National

  • | | |

    Karachi weather update: rainfall cools city amid h…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Karachi: Rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds swept across several parts of Karachi on Friday, bringing much-needed relief from the heat as a monsoon weather system moved into the city’s outskirts. Heavy rainfall was reported in suburban areas, including Gulshan-e-Memar, Manghopir, Ahsanabad, and Gulzar-e-Hijri, where strong winds and thunderstorms marked the arrival of the weather system. Meanwhile, light rain and drizzle were recorded in Nazimabad, New Karachi, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Orangi Town, Saddar, Defence, Korangi, and several other neighborhoods. The rainfall significantly lowered temperatures and created pleasant weather conditions across the city. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, dusty winds are also expected in Karachi’s outskirts, while central parts of the city are likely to receive light rain as the weather system continues to move through the region. In response to forecasts of widespread rainfall across Sindh, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah placed provincial authorities on high alert. He directed municipal bodies, the Water Board, and district administrations to remain operational around the clock to respond to any rain-related emergencies. The chief minister instructed authorities to immediately clear stormwater drains and blocked points, deploy dewatering pumps in low-lying areas, and ensure uninterrupted drainage operations. He also ordered the Water Board to clean sewerage lines and arrange backup power for pumping stations. Power utility K-Electric said its emergency teams had been placed on alert following the rainfall. The company advised residents to stay away from electricity poles, meters, overhead cables, and other electrical infrastructure during and after the rain. It also urged the public to avoid using electrical appliances with wet hands and warned against illegal electricity connections, which can pose serious safety risks during wet weather. Authorities have also activated provincial and district-level rain emergency control rooms to address public complaints and coordinate emergency response efforts, while traffic police have been directed to maintain smooth traffic flow on major roads and intersections throughout the city.

  • | | |

    Karachi firing over motorcycle dispute leaves one …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Karachi: A dispute between two groups over a motorcycle collision turned violent in Karachi’s Shireen Jinnah Colony, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to four others. According to police officials, the incident began after a motorcycle accident led to an argument between the sons of Abdul Muqadar and Pir Zaman. Residents of the area intervened and managed to calm the situation, after which both groups returned to their homes. However, the situation escalated shortly afterward when Pir Zaman and his associates allegedly arrived at Abdul Muqadar’s residence and opened fire. A gun battle reportedly followed between the two groups. As a result of the firing, Abdul Muqadar and one of his sons were injured, while his other son, Aamir, died on the spot. Two members of the opposing group, identified as Shahid Zaman and Abu Zar, also sustained injuries. Following the incident, a heavy police contingent reached the scene and shifted the deceased and injured individuals to a hospital. Police officials collected multiple bullet casings from the site and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the dispute and the role of those involved in the exchange of fire. Further legal action will be taken after completion of the investigation.

  • | | |

    Karachi colleges ban tobacco, vapes and drug use u…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Karachi: The Directorate of College Education Karachi has imposed a ban on the use of tobacco products and drugs in colleges across the city, aiming to create a healthier and drug-free educational environment. According to an official notification issued by the Directorate, the use of cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, paan, and gutka has been strictly prohibited within college premises. The ban will come into effect immediately, with college principals instructed to ensure compliance and maintain a tobacco-free environment inside their institutions. Authorities have directed college administrations to take necessary steps to prevent students and staff from using prohibited substances on campus. The Directorate of College Education has also contacted deputy commissioners to help control the sale and use of tobacco products and drugs around college areas. The move aims to extend monitoring beyond campuses and reduce access to such substances near educational institutions. Officials said the decision is part of efforts to promote student health and prevent the growing use of harmful substances among young people. College administrations will be responsible for implementing the new restrictions and taking action against violations. The notification comes as health experts continue to highlight the harmful effects of tobacco, nicotine products, and drug use, particularly among youth.

  • |

    Azma Bokhari hits back at PPP, criticizes Bilawal’s remarks

    ByJustpaste.in

    Lahore: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has strongly reacted to the statements made by Pakistan Peoples Party spokespersons, saying they should choose their words carefully and learn to respect their elders. She remarked that it was ironic that “those born out of a blackmailing mandate are now taunting us.” Azma Bokhari said PPP leaders repeatedly mock a person old enough to be their father by making faces and chanting “Raiwind, Raiwind.” She questioned whether they do not consider it disrespectful when their own leader ridicules someone of a father’s age. She further said that PPP leaders had collectively turned Raiwind into a subject of mockery and routinely insult senior individuals through their gestures and remarks. The Punjab Information Minister warned that if such abusive and disrespectful language continued, it would be met with an appropriate response. She added that Bilawal Bhutto is not some divine figure beyond criticism. Azma Bokhari further said that Bilawal Bhutto repeatedly mentions the names of Punjab’s cities in his speeches to spread falsehoods and misleading propaganda. She questioned whether his conduct was not both laughable and lacking in seriousness.

