National

  • Lahore High Court issues landmark fair trial ruling in rent cases

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Lahore High Court has delivered a significant judgment on ex-parte proceedings in rent disputes, setting aside the Rent Tribunal’s ex-parte order against a petitioner and laying down important legal principles to safeguard the right to a fair hearing in tenancy cases. Justice Justice Muzammil Akhtar Shabbir issued a detailed 14-page judgment, declaring that “delay in justice amounts to denial of justice, while undue haste in dispensing justice is equivalent to burying justice.” The ruling has been declared a judicial precedent for future rent litigation. The High Court held that under the relevant tenancy laws, a Rent Tribunal is legally required to allow a period of 10 days before initiating ex-parte proceedings against the opposite party. During this period, the absent party retains the legal right to appear before the tribunal and seek restoration of its right to contest the proceedings. The court further ruled that if ex-parte proceedings are initiated in violation of the prescribed legal procedure, such proceedings become unlawful, and any judgment passed on their basis is also liable to be declared void. Justice Shabbir observed that Rent Tribunals must ensure proper service of notices on the opposite party before proceeding ex-parte. The judgment noted that the Rent Tribunal in the present case had failed to follow the statutory procedure governing ex-parte proceedings under the rent law. The High Court also held that the tribunal’s decision dismissing the petitioner’s application for restoration of proceedings was contrary to law. Consequently, the court set aside the judgments of both the Rent Tribunal and the appellate court. It ordered that the matter be treated as pending before the trial court and directed the trial court to decide the case strictly on its merits within four months. The High Court further instructed that no applications seeking unnecessary adjournments by either party should be entertained, emphasising the need for the expeditious disposal of the tenancy dispute while ensuring compliance with due process and the principles of natural justice.

  • | | |

    AJK Election Commission officially notifies poll r…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission has officially notified the results of the first phase of the Legislative Assembly elections. The notification confirms a strong performance by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the Mirpur Division. The PML-N won nine of the 13 seats contested in the first phase. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured the remaining four seats. The official notification formally declared all successful candidates elected. It also included their parentage, political affiliation and constituencies. In Mirpur district, four assembly seats were contested. The PML-N won two seats. Azhar Sadiq and Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed were declared successful. The PPP also won two seats in the district. Qasim Majid and Chaudhry Yasir Sultan secured victories for the party. The PML-N delivered its strongest performance in Bhimber district. The party won all three constituencies in the district. Colonel (retd) Waqar Ahmed Noor, Chaudhry Abdul Razzaq and Chaudhry Tariq Farooq were declared winners. Kotli district had six constituencies. The PML-N secured four of them. Umair Naeem, Raja Muhammad Asif, Raja Riasat Khan and Raja Ayaz Ahmed won their respective constituencies. The PPP captured two seats in Kotli. Malik Zafar Iqbal and Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin were declared successful. With the notification, the election authority has formally confirmed all 13 members elected from the Mirpur Division. The results give the PML-N an early advantage in the three-phase AJK election. The party now enters the next stage with nine seats from the first phase. The PPP has four seats and remains a key political force in the division. Attention has now shifted towards the second phase of polling. The second phase is scheduled for August 2. Voting will take place across the Muzaffarabad Division. The phase will include nine general constituencies in Muzaffarabad, Jhelum Valley and Neelum Valley. It will also include 12 reserved seats for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir residing in Pakistan. The third and final phase will be held in the Rawalakot Division. The final phase will cover constituencies in Rawalakot, Sudhnoti, Bagh and Haveli. Political parties are expected to intensify their campaigns ahead of the remaining phases. The PML-N’s strong opening performance has increased pressure on rival parties. The upcoming rounds will determine whether the party can maintain its momentum across other divisions.

