National

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    AJK polling extended amid disruptions and security…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Polling in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections was extended by one hour on Monday. Voting in Bhimber, Mirpur and Kotli continued until 6pm. The extension was announced as several polling stations faced disruptions and complaints. Political parties also raised concerns about alleged interference and security issues during the voting process. The first phase of the AJK elections covers all 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division. The division includes four seats in Mirpur, three in Bhimber and six in Kotli. More than 1.4 million registered voters are eligible to cast their votes in the first phase. Election authorities established 2,454 polling stations and 3,701 polling booths across the division. Around 22,000 election officials were assigned duties to manage the polling process. Security was also increased at polling stations across the region. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) raised several complaints during the day. PPP AJK Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor called on the Election Commission to take immediate notice of disruptions at polling stations. Polling at Station 108 in LA-13 Kotli-VI was reportedly suspended for around two hours. Shakoor said the interruption was affecting voters and preventing them from exercising their right to vote. He demanded that polling be restored immediately. He also called for an investigation into the reasons behind the suspension. The PPP also alleged interference at several polling stations in LA-8 Raj Mahal and LA-12 Charhoi. The party claimed that some PML-N supporters were attempting to influence the polling process. The allegations included the presence of armed individuals near some polling stations. The PPP demanded stronger security arrangements to protect voters, polling staff and election material. Another serious incident was reported in LA-9 Nikyal. A PPP worker was killed during an incident that the party linked to alleged intimidation and the display of weapons. PPP officials identified the deceased as 35-year-old Mukhtar Younus. The party demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the incident. Shakoor alleged that weapons had been displayed in the area before polling day. He claimed that timely action by the authorities could have prevented the situation from worsening. The PPP also accused the federal government of interfering in the AJK elections. PPP Secretary General Nadeem Afzal Chan demanded that federal officials and government machinery remain neutral during the electoral process. He said political parties should be allowed to compete without outside interference. Chan also raised concerns over alleged use of state resources during the election campaign. He called for development announcements and other government activities that could influence voters to be stopped during the election period. The PPP has established an election monitoring cell in Islamabad. Senior party leaders are monitoring polling-related complaints through the cell. The monitoring team is also maintaining contact with election officials, district administrations, candidates and party representatives. The PPP said the purpose of the cell was to monitor the election process and report any violations. Meanwhile, the Election Commission took action against two presiding officers in Kotli. The officials were accused of failing to report to their assigned polling stations. They allegedly went to a private residence instead. An FIR was registered against both officials. They were arrested and later suspended from service. Election authorities said strict action would be taken against officials who violate election rules. They also warned that negligence and irregularities in the polling process would not be tolerated. Security remained a major focus during polling. Authorities declared 1,965 polling stations sensitive or highly sensitive. More than 19,000 security personnel were deployed across Mirpur Division. The force included around 17,000 police personnel. Around 2,100 Army personnel were also kept on standby. They could be deployed as a backup force if the security situation deteriorated. Despite the complaints and isolated incidents, polling continued at most stations. In LA-1 Dadyal, voting began in a peaceful atmosphere. Security arrangements were strengthened around all polling stations in the constituency. More than 105,000 voters are registered in Dadyal. The constituency has 139 polling stations and 234 polling booths. The first phase of the elections is being held under a revised schedule. Polling in Muzaffarabad Division and the 12 refugee constituencies is scheduled for August 2. The final phase will be held in Poonch Division on August 10. A total of 288 candidates are contesting the 13 seats in Mirpur Division. Election authorities have urged candidates, workers and voters to maintain peace and follow the electoral code of conduct.