  • | | |

    Tank terrorist attack: 15 martyred including 14 se…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A terrorist attack on a joint police checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank district has resulted in the martyrdom of 15 people, including 14 security personnel, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The military’s media wing said the attack took place early Friday and was carried out by militants identified as Fitna-al-Khawarij, a term used by authorities for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). ISPR said the attackers attempted to breach the checkpost’s perimeter, but their efforts were swiftly stopped by security forces. The personnel deployed at the post responded with courage and professionalism, engaging the attackers and killing 15 militants. According to the statement, after the failed attempt to enter the checkpost, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall. The powerful blast caused severe damage to the infrastructure and resulted in the martyrdom of 15 individuals, including 12 soldiers, two police officers, and a government official from the former forest department. A sanitisation operation is currently underway in the area to locate and eliminate any remaining terrorists. ISPR said security forces and law enforcement agencies will continue counterterrorism operations under the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy to eliminate terrorism from the country. The military’s media wing paid tribute to the sacrifices of security personnel, stating that their sacrifices strengthen Pakistan’s resolve to protect the nation. The attack comes amid increased militant activity in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Security forces have recently conducted operations in Bannu and surrounding areas, where several militants were killed during intelligence-based operations. Authorities say efforts are continuing to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent further attacks against security personnel and civilians.

  • | |

    Justice Babar Sattar told to vacate official house

    ByJustpaste.in

    Justice Babar Sattar has been directed to vacate his official residence in Islamabad after the cancellation of its government allotment following his transfer to the Peshawar High Court. According to an official notice issued by the Registrar of the Islamabad High Court, Justice Sattar has been given 30 days to hand over the residence. The notice states that the Estate Office cancelled the allotment of the government house on July 3 after his transfer from the Islamabad High Court to the Peshawar High Court. The document explains that the one-month notice period began on July 3, the same day the official accommodation was withdrawn. Justice Sattar has been instructed to vacate the residence within that period in accordance with government rules governing official housing for judges transferred to another high court. The move follows Justice Sattar’s transfer to the Peshawar High Court, where he is expected to perform his judicial duties after leaving the Islamabad High Court. Sources familiar with the matter said that after the transfer, Justice Sattar did not apply for or obtain an official residence in Peshawar. Instead, he reportedly decided to continue staying in the government house allotted to him in Islamabad. The notice highlights that the cancellation of the residence allotment was carried out by the Estate Office, making the continued occupation of the house subject to the expiry of the notice period. The registrar’s office formally communicated the decision to ensure compliance with the applicable administrative procedures. The development comes as part of the routine administrative process that follows the transfer of judges between high courts. Under the existing rules, official accommodation is generally linked to the judge’s place of posting, and transferred judges are required to vacate residences allocated at their previous station once the prescribed notice period expires.

  • | | |

    Punjab offers Rs100,000 monthly shrimp farming int…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched a paid internship programme in shrimp farming, giving young graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience while earning a monthly stipend of Rs100,000. The initiative, introduced by the Punjab Fisheries Department, is designed to promote aquaculture, create employment opportunities and prepare skilled professionals for Pakistan’s growing shrimp farming industry. The programme is open to graduates in fisheries, zoology, marine sciences, biological sciences and other related fields. Successful applicants will receive hands-on training from experienced professionals throughout the internship. Trainees will learn key aspects of commercial shrimp farming, including hatchery management, pond maintenance, shrimp health monitoring, water quality control, feeding practices and modern aquaculture techniques. The training aims to equip participants with the technical knowledge required to establish careers in the aquaculture sector. Officials said the internship is part of the provincial government’s broader plan to strengthen high-value agriculture by expanding shrimp production and improving export potential. By investing in professional training, the government hopes to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting the rapid growth of Pakistan’s aquaculture industry.

  • | |

    Islamabad High Court orders NCCIA officers 

    ByJustpaste.in

      The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a detailed written order directing that officers of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) must not be prevented from carrying out their official duties. The court also maintained its earlier stay order restraining the authorities from taking any disciplinary action against the petitioning employees until further proceedings. The written order was issued by Justice Azam Khan following the hearing of a petition filed by the affected officers. The petitioners, who are contractual employees of the NCCIA, have approached the Islamabad High Court seeking regularization of their employment. They argue that they have been serving the organization for an extended period and should be granted permanent status in accordance with the law. According to the court’s written order, counsel representing the NCCIA authorities requested additional time to submit their formal response to the petition. The court noted that the respondents sought an extension to file their reply before the next hearing. However, the petitioners’ legal representatives strongly opposed the request for further delay. They argued that the respondents had already been given several opportunities to submit their response since the first hearing of the case on February 13. Despite multiple chances, the authorities had failed to place their reply on record within the time provided by the court. The petitioners’ counsel further informed the court that at nearly every hearing, the respondents had sought adjournments on one pretext or another. According to the lawyers, these repeated delays were causing irreparable harm to the petitioners, who continued to face uncertainty regarding their employment and professional responsibilities. Taking note of these submissions, the Islamabad High Court granted the NCCIA authorities one final opportunity to submit their written reply. The court directed that the response must be filed before July 30. The written order clearly states that if the respondents fail to submit their reply by the specified deadline, the court will proceed to decide the case on the basis of the available record without granting any further extensions. The court also made important observations regarding the professional role of the petitioning officers. Justice Azam Khan remarked that it would be unfair to prevent such highly educated and experienced individuals from performing their official duties. The written order emphasized that qualified professionals should not be obstructed from carrying out work assigned to them, particularly while legal proceedings remain pending. Furthermore, the court instructed all concerned parties to ensure that the petitioning officers are allowed to perform their duties strictly in accordance with the law. It directed the respondents not to create any obstacles in the officers’ work or interfere with their lawful responsibilities until the matter is finally decided. In addition, the High Court reaffirmed that the interim stay order protecting the petitioners from disciplinary action will remain in force until the next hearing. This provides temporary legal protection to the employees while the court continues to examine the merits of their petition seeking regularization of service. After issuing these directions, the Islamabad High Court adjourned further proceedings in the case until July 30. The next hearing is expected to determine whether the respondents have complied with the court’s instructions and may also shape the future course of the contractual employees’ plea for permanent employment within the NCCIA.