  • Appeal filed in Supreme Court over minority reserved seats

    ByJustpaste.in

    An appeal has been filed in the Supreme Court’s Lahore Registry challenging the Lahore High Court’s decision dismissing a constitutional petition seeking an increase in the number of reserved seats for minorities in the National and Provincial Assemblies in line with the country’s population growth. The constitutional appeal has been filed by advocate Naseeb Masih, who has made the Federal Government, the President of Pakistan, and the Secretary for Law and Parliamentary Affairs respondents in the case. The appellant contended that the Lahore High Court failed to correctly appreciate the legal and constitutional issues raised in the petition. It was argued that the number of reserved seats for minorities should have been increased following successive population censuses, but this constitutional requirement had been ignored. According to the appeal, the minority population has grown at a rate comparable to the Muslim population, yet the number of reserved seats allocated to minorities has remained unchanged. It was further submitted that representation for women has also not been increased proportionately to the growth in population. The petitioner maintained that the Constitution currently provides 10 reserved seats for minorities in the National Assembly, while the Punjab Assembly has eight reserved minority seats, Sindh nine, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa four, and Balochistan four. The appeal states that these allocations were originally based on the 1981 Population Census, following a Presidential Order issued in 1985, under which 10 minority seats were reserved in the National Assembly when the House consisted of 207 general seats. It further points out that under the Legal Framework Order (LFO) 2002, the number of general seats in the National Assembly was increased to 272, and 60 seats were reserved for women. However, despite these constitutional changes, the number of reserved seats for minorities was not increased. Similarly, the appeal notes that the number of general seats in the Punjab Assembly was enhanced from 240 to 297, while the number of reserved seats for women was increased to 60. However, the number of minority seats remained fixed at eight, despite the increase in the province’s population. The petitioner has requested the Supreme Court to set aside the Lahore High Court’s judgment and direct the relevant authorities to increase the number of reserved seats for minorities in the National and Provincial Assemblies in proportion to the country’s population, ensuring equitable constitutional representation for minority communities.

  • | | |

    PM Shehbaz, Kuwaiti FM discuss regional peace, bil…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in Islamabad on Wednesday. The meeting focused on Pakistan-Kuwait relations, regional developments and ways to expand cooperation between the two countries. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also attended the meeting. Federal ministers for defence, commerce, national food security, communications, maritime affairs and petroleum were present. Advisers to the prime minister also joined the discussions. Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes to Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled. He said Pakistan and Kuwait shared close and brotherly relations. The prime minister said the relationship was built on shared values, mutual trust and longstanding ties. He added that both countries had supported each other during difficult times. The regional situation was a major part of the discussion. Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Kuwait’s leadership and people. He strongly condemned attacks on Kuwait and other friendly Gulf countries during the ongoing regional conflict. He said Pakistan stood with its brotherly Gulf partners during the challenging situation. Shehbaz said Pakistan remained committed to promoting peace and stability in the region. He said Islamabad was playing the role of an honest and sincere mediator and facilitator in efforts to ease tensions. The prime minister stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy. He said peaceful engagement was essential for resolving regional disputes and preventing further escalation. The two sides also reviewed the progress in Pakistan-Kuwait relations. Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with the growing cooperation between the two countries. He called for further expansion of bilateral ties in key economic and strategic areas. These include trade, investment, energy, agriculture and information technology. Cooperation in maritime affairs and human resource development was also discussed. The prime minister said stronger economic links could create new opportunities for both countries. Shehbaz thanked the Kuwaiti government for its hospitality towards the Pakistani community. He also praised the contribution of Pakistani citizens to Kuwait’s social and economic development. The Kuwaiti foreign minister conveyed the best wishes of Kuwait’s leadership to Prime Minister Shehbaz. He expressed his country’s desire to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest. The minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy in response to the regional crisis. He also thanked Pakistan’s leadership and people for their continued support for Kuwait during difficult circumstances. Both sides stressed the importance of regular consultations. They agreed that closer communication would help further strengthen bilateral relations. Pakistan and Kuwait also agreed to facilitate high-level exchanges in the near future. Such visits are expected to improve coordination and expand cooperation between the two countries.

  • Pakistan discovers lithium in underground brine

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad – Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has achieved a major scientific milestone by confirming the presence of lithium in underground formation water (brine) in Pakistan for the first time. The concentration is reported to be comparable to that found in some of the world’s well-known lithium-bearing geothermal brines. According to sources, the discovery was made during advanced geochemical analysis of formation water obtained from a successfully tested high-temperature geothermal well under OGDCL’s pilot geothermal program. Senior OGDCL officials told The News that this is the first discovery of its kind in Pakistan. With this achievement, Pakistan has joined the list of countries exploring geothermal brine as a potential source of lithium. Lithium is considered a critical mineral in the global transition to clean energy. It is an essential component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, large-scale energy storage systems and a wide range of advanced technologies.