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    PMDC approves seat increase for 19 Private College…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: A major debate has erupted over medical college seat expansion in Pakistan after the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) announced new seat enhancements for private medical colleges, while hundreds of existing private sector seats remain vacant due to the high cost of medical education. During a meeting of the Sub Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, the PMDC President informed lawmakers that seat enhancement approval has so far been granted to 19 private medical colleges. However, the exact number of additional seats approved for these 19 private medical colleges has not yet been disclosed. The announcement came as the committee was already discussing the serious shortage of affordable medical education opportunities for students who want to become doctors. PMDC officials also informed the committee that the government has increased public sector medical college seats by 780 additional seats, creating more opportunities for students seeking admission in public institutions. The committee was told that the increase in seats was part of efforts to expand medical education opportunities and address the growing student demand. At the same time, officials highlighted a major contradiction in the current system. While authorities are increasing the number of medical seats, hundreds of private medical college seats remain empty because many students cannot afford the fees. PMDC officials also informed the committee that hundreds of private medical college seats remained vacant this year because many students were unable to afford the high fee structure of private institutions. They stated the main reason was the high fee structure of private medical colleges, where many students could not afford fees ranging from Rs18 lakh to Rs25 lakh annually. Senator Anusha Rahman questioned why qualified students were unable to enter medical colleges when seats were available. She asked officials whether any seats in public medical colleges were vacant. PMDC officials replied that public medical college seats were completely filled. The senator questioned the situation, saying that thousands of students who had successfully passed MDCAT were still unable to become doctors because of limited seats and financial problems. She pointed out that around 70,000 to 75,000 students who cleared the admission test were left without medical college opportunities. The committee questioned whether enough steps were being taken to protect these students’ futures. During the discussion, Officials suggested a large scale expansion plan and proposed adding 10,000 more medical seats in the Medical sector through government supported loans and scholarship programmes. Senator Shahzaib Durrani said such an initiative could help thousands of students and would require around Rs15 billion annually, which he described as a manageable amount for the government. The committee also discussed whether increasing seats could affect the quality of medical education. PMDC officials explained that medical education requires proper clinical training facilities, including hospitals and patient exposure. Officials said there are specific requirements for increasing medical seats because colleges must have enough hospital beds for students. According to PMDC standards, colleges with 100 students require around 500 hospital beds, while institutions with 200 students need around 750 beds and colleges with 300 students require around 1,000 beds. A PMDC member said medical education cannot be expanded without improving clinical facilities because doctors need practical training, not only classroom education. However, Senator Anusha Rahman argued that increasing seats could encourage institutions to expand their healthcare facilities. She said medical graduates are also a national resource and many Pakistani doctors contribute internationally. The senator directed PMDC to prepare recommendations explaining why private medical college seats remained vacant and what should be done for thousands of qualified students who are unable to secure admission.

