National

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    PM orders expansion of strategic oil reserves

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to expand Pakistan’s strategic petroleum reserves while approving key amendments to the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy 2023, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s energy security, attracting investment and modernising the refining sector. Chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE), the prime minister was briefed on the progress of refinery upgradation projects, ongoing energy sector reforms and the implementation of the revised refining policy. He described the modernisation of Pakistan’s oil refineries as a national priority, saying it would improve energy security, reduce reliance on imported fuels and support the production of cleaner, environmentally friendly petroleum products. The approved amendments focus on upgrading existing refineries to increase production capacity while enabling the manufacture of Euro-V standard petrol and diesel. The changes are also intended to reduce the production of furnace oil and other lower-quality petroleum products, helping Pakistan meet international environmental commitments and curb air pollution. To encourage foreign investment, Prime Minister Shehbaz instructed officials to organise investment roadshows in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries to promote opportunities in Pakistan’s refining sector. He stressed that the revised policy must be implemented without delay and warned that negligence in executing the reforms would not be tolerated. The premier also directed relevant ministries and institutions to maintain close coordination with stakeholders to accelerate the reform process. In addition, he called for improvements in the performance of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to promote greater transparency, competition and investor confidence in the energy market. Pakistan has been seeking to strengthen its fuel security after recent regional tensions exposed the country’s vulnerability to supply disruptions. The absence of strategic petroleum reserves became a major concern during the conflict that affected oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting renewed urgency for energy sector reforms. The refining policy has faced repeated delays since its formulation. Although finalised in 2023 and approved the following year after years of consultations, implementation stalled when incentives were withdrawn in the federal budget, causing refinery upgrade agreements to be put on hold. Discussions resumed after the government addressed financial concerns raised by refinery operators and pledged measures to revive nearly $6 billion in planned investments. Industry stakeholders have continued to seek policy stability and tax-related assurances, arguing that unresolved issues, including sales tax on imported equipment and refinery inputs, have created financial challenges that threaten the viability of modernisation projects. The government has indicated that further measures will be introduced to facilitate investment and ensure the successful implementation of the refinery upgrade programme.