  • | | | |

    Petrol hits Rs335.18, diesel climbs to Rs383.46

    ByJustpaste.in

    The federal government has increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) in its latest fuel price revision. According to an official notification, the price of petrol has been increased by Rs3.66 per litre, while HSD has gone up by Rs4.80 per litre. The new prices will take effect from July 25. After the increase, petrol will cost Rs335.18 per litre, while high-speed diesel will be available at Rs383.46 per litre. The government revised fuel prices after changes in international oil markets. Global crude prices have remained unstable due to tensions in the Persian Gulf. Petrol is mainly used by private vehicles, motorcycles and rickshaws. Any increase directly affects daily commuters and middle-income families by raising transportation costs. High-speed diesel is widely used by trucks, buses, agricultural machinery and power generators. A rise in diesel prices increases freight charges and production costs. This can eventually lead to higher prices of food and other essential goods. The government has also introduced a daily fuel pricing mechanism. Under the new system, fuel prices will be adjusted every day based on international oil prices and market trends instead of weekly revisions. The decision has faced criticism from petroleum dealers. They say daily price changes could create uncertainty for businesses and consumers. Dealer associations have indicated they may announce a protest plan against the new pricing system.

  • | |

    Punjab Govt, PPP on collision course after Azma Bo…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Azma accuses PPP of disrespecting elders as Bilawal faces sharp attack. PPP’s Lahore convention plans halted after govt denies approval. Punjab’s ruling PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party appeared to be on a collision course on Friday, as a sharp verbal attack by a senior provincial minister coincided with the sudden halting of PPP convention preparations in Lahore, leaving the two parties at odds on multiple fronts. Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari strongly criticised PPP spokespersons, saying they should choose their words carefully and learn to respect their elders. She said it was ironic that people she described as coming from a “blackmailing mandate” were now taunting others.  Bokhari said PPP leaders repeatedly mock a person old enough to be their father by making faces and chanting “Raiwind, Raiwind.” She asked whether PPP leaders did not consider it disrespectful when their own leader ridicules someone of a father’s age. She said PPP leaders had turned Raiwind into a subject of mockery and routinely insult senior figures through their gestures and remarks.The minister warned that if such language continued, it would be met with an appropriate response. She said Bilawal Bhutto was not a figure beyond criticism. She further accused him of repeatedly naming Punjab’s cities in his speeches to spread what she called falsehoods and misleading propaganda, questioning whether his conduct was serious at all. The sharp exchange came on the same day that preparations for a PPP workers’ convention at Greater Iqbal Park were halted. The Lahore district administration said the party had not secured formal written permission for the event, even though a stage and other arrangements were already in place. The convention had been planned for July 25, ahead of celebrations marking President Asif Ali Zardari’s birthday on July 26.  District authorities questioned why preparations had begun without official approval and asked PPP leadership to explain. Lahore PPP President Faisal Mir said the party had moved ahead after receiving verbal assurances from the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office that there was no objection to the event. He said preparations were made in good faith, but officials later stepped in and stopped the work.Mir criticised the administration, saying access to the venue had been restricted and vehicles carrying chairs and other equipment had been blocked from reaching the site. He said the party remained committed to holding the convention peacefully and said he was ready to face arrest if needed.The Chief Minister’s Office did not comment on claims that approval had been given through the chief minister’s principal secretary. PPP leaders shared videos on social media showing workers, the stage and seating arrangements already prepared, signalling the party’s intent to proceed regardless.Party sources admitted that written permission had not been obtained but argued that verbal approval was enough to begin preparations. They said local police had been informed of the gathering in advance.The convention was expected to feature PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing workers through video link, along with senior leaders including Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Hassan Murtaza and Qamar Zaman Kaira. Officials said permission could still be granted if formalities were completed, but noted that approving the event without standard procedure could complicate similar requests from other parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which is seeking permission for a Lahore gathering next month.Taken together, the harsh words from Bokhari and the administrative roadblock facing PPP’s convention point to a provincial government and opposition party growing increasingly hostile toward one another, with neither side showing signs of backing down.