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    AJK election first phase concludes, vote counting …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Polling for the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections concluded on Monday, with vote counting now underway across 13 constituencies in Mirpur Division. The first phase covered three districts — Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Polling was initially scheduled to end at 5pm but was extended by one hour. Voting continued until 6pm to provide voters with additional time to cast their ballots. More than 1.4 million registered voters were eligible to participate in the first phase. The Election Commission had established 2,454 polling stations across the three districts. Of these, 597 polling stations were set up across four constituencies in Mirpur district. Kotli had 1,107 polling stations across six constituencies, while 608 polling stations were established in three constituencies of Bhimber. A total of 296 candidates, including nominees from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party and independent candidates, contested the 13 seats. Polling disrupted at some stations Although polling remained largely peaceful, some polling stations reported disruptions. In Kotli’s Aghaar Colony, voting continued at Polling Station 38. However, polling could not begin at Stations 36 and 37 because voters did not arrive. PPP AJK Election Cell in-charge Sardar Abdul Shakoor claimed that disturbances occurred at polling stations 119, 120 and 121 in LA-5 Barnala. He said polling was affected for some time. According to Shakoor, voting resumed after security forces reached the area. However, he said the polling process remained slow. The PPP also established a central election monitoring cell in Islamabad. Senior party leaders, including Sherry Rehman, Nadeem Afzal Chan, Shazia Marri, Sharjeel Memon and Saeed Ghani, monitored developments and remained in contact with election officials, district administrations and party candidates. Former National Assembly speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf expressed concern over alleged irregularities at different polling stations. He called for additional security personnel at sensitive locations, including Gulpur, Thurochi and Muhajir Camp. He urged the Election Commission to immediately and impartially investigate all complaints and ensure free, fair and transparent elections. Political leaders urge voters to participate PML-N candidate Chaudhry Tariq Farooq cast his vote at Polling Station 161 in Bhimber’s LA-7 constituency. Speaking after voting, Farooq said voter turnout was expected to be higher in rural areas than in cities. He also expressed confidence in the security and election arrangements in Bhimber. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, accompanied by his sister Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, appealed to voters in Mirpur to participate in the elections. In a video message, Bilawal urged people to leave their homes and exercise their right to vote if they wanted Kashmir’s future to be decided by its people. He also asked voters to support PPP candidates. PPP Karachi Division President Saeed Ghani described the election as a contest between the genuine issues of Kashmiris and what he called false promises. Ghani said Kashmiris needed political rights, ownership rights and employment opportunities. He criticised the focus on providing a limited number of buses, saying development should address wider public needs. PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan also raised concerns about alleged federal interference and the use of government resources during the elections. He demanded that the polls remain free, fair and transparent. He also called on the federal government to avoid any involvement that could influence the electoral process. PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri said the people of Kashmir would deliver their verdict through their votes. She said the party’s election symbol, the arrow, represented hope for the people of Mirpur. Police praise peaceful polling AJK police said the first phase of polling remained peaceful across Mirpur Division. A spokesperson for the AJK police chief said voters had rejected calls for unrest and instead chose to exercise their democratic right. Voters began arriving at polling stations soon after voting opened at 8am. AJK Inspector General of Police Liaquat Ali Malik thanked residents for cooperating with law enforcement agencies and helping maintain peace during the election. He warned that no individual, including political workers, would be allowed to take the law into their own hands. Mirpur Commissioner Raja Tahir Mumtaz and DIG Kamran Ali also visited Ward 16/17 in LA-3 to review the polling arrangements. The commissioner said polling had remained peaceful across Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. He urged voters to come out without fear and assured them that the administration had made arrangements for a secure environment. Security arrangements strengthened Authorities made extensive security arrangements for the elections. AJK Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the voting process. AJK Chief Secretary Khushal Khan said state institutions were fully prepared to maintain peace during the elections. He said the people had rejected attempts to create disorder and demonstrated confidence in the democratic process.

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    Pakistan faces population planning crisis, Senate …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: Pakistan’s population planning system has come under serious criticism after a Senate committee expressed concern over the absence of updated population data, warning that outdated information could damage government planning and decision making. The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives questioned why the country’s latest population and health information was still based on the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2017 and 2018, despite the survey being planned every five years. The committee said that without fresh population data, it becomes difficult for the government to properly plan healthcare services, allocate resources and create policies according to people’s needs. The issue was discussed during a meeting chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri at Parliament House, Islamabad, where the committee reviewed the implementation of the National Action Plan on Population 2021 to 2026. Officials from the Ministry of National Health Services informed the committee that the population action plan was approved in May 2021 with a total cost of Rs1,996.683 million. The project covers areas including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and the Islamabad Capital Territory. The committee was informed that a major portion of the project budget, around Rs1,679.6 million, has been allocated for purchasing contraceptives. Officials said these contraceptives are being imported for population welfare programmes. For the financial year 2026 and 2027, Rs250 million has been allocated mainly for awareness campaigns and procurement of contraceptives. However, the committee questioned the effectiveness of these efforts and demanded complete details on resource allocation and the number of beneficiaries. Senator Quratulain Marri expressed concern that the Ministry’s briefing did not fully answer the questions raised by the committee. She directed the ministry to provide a detailed presentation in the next meeting covering the purchase, distribution, usage and challenges related to contraceptives. The chairperson said that population planning decisions must be based on accurate and updated information. She questioned why the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics had not completed the population and health survey within the expected timeframe. Officials informed the committee that the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics is currently conducting the next survey to update population and health indicators for the period up to 2025 and 2026. The committee said delays in collecting population data create serious problems because the government cannot accurately estimate the needs of hospitals, schools, employment opportunities and public services. Members stressed that a growing population requires proper planning to ensure that citizens receive enough healthcare, education and basic facilities. The committee reviewed the National Action Plan on Population as part of wider discussions about Pakistan’s future development challenges. Lawmakers said population growth is directly connected with economic pressure, healthcare demand and availability of public resources. The committee directed officials to improve monitoring and provide clearer information about the progress of population related programmes. Senator Quratulain Marri emphasized that government projects must deliver real results and that public money should be used effectively. The committee decided to continue reviewing the population action plan in future meetings and seek further details from relevant departments.