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    PM Shehbaz congratulates PML-N after strong AJK el…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership and its supporters after the party emerged with a clear lead in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections. In a statement on Tuesday, the prime minister described the successful completion of the first phase as a positive development for the democratic process and praised voters and political parties for their participation. Shehbaz Sharif said political parties took part in the elections with enthusiasm, calling their active participation an important sign that the democratic process had been carried out successfully. Praise for PML-N campaign Congratulating the PML-N on its performance, the prime minister credited the party’s leadership and election team for what he described as a highly successful campaign in AJK. He particularly praised PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, saying the party’s campaign had been conducted under his leadership and had succeeded in gaining a clear advantage during the first phase of voting. The prime minister’s remarks came as attention remained focused on the election results and the political direction emerging from the initial phase. PM urges voters to maintain enthusiasm Shehbaz Sharif also called on people to participate in the next phase of the electoral process with the same enthusiasm. He said continued public participation would help strengthen and complete the democratic process, stressing that voters’ engagement remained central to the success of elections. The prime minister’s statement also highlighted the importance of political competition and participation in AJK, where elections are closely watched because of the region’s political and constitutional significance. The first phase of polling saw political parties compete for public support while voters exercised their right to choose their representatives. For the PML-N, the reported lead provides an important political boost and could shape momentum heading into the next stage of the elections. With the second phase still ahead, the focus is now expected to shift toward voter turnout, campaign strategies and whether the PML-N can maintain its advantage. The final electoral picture will depend on the results of all phases, but the opening round has already provided a significant political moment for the ruling party. Unofficial and Unconfirmed Results LA-1 Mirpur-1 According to the results from all 139 polling stations in LA-1 Mirpur-1, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Azhar Sadiq was declared the winner after securing 15,427 votes, while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Muhammad Afsar Shahid came second with 9,832 votes. LA-2 Mirpur-2 After results from all 149 polling stations were completed, PPP’s Qasim Majid won the constituency with 12,904 votes, while PML-N candidate Azim Bakhsh Chaudhry secured 8,182 votes. LA-3 Mirpur-3 The PPP also won LA-3 Mirpur-3. According to results from all 161 polling stations, Chaudhry Yasir Sultan secured 11,676 votes to win, while PML-N candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Saeed received 9,832 votes. LA-4 Mirpur-4 With results from all 162 polling stations completed, PML-N’s Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed won with 20,172 votes, while PPP candidate Chaudhry Sohaib Arshad came second with 13,865 votes. LA-5 Bhimber-1 PML-N candidate Waqar Ahmed Noor won LA-5 with 30,259 votes, while PPP candidate Chaudhry Pervez Ashraf secured 29,574 votes. LA-6 Bhimber-2 According to results from 100 of the 195 polling stations, PML-N’s Chaudhry Muhammad Razzaq was maintaining his lead with 21,210 votes, while Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate Ali Shan Chaudhry was second with 11,354 votes. LA-7 Bhimber-3 After results from all 237 polling stations were completed, PML-N’s Chaudhry Tariq Farooq was declared the winner with 35,490 votes, while independent candidate Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq came second with 25,100 votes. LA-8 Kotli-1 According to unofficial results from all 155 polling stations, PPP candidate Zafar Iqbal Malik won with 19,535 votes, while PML-N’s Malik Muhammad Nawaz Khan secured 11,966 votes. LA-9 Kotli-2 With results from all 178 polling stations completed, PML-N candidate Umair Naeem won with 31,080 votes, while PPP candidate Javed Iqbal Budhanvi received 28,509 votes. LA-10 Kotli-3 According to results from all 169 polling stations, PPP’s Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin won with 12,431 votes, while PML-N candidate Fateh Mahmood-ul-Hassan came second with 9,245 votes. LA-11 Kotli-4 PML-N candidate Muhammad Asif won LA-11 Kotli-4 with 26,190 votes, according to results from all 206 polling stations. PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Akhlaq secured 21,751 votes and finished second. LA-12 Kotli-5 Unofficial and unconfirmed results from all 207 polling stations showed PML-N candidate Muhammad Riasat Khan winning with 35,168 votes, while PPP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin came second with 30,320 votes. LA-13 Kotli-6 After results from all 193 polling stations were completed, PML-N candidate Raja Ayaz Ahmed Khan won with 21,856 votes. Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party candidate Nisar Ansar Abdali finished second with 15,859 votes. Maryam Aurangzeb’s Statement on X Punjab Senior Minister and PML-N leader Maryam Aurangzeb wrote on social media platform X that Mirpur had already announced its decision in favour of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif when they visited the city on July 24, and that voters had now formally endorsed that decision by voting for the lion, PML-N’s electoral symbol. She said the people of Muzaffarabad had also already expressed their decision on July 21, adding that on August 2, Kashmiris would formally reaffirm their decision by voting for the lion. Maryam Aurangzeb concluded her statement by saying that, God willing, the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is linked with PML-N.

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    PPP chairman Bilawal alleges ‘vote theft’ in A…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused political opponents of “stealing” votes in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, urging the state to decide whether the national interest or the interests of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) should take priority. Addressing a PPP workers’ convention in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal claimed that voters in Mirpur and Kotli had been denied their electoral rights and questioned whether the developments surrounding the AJK elections could genuinely be described as democracy. Bilawal thanked the people of Mirpur, saying they had supported the PPP through their votes. However, he alleged that decisions by state institutions appeared to be favouring the PML-N, warning that such a situation would ultimately hurt Kashmir, Pakistan and ordinary citizens. “National interest must come first,” Bilawal said, according to his party’s account of the speech. He maintained that the PPP would stand with the state of Pakistan when it comes to national interests, but not when, in his view, those interests were being confused with the interests of a political party. He also criticised what he described as restrictions on political activity and internet connectivity, saying such measures could undermine the democratic character of AJK. Bilawal argued that shutting down internet services would create an impression inconsistent with the idea of an “Azad Kashmir”. His remarks came after the first phase of the AJK elections in the Mirpur division was marked by clashes, violence and allegations of electoral manipulation. Polling was held across 13 constituencies in Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber, with rival PPP and PML-N supporters accusing each other of irregularities. The election environment also turned violent in Kotli, where one person was killed and others were injured during clashes. The PPP alleged rigging and ballot stuffing in several constituencies, while the wider electoral process remained under scrutiny. Bilawal questioned how attacks could occur at multiple polling stations despite extensive security arrangements. He alleged that the elections were being conducted in phases in a manner that could facilitate manipulation. The PPP chairman further vowed to pursue what he called the rights of party workers and said his party would not accept the denial of its supporters’ mandate. With more phases of polling still to come, demands for free, fair and transparent elections are likely to remain at the centre of political debate in AJK. Bilawal said the PPP’s reconciliation-based political approach should be considered to protect democratic institutions and what he described as the broader Kashmir cause.

