officials were directed to submit a detailed compliance report in the next meeting, showing progress on both employment representation and natural resource revenue distribution.

  • | |

    LHC Judge appointments spark Rawalpindi lawyers’…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Rawalpindi: A dispute has erupted among lawyers’ groups in Rawalpindi over recent appointments and nominations of judges to the Lahore High Court, with some bar organisations raising questions over the representation of Rawalpindi Division and demanding a review of the process. The controversy intensified after the Peoples Lawyers Forum Rawalpindi Division called the proposed nominations unacceptable and demanded that the Judicial Commission examine the reasons behind the selections and the rejection of other candidates. The forum questioned why no candidate from Rawalpindi Division was included in the nominations and demanded details about the criteria used for selecting nominees. Meanwhile, the High Court Bar Association Rawalpindi and District Bar Association Rawalpindi also expressed concern over what they described as the continued lack of representation of Rawalpindi Division in Lahore High Court appointments. The District Bar Association Rawalpindi stated that ignoring the region’s experienced lawyers raised concerns about merit, transparency and regional balance. The association said Rawalpindi Division has a large legal community consisting of seven district bars and fourteen tehsil bars, producing many renowned lawyers, judges and legal professionals who have contributed to Pakistan’s judicial system. According to the association, no member of the Rawalpindi Division bar has been confirmed as a Lahore High Court judge since 2017, despite several capable lawyers and additional judges from the region having served with distinction. The High Court Bar Association Rawalpindi described the continued absence of representation as a matter requiring attention and said consultations would be held with district and tehsil bars to decide future steps. The Peoples Lawyers Forum also called on President Asif Ali Zardari and Peoples Lawyers Forum President Nayyar Hussain Bukhari to take notice of the situation. The forum requested that the notification process should be reviewed and that the Judicial Commission should provide details about the nominated candidates, their qualifications, selection reasons and the reasons why other candidates were not considered. The lawyers’ group demanded that if the process was found inconsistent with rules or principles of fairness, recommendations should be reconsidered and a fresh merit based review should be conducted. However, the dispute remains focused on questions of representation and transparency rather than any confirmed wrongdoing. The final decision regarding judicial appointments rests with the relevant constitutional authorities and judicial forums. The issue has now placed attention on the balance between merit based appointments and regional representation in the higher judiciary. Lawyers’ organisations have called for a transparent mechanism that ensures qualified candidates from all regions receive equal consideration while maintaining the independence and quality of the judicial system.

  • |

    SMEDA showcases MSME support services at ‘Expo Faisalabad 2026’

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE – Building on the success of its flagship “Made in Pakistan – SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026” and its facilitation for entrepreneurs during the “Made in Gujranwala Exhibition 2026”, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has further strengthened its engagement with Pakistan’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through its participation in Expo Faisalabad 2026. The three-day expo, being organized by the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), began at the Expo Center, Lahore on Friday. As a collaborative partner of the exhibition, SMEDA has established a dedicated helpdesk to facilitate entrepreneurs and visitors by providing information on the flagship initiatives, advisory services and enterprise development programmes. The helpdesk aims to promote business formalization by encouraging informal enterprises to register free of cost through the SME Registration Portal (SMERP). In a statement, Chief Executive Officer Nadia Jahangir Seth said SMEDA, in line with honorable Prime Minister Shehhbaz Sharif’s vision of inclusive economic growth, remains committed to creating opportunities that enable Pakistani MSMEs to innovate, formalize and expand their businesses. “SMEDA believes that exhibitions such as Expo Faisalabad 2026 are more than just business showcases – they are platforms for collaboration, learning and market access. By partnering with the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we aim to connect entrepreneurs with practical business support, encourage enterprise formalization and equip MSMEs with the knowledge and tools they need to compete in today’s evolving marketplace,” she said. She said SMEDA’s participation reflects the Authority’s continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurs by engaging directly with businesses through exhibitions, outreach programmes and capacity-building initiatives across the country. “Following the overwhelming response to the Made in Pakistan – SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026 and our successful facilitation of entrepreneurs at the Made in Gujranwala Exhibition, we are pleased to continue this journey of empowering MSMEs through another important business platform. Our objective is to ensure that enterprises, particularly small and emerging businesses, have greater access to information, markets, networks and government support services,” said Ms Seth. To enhance the knowledge and competitiveness of participating enterprises, SMEDA is conducting sessions on “Marketing Strategies for SMEs” and “Improving Product Quality for Export Markets.” Recognized as Pakistan’s textile capital, Faisalabad offers immense opportunities for enterprise development, innovation and investment. Through its collaboration with FCCI, SMEDA aims to help participating MSMEs leverage these opportunities, strengthen business linkages and improve their long-term competitiveness. SMEDA invites entrepreneurs, startups, exporters and business owners visiting Expo Faisalabad 2026 to visit its helpdesk over three days to take advantage of its business advisory services, free enterprise registration through SMERP and expert-led training sessions designed to support sustainable business growth.