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    UNESCO raises questions over Pakistan’s Taxila h…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: Pakistan’s ancient heritage sites have come under scrutiny after UNESCO raised questions over conservation work carried out at the historic Taxila archaeological sites of Mohra Moradu and Sirkap, prompting a Senate committee to seek detailed explanations from government officials. The Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture reviewed UNESCO’s concerns during a meeting at Parliament House and questioned whether restoration work at Pakistan’s internationally recognised heritage sites was being carried out according to global preservation standards. Officials informed the committee that UNESCO had asked for additional information regarding the conservation work conducted by the Directorate General of Archaeology, Punjab, at the Taxila sites. The committee was told that the required details had already been provided to UNESCO by the provincial authorities and no further objections had been received after the submission. Officials assured lawmakers that the restoration work followed UNESCO conservation guidelines and international standards. The meeting was chaired by Senator Hidayatullah Khan and attended by Senators Abdul Wasay, Bushra Anjum, Sarmad Ali and Syed Waqar Mehdi along with senior officials from the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture. During the briefing, officials explained that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, responsibility for heritage conservation was transferred to provincial governments. They said the Government of Punjab started conservation activities at the Taxila archaeological sites and followed recommendations provided by UNESCO, ICOMOS and other expert organisations. Officials said the conservation strategy focused on protecting the original structure of the ancient remains while using scientific methods. They explained that the work included repairing damaged walls, improving drainage systems, protecting old structures from weather damage and using materials compatible with the original construction. Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi asked officials about the exact concerns raised by UNESCO. Officials explained that UNESCO’s observations mainly focused on the materials used during restoration, the method for rebuilding certain walls and the height of reconstructed structures. They said these issues were reviewed and addressed through detailed documentation submitted to UNESCO. The committee was informed that scientific cleaning and repair methods were used to protect the archaeological remains while maintaining international conservation principles. Pakistan currently has six sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while documents for 24 more locations have been prepared for possible future inclusion. Officials told the committee that UNESCO usually considers only one nomination from each country annually.   They said Pakistan has requested UNESCO to give priority to its pending nominations so more historical locations can receive international recognition. The committee also discussed plans to develop Taxila as a major heritage and tourism destination.   Officials informed members that around Rs100 million had already been spent during the current year on conservation activities. They said further projects, including an open air museum and improved visitor facilities, were being considered to attract tourists while protecting ancient sites.   Senator Bushra Anjum stressed that stronger federal monitoring was needed despite heritage being mainly managed by provinces. She said Pakistan must improve tourism facilities around heritage sites, including better visitor services, accommodation options and a sustainable system that creates income while preserving history.   She warned that inappropriate materials or poor restoration methods could permanently damage important archaeological sites.   The committee directed the ministry to provide UNESCO’s official response once received and recommended that members visit the Taxila archaeological sites personally to review the conservation work. The meeting also discussed another major heritage issue involving the recovery of smuggled Pakistani archaeological artefacts from the United States. Officials informed the committee that 513 valuable archaeological artefacts had been returned to Pakistan through cooperation with US authorities. They said the recovered objects mainly belonged to the ancient Gandhara civilisation and had been seized after being illegally taken out of Pakistan over several decades. Officials described the artefacts as priceless national treasures representing Pakistan’s thousands of years of history. The committee was informed that plans were underway to establish a new museum where these recovered items could be safely preserved and displayed to the public. Officials said efforts were being made to acquire land for the museum in coordination with the Capital Development Authority and public private partnership options were also being explored. Committee members demanded details about the people involved in the smuggling network, the investigation process and the estimated value of the recovered artefacts. They directed the ministry to submit a complete report explaining how the artefacts were recovered and what action had been taken against those involved in illegal trafficking. The committee also discussed reports about the demolition of a historic Mughal era arch near Rohara Village for a housing development project. The chairman directed officials to collect complete information about the incident and present a detailed report at the next meeting.