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    Motorway police told not to check marriage certifi…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Senate Standing Committee on Communications Chairman Senator Pervez Rashid has directed the Motorway Police not to check citizens’ marriage certificates, stressing that the force must maintain its professional reputation. During a committee meeting chaired by Rashid, Senator Saifullah Abro questioned the inclusion of senators’ names in a Motorway Police handout related to a seizure operation. He asked how the police determined that the recovered goods belonged to specific senators. Abro said no individual’s personal actions should be linked to the Senate or its committees. He demanded a clear explanation if any government institution had officially released the names. The IG Motorway Police said the department’s responsibility was to take action based on available information and not comment on individuals or institutions. Rashid questioned the authority under which the Motorway Police checked citizens’ marriage certificates and urged the department to avoid such practices in the future. The meeting also discussed delays in National Highway Authority (NHA) development projects and the allocation of funds. Senator Zameer Ghumro called for the completion of existing projects before launching new ones, while officials said the government was prioritising ongoing schemes. Senator Abdul Qadir raised concerns over delays in releasing funds, saying projects sometimes remain stalled for months. The committee also proposed inviting Planning Commission officials to a future meeting. The committee further discussed a motorway incident under investigation. The IG Motorway Police said officials checked a vehicle in a parking zone and that the inquiry would be presented to the committee after completion. On the seizure of smuggled cigarettes near Chakri, the IG said the Motorway Police conducts operations based on intelligence and information provided by Customs authorities. Officials from the Ministry of Communications also told the committee that the government provides loans to the NHA rather than direct funding. They said the NHA’s outstanding debt has reached around Rs3.7 trillion and the authority pays interest on the loans.

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    Dar targets $20bn Pakistan-US trade

    ByJustpaste.in

    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has expressed confidence that Pakistan and the United States can increase bilateral trade in goods to $20 billion within the next five years. Dar said Pakistan’s trade in goods with the US stood at $9.4 billion during the last fiscal year. He described the US as Pakistan’s largest single-country export market. Addressing a US Congressional Delegation and American business representatives, Dar said stronger trade and investment ties could create new opportunities for companies in both countries. He said closer economic cooperation could also generate employment, encourage innovation and support long-term economic growth. Dar highlighted several areas where Pakistan and the US could expand commercial cooperation. These include information technology, artificial intelligence, energy, manufacturing, agriculture and critical minerals. He said Pakistan is already an important buyer of American cotton and soybeans. The country is also becoming a growing market for US hydrocarbons. At the same time, Pakistan’s increasing demand for advanced machinery, technology and capital goods could create opportunities for American manufacturers, he added. Dar said the presence of more than 80 US companies in Pakistan demonstrated growing confidence in the country’s market and economic potential. He welcomed the interest shown by American companies in Pakistan’s technology, energy, critical minerals and defence sectors. The foreign minister also pointed to the US Exim Bank’s $1.25 billion financing for the Reko Diq project as an indication of increasing US confidence in Pakistan’s investment prospects. Dar encouraged American businesses to establish partnerships with Pakistani companies and explore long-term investment opportunities. He said Pakistan had improved its infrastructure over the past decade through modern highways, ports and logistics networks. These developments, he added, had strengthened the country’s position as a potential trade and investment gateway. The government is also working to make the business environment more investor-friendly. Dar said regulatory procedures had been simplified to reduce bureaucratic delays and make licensing and approvals easier. He said Pakistan wanted to deepen cooperation with the US across both goods and services. Technology, AI, energy, manufacturing, critical minerals and agriculture were among the sectors identified for greater collaboration. Dar also highlighted the broader improvement in Pakistan-US relations. He said frequent high-level contacts under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US President Donald Trump had helped strengthen bilateral engagement. He said his meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had also focused on strengthening relations and discussing regional developments. The foreign minister stressed that parliamentary engagement was equally important. He said regular interaction between lawmakers could improve mutual understanding and strengthen institutional ties. Dar said Pakistan’s engagement with the US Congress had increased significantly over the past year. The interaction has included lawmakers from both political parties and key congressional committees. The two countries also discussed regional security and stability. Dar said stronger Pakistan-US relations could contribute to peace and stability in the wider region. He also recalled Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the US and Iran. Dar said Islamabad remained committed to dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful solutions to regional disputes. The foreign minister separately received a US congressional delegation comprising Representatives Ryan Zinke and Michael James Baumgartner. During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment, IT, energy and other areas. The US lawmakers acknowledged the contribution of the Pakistani community to American society and economy. They described the diaspora as an important link between the two countries.