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    Billions at stake: Senate questions NHA delays in …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: The National Highway Authority (NHA) is under pressure after a Senate committee expressed serious concerns over delays in project restructuring, slow progress on major road schemes and the need for better management of billions of rupees invested in national highways. The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives questioned why important decisions regarding NHA projects had not been completed on time and directed authorities to speed up work to prevent further delays. The committee, chaired by Senator Quratulain Marri, reviewed the progress of NHA projects and examined issues related to projects financed through the Cash Development Loan system. Officials informed the committee that NHA was preparing a complete debt restructuring plan in coordination with the Ministry of Communications and Finance Division. The committee expressed concern over delays in implementing earlier decisions of the Economic Coordination Committee regarding the review and separation of NHA projects under the Public Sector Development Programme. Senator Quratulain Marri said the review process should have been completed much earlier and questioned why important decisions were still pending. NHA officials informed the committee that the review of projects was currently underway and assured members that the process would be completed as soon as possible. The committee also reviewed progress on major highway projects, including the M6 Motorway and N55 Highway. Officials informed the committee that the groundbreaking ceremony for the M6 Motorway Project is expected later this year. Regarding the N5 Highway, NHA officials said rehabilitation work on different sections was currently continuing with financial support from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Officials told the committee that NHA conducts yearly surveys of highways to check their condition and classify roads as poor, fair or good. They said these surveys help authorities identify damaged sections and plan repair and maintenance work before conditions become worse. The committee also examined progress on the foreign funded portion of the N55 project. Officials informed members that the project was divided into different sections and progress varied across each part. They said one section from Shikarpur to Kandhkot had achieved 34 percent physical progress, with only eight months remaining before the completion deadline. The committee stressed that the remaining work must be completed within the planned time because delays increase costs and affect public convenience. Officials also informed the committee that another section from Kandhkot to Kashmore had achieved 22 percent progress and may face difficulties in meeting the original completion schedule. However, officials said other sections of the project were expected to be completed on time. The committee warned that delays in road projects not only waste public resources but also slow economic growth, trade activities and travel facilities for citizens. Senator Quratulain Marri emphasized that government departments should focus on completing existing projects before starting new development schemes. She said limited public funds must be used carefully and ongoing projects should receive priority until they are substantially completed. The committee directed NHA and relevant departments to improve coordination, complete pending reviews and ensure that important highway projects move forward without unnecessary delays.

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    Oil prices fall as US-Iran pause raises hopes for Hormuz talks