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    PSX sheds 280 points amid cautious trading

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained under pressure during Tuesday’s trading session as investors adopted a cautious approach. The benchmark KSE-100 Index opened on a weak note and stayed in negative territory during the first half of the session. By 1pm, the index had dropped 279.65 points, or 0.16%, to 177,982.68 points. It had closed at 178,262.33 points in the previous session. The market witnessed further pressure shortly after opening. At around 9:39am, the KSE-100 fell to 177,914.38 points, losing 347.95 points, or 0.20%. The index later recovered some of its early losses but remained below the previous close. Trading remained volatile during the session. The index reached an intraday high of 179,123 points and a low of 177,903.87 points. Despite the decline in the benchmark index, market activity remained relatively strong. Around 339.48 million shares were traded during the session. The total value of shares traded stood at approximately Rs19.71 billion. Investor sentiment remained subdued as market participants appeared cautious about taking fresh positions. Profit-taking also contributed to the pressure on the benchmark index. The partial recovery from the morning low indicated some buying interest at lower levels. However, it was not enough to push the index back into positive territory by midday. Investors continued to monitor market developments and broader economic indicators for direction. The afternoon session was expected to determine whether the index could recover its losses or close the day in negative territory.

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    Storm disrupts flights at Lahore airport

    ByJustpaste.in

    Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain around Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport disrupted flight operations, causing delays and forcing one incoming flight to divert to Multan. Airport sources said strong winds, rain, and deteriorating weather conditions made takeoffs and landings difficult. Authorities also forecast that visibility could fall to around 1,500 metres, further affecting flight operations. A private airline flight, PA-471, travelling from Jeddah to Lahore, could not land at Allama Iqbal International Airport due to the adverse weather. After circling in the air for some time, the aircraft diverted to Multan Airport and landed there. The passengers remained on board while the aircraft underwent refuelling. Once weather conditions improved, the flight departed Multan and returned safely to Lahore. Meanwhile, several other flights also faced delays. Airport sources reported disruptions involving flights arriving in Lahore from Karachi, Kuwait, Tashkent, Skardu, and Riyadh. The adverse weather conditions have created operational challenges for airlines, with airport authorities and flight crews closely monitoring the situation to ensure safe takeoffs and landings.

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    Musadik Malik calls for smarter water management

    ByJustpaste.in

    Climate Minister Musadik Malik has called for a major shift in Pakistan’s water management strategy, saying the country must focus not only on storing water but also on regulating its supply throughout the year. Speaking at a briefing at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Malik said effective water management was essential for protecting food supplies, supporting agriculture and reducing the impact of climate-related disasters. His remarks came as Pakistan faces another difficult monsoon season. At least 107 people have died and 297 others have been injured since the current rainy season began on June 26, according to disaster management authorities. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast another strong spell of monsoon rains from July 29. Heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding, flash floods and landslides in several parts of the country. Malik said Pakistan needed different climate strategies for different regions instead of relying on a single nationwide approach. Plans are being developed for cities facing extreme heat, northern areas vulnerable to floods and landslides, and agricultural regions where changing weather patterns are threatening food production. He stressed that water must be available when farmers need it during the Rabi and Kharif seasons. According to the minister, simply allowing large quantities of floodwater to escape without regulating or storing it creates serious risks for agriculture and food security. Malik described water infrastructure as a national security issue. He said the government would focus on improving water regulation, telemetry and storage systems. It would also work with provincial governments to improve zoning and construction standards in disaster-prone areas. National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said Pakistan would require greater water storage capacity in the coming years. He said the country faced two linked challenges: controlling floods and dealing with water shortages. Tanveer said climate change was already changing crop cultivation and sowing patterns. He stressed that agriculture would need to adapt to shifting weather conditions to protect food supplies. The minister said Pakistan was among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with agriculture facing some of the strongest impacts. He recalled the huge economic losses caused by the 2022 floods but said the country’s disaster response capabilities had improved since then. He said the government had started modifying crop cycles and cultivation patterns in response to changing climatic conditions. Authorities are also working on a broader strategy to strengthen agricultural resilience. Tanveer highlighted several major water projects. He said the Diamer-Bhasha Dam would provide around 6.4 million acre-feet of additional storage capacity, while the Mohmand Dam would add nearly one million acre-feet. He also mentioned progress on the Dasu project and expressed hope that the K-IV water supply project for Karachi would be completed by the end of this year or early next year. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb described climate change and population growth as major long-term challenges for Pakistan. He called for a coordinated response involving all parts of the government. Aurangzeb said the country was now better prepared financially to respond to natural disasters. He said the government had decided to use domestic resources for rescue and relief operations instead of relying primarily on international assistance. He said Pakistan had launched a $2 billion programme aimed at strengthening climate resilience and reducing environmental risks. Around $700 million annually has also been allocated for disaster management, vulnerability reduction and protection of lives and infrastructure. The finance minister said Pakistan’s disaster financing approach had changed significantly since the 2022 floods. The country had previously relied heavily on international commitments, but authorities are now increasing domestic funding for climate adaptation and emergency response. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said preparations for the current monsoon season had started before the rains arrived. He credited NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) with improving forecasting and early warning capabilities. Tarar said the system had helped authorities issue timely alerts about dangerous weather events. He urged citizens to follow official warnings and take precautions during periods of heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, flooding continues in parts of Punjab and other regions. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority said water levels in the Chenab River had shown some improvement, while low-level flooding persisted at several locations along the Indus.