    ByJustpaste.in

    Global oil prices dropped sharply on Monday after signs of easing tensions between the United States and Iran raised hopes that negotiations could resume over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Investors welcomed the temporary pause in military action, believing it could reduce the risk of further disruptions to global energy supplies. The decline came after both countries appeared to step back from recent hostilities. Following nearly two weeks of military exchanges, the United States did not carry out additional strikes over the weekend. President Donald Trump’s envoy to the United Nations said Washington was allowing diplomacy a chance by giving negotiations more time. Iran also announced that it would halt retaliatory attacks against neighboring countries, offering relief to Gulf shipping companies and international energy markets. The latest pause has renewed hopes that the fragile ceasefire between the two sides could be restored after breaking down earlier this month. The recent conflict began after Iran targeted vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a rapid escalation in tensions with the United States. The confrontation later spread beyond the Gulf, with Iran backed Houthi fighters in Yemen attacking Saudi ships near the Bab al Mandeb Strait, another critical maritime route linking the Red Sea with global trade networks. The fighting caused oil prices to surge, with Brent crude climbing above $100 per barrel for the first time since May. However, reports that shipping traffic through the Red Sea had continued without major disruption, combined with the latest diplomatic developments, encouraged traders to reduce their concerns over possible supply shortages. Iranian officials said discussions with Oman had made progress regarding the future management of the Strait of Hormuz. According to Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, the talks focused on establishing practical measures to ensure the safe movement of commercial vessels while respecting the sovereignty of countries bordering the strategic waterway. There were also reports that Pakistan was exploring efforts to revive peace talks between Washington and Tehran with support from China. Although no formal agreement has been announced, the diplomatic activity has strengthened expectations that both sides may return to negotiations instead of further military escalation. As a result, both major oil benchmarks recorded significant losses. Brent crude fell by more than seven percent during trading before recovering slightly, while West Texas Intermediate also declined sharply. Analysts said the market viewed the latest developments as a positive signal that reduced the immediate threat to global oil supplies. Lower oil prices also eased fears that renewed energy inflation could force central banks to raise interest rates again. This helped lift many stock markets across Asia, although technology shares continued to face pressure because of concerns about the long term returns on heavy investment in artificial intelligence. Stock markets in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Wellington, Manila, and Tokyo posted gains, while Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, and Jakarta closed lower. Investors remained cautious ahead of earnings reports from major technology companies including Samsung, SK hynix, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Amazon, with particular attention on future spending plans and investment in artificial intelligence. Market participants are also awaiting this week’s US Federal Reserve policy meeting. While expectations for another interest rate increase have grown slightly following recent geopolitical tensions, most analysts believe the central bank will leave rates unchanged for now. Even so, some economists continue to predict additional tightening before the end of the year if inflation remains above target. The combination of easing tensions in the Middle East and hopes for renewed diplomacy has provided financial markets with some relief, though investors remain alert to any developments that could quickly reverse the recent decline in oil prices.

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    US lawmakers hold key talks with Field Marshal Asi…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Two US lawmakers met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Monday. Ryan Keith Zinke, a member of the US House of Representatives from Montana, and Michael James, a member of the House of Representatives from Washington state, held talks with the military leadership. The meeting covered several areas of mutual interest. Regional security, defence cooperation and economic ties between Pakistan and the United States were also discussed. The talks focused on ways to strengthen bilateral relations. Both sides explored opportunities for closer cooperation in the defence and economic sectors. Field Marshal Asim Munir highlighted Pakistan’s economic potential during the meeting. He said long-term regional stability depends heavily on economic growth, increased trade and stronger regional connectivity. The army chief also briefed the visiting lawmakers on Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms. He said the reforms are aimed at creating a business-friendly environment and encouraging foreign investment. The Pakistani military leadership also stressed the importance of expanding economic cooperation. Greater trade and stronger links between the private sectors of both countries were discussed as potential areas for future collaboration. The US delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s importance in maintaining regional stability. The lawmakers also recognised the country’s role in promoting economic resilience in the region. Both sides discussed opportunities for increasing bilateral trade. They also considered greater private-sector partnerships and broader economic engagement between Pakistan and the United States. The visiting lawmakers thanked Pakistan’s military leadership for the hospitality extended to them during their visit. The meeting concluded with a shared emphasis on strengthening relations between the two countries. Both sides expressed interest in developing deeper economic, commercial and institutional links. The discussions come as Pakistan continues efforts to attract foreign investment and expand international trade. Strengthening economic cooperation with the United States could provide further opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries

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    General Aamer Raza assumes command of National Str…