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    US lawmakers discuss stronger Pakistan-US cooperat…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met a US Congressional delegation in Islamabad on Tuesday. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen relations between Pakistan and the United States. The delegation included US Representatives Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartner. Dar welcomed the lawmakers and said Pakistan-US relations were gaining positive momentum. The meeting focused on several areas of mutual interest. These included trade, investment, information technology and energy. Both sides discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in these sectors. They also explored ways to increase economic and commercial engagement between the two countries. Dar stressed the importance of regular parliamentary exchanges. He said continued contact between lawmakers could help build mutual trust and improve understanding between Pakistan and the US. The foreign minister also highlighted the importance of stronger institutional links. He said regular engagement could help both countries develop closer and more productive relations. The visiting US lawmakers praised the role of the Pakistani community in the United States. They acknowledged the diaspora’s contributions to the US economy and society. The Pakistani community was also described as an important bridge between the two countries. Its role can help promote stronger people-to-people and economic ties. Regional and international issues were also discussed during the meeting. The two sides exchanged views on developments affecting regional peace and security. The US delegation appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability. Pakistani officials said Islamabad remained committed to dialogue and peaceful solutions to regional challenges. The meeting comes as Pakistan seeks to expand its economic engagement with the United States. Islamabad has been encouraging greater investment and cooperation in emerging sectors. Trade and investment remain key areas of focus in the evolving relationship. Pakistan is particularly interested in attracting US investment in technology, energy and other high-growth sectors.

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    PM Shehbaz hails PML-N’s stunning AJK victory

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged as the leading party in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections. Unofficial and unofficial results from all 13 constituencies in the Mirpur division showed that PML-N candidates won nine seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured four. PML-N won constituencies LA-1 Mirpur-1, LA-4 Mirpur-4, LA-5 Bhimber-1, LA-6 Bhimber-2, LA-7 Bhimber-3, LA-9 Kotli-2, LA-11 Kotli-4, LA-12 Kotli-5 and LA-13 Kotli-6. The PPP secured two seats in Mirpur and two in Kotli. Its successful constituencies included LA-2 Mirpur-2, LA-3 Mirpur-3, LA-8 Kotli-1 and LA-10 Kotli-3. Voting was held on July 27 across 13 constituencies covering Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Polling officially ended at 5pm, after which an additional hour was allowed for voters already waiting to cast their ballots. Following the announcement of the initial results, PML-N candidates and supporters celebrated their party’s strong performance in the first phase. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated PML-N candidates on securing a clear lead in the AJK elections. He said the strong participation of political parties demonstrated the successful continuation of the democratic process. The prime minister urged voters to participate with the same enthusiasm in the next phase of the elections and contribute to strengthening the democratic process. He also praised PML-N’s campaign in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saying the party’s team, under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, had conducted a highly successful election campaign.