    ByJustpaste.in

    General Syed Aamer Raza, HI (M), S Bt, formally assumed command of the National Strategic Command on Monday, marking the beginning of his tenure in the key military position. A Guard of Honour was presented to General Aamer Raza following his appointment as Commander National Strategic Command. The ceremony was held as part of the formal proceedings marking his assumption of command. After the Guard of Honour, General Aamer Raza visited Yadgar-e-Shuhada. He laid a floral wreath at the memorial to pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. The general also offered Fateha at the memorial. The ceremony reflected the military tradition of honouring personnel who lost their lives in the service of Pakistan. Following the proceedings, General Aamer Raza visited General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. He called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces. During the meeting, Field Marshal Asim Munir congratulated General Aamer Raza on assuming command of the National Strategic Command. The meeting was part of the formal transition following General Aamer Raza’s appointment. The National Strategic Command holds an important position within Pakistan’s strategic security structure. The appointment comes at a time when Pakistan continues to focus on maintaining national security and strengthening its strategic preparedness. General Aamer Raza’s assumption of command formally completes the transition to his new responsibility. His meeting with the military leadership also provided an opportunity to mark the start of his tenure at the command. The ceremony and subsequent meeting were conducted in accordance with established military traditions.

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    New KIA Sportage develops repeated fault within 90…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: A consumer court in Islamabad admitted a complaint against KIA Lucky Motors Corporation and related parties after a customer claimed that his brand new KIA Sportage developed a serious technical fault within days of purchase, rendering it unusable despite repeated inspections and repairs. The complaint has been filed under the Islamabad Consumer Protection Act, 1995, and the court has started regular hearing of the matter after reviewing the initial arguments. According to the complaint, the vehicle developed a “Shifter System Malfunctioning: Service Immediately” warning after covering only around 900 kilometres, causing the vehicle to stop working properly and requiring assistance. The complainant claimed that the same problem appeared again shortly after the first repair, raising concerns about the reliability and safety of a newly purchased vehicle. The case was filed against KIA Lucky Motors Corporation, its officials, the Islamabad dealership and KIA Corporation South Korea. The court issued notices to the concerned respondents for appearance and response. The complaint states that the customer purchased the KIA Sportage for personal and official use with the expectation that a new vehicle would be safe, reliable and free from defects. According to the documents, the vehicle was purchased on 13 February 2026 for Rs11.299 million. The customer alleged that while travelling for an official assignment, the vehicle suddenly displayed the shifter system warning and the gear system stopped functioning properly. He claimed that after reaching his destination, the same issue happened again, forcing him to seek help from the company. According to the complaint, the dealership initially informed the customer that the problem was caused by loose internal wiring. The vehicle was inspected and the customer was assured that the issue had been resolved and the vehicle was safe to drive. However, the customer claimed that the same warning appeared again on 30 May 2026 while he was travelling with his family, leaving the vehicle unusable and forcing him to arrange alternative transport. The complaint further states that the vehicle had to be taken away through a recovery service after attempts to fix the problem failed. The customer has alleged that different explanations were provided regarding the cause of the fault, including wiring issues, moisture concerns and failure of the Shifter Control Module, a key part of the vehicle’s transmission system. The complaint argues that these different explanations created further doubts about the actual cause of the problem and the effectiveness of the repairs carried out by the company. The customer has requested the court to order replacement of the vehicle or refund of the purchase price along with compensation for financial losses, inconvenience and distress. The complaint also mentions that the customer contacted the company through official channels and sent a legal notice, but claimed that the issue was not resolved. The company’s response, according to the complaint documents, acknowledged that a shifter malfunction was reported and that the Shifter Control Module was replaced under warranty after diagnosis. The legal case has brought attention to consumer rights in Pakistan, especially regarding the responsibilities of automobile companies when a newly purchased vehicle develops serious problems. The complainant’s lawyer Munir Ahmad Advocate High Court said the purpose of the case is to seek a fair solution for the customer and ensure consumers receive proper protection when purchasing expensive products. The court will continue hearing the matter after receiving responses from the concerned parties.