  • | |

    Alleged thieves fail to steal tube well

    ByJustpaste.in

      A unique and unusual theft case has been registered in Pakistan’s Punjab province after a resident alleged that suspected thieves, who failed to steal a tube well from his agricultural land, fled the scene with his pet dog instead. According to the police, the incident took place in Kot Addu district, where the complainant reported that unknown suspects entered his farmland during the night with the apparent intention of stealing a tube well. Tube wells are commonly used in Pakistan’s agricultural sector to pump underground water for irrigation and are considered valuable equipment by farmers. The complainant stated that he became aware of the presence of the suspected thieves while they were attempting to carry out the theft. Upon realizing that intruders had entered his property, he reacted immediately by releasing his pet dog in an effort to chase and stop them. However, according to the complaint filed with the police, the dog never returned after being sent after the suspects. The owner believes that the alleged thieves took the animal with them when they fled the scene after failing to steal the tube well. The complainant expressed suspicion that the suspects, unable to accomplish their original objective, decided to take the pet dog instead. He requested the police to investigate the incident and recover the missing animal. Police officials confirmed that a formal First Information Report (FIR) has been registered based on the complainant’s statement. Investigators have launched an inquiry into the unusual case and are working to identify the individuals allegedly involved in the incident. Authorities said they are examining all available evidence and gathering information from the surrounding area to determine what exactly happened on the night of the alleged theft. At this stage, police have not confirmed whether the dog was actually stolen or wandered away during the chase. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say further details will emerge once the inquiry is completed. The incident has attracted attention because of its unusual nature. While cases involving the theft of agricultural machinery, livestock, and farm equipment are relatively common in rural parts of Pakistan, allegations involving the theft of a pet dog after an unsuccessful attempt to steal a tube well are highly uncommon. Residents in agricultural communities often rely on watchdogs to protect their farms and livestock from theft. Such dogs are considered valuable companions and play an important role in safeguarding rural properties, especially during nighttime. Police have appealed for any information that could help locate the missing dog and identify the suspects. Officials emphasized that the investigation will continue until all aspects of the case are examined. The unusual complaint has sparked curiosity among local residents, but authorities have urged the public not to speculate about the incident while the investigation is in progress. Police say they will proceed in accordance with the law and take appropriate action if the allegations are supported by evidence.

  • | |

    Air ambulance vs bicycle ambulance: Bukhari’s di…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has rejected allegations of electoral rigging raised by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) following the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Bukhari said the people of Kashmir had made their decision through their votes. She claimed that voters had preferred the performance of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Bukhari said the election results reflected the choice of the people. She dismissed the PPP’s allegations and defended the performance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The provincial minister also criticised PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. She said political pressure appeared to be increasing within a particular party. She further claimed that Bilawal had attempted to imitate another political leader during his election speech. Bukhari also criticised the PPP’s performance in Sindh. She said the party often used the name of Raiwind to target the PML-N and its leadership. She challenged the PPP to present its performance record from the past 18 years. She also questioned the condition of Karachi, Sindh’s largest city. Bukhari said voters should compare the performance of Punjab under Maryam Nawaz with the situation in Sindh under the PPP. “Look at Maryam’s Punjab and Bilawal’s Sindh,” she said while comparing the two provinces. The minister argued that a government unable to improve roads in its own areas could not claim that it would transform roads in Kashmir. She also highlighted differences in public services between Punjab and Sindh. Bukhari said Punjab had introduced air ambulance services to provide emergency medical assistance. She claimed that Sindh, by comparison, had introduced a bicycle ambulance service. She used the comparison to criticise the PPP’s governance record and defend the PML-N’s performance in Punjab. Bukhari also discussed the education initiatives introduced by the Punjab government. She said Maryam Nawaz believed that every child should have access to educational opportunities. According to Bukhari, students should be able to receive laptops and scholarships regardless of their background. She said such programmes were aimed at supporting young people and helping them continue their education. The minister contrasted these initiatives with the situation in Sindh. She claimed that students in the province were protesting to demand better educational facilities and opportunities. Bukhari’s remarks came after the PPP questioned the credibility of the first phase of the AJK elections and alleged irregularities. The first phase covered 13 constituencies in the Mirpur division. The PML-N emerged as the leading party, winning nine seats. The PPP secured four seats. The election results have triggered a political dispute between the two parties. The PML-N has defended its victory and rejected claims that the results were manipulated. Bukhari’s latest comments further intensified the political exchange. She presented the results as an endorsement of the PML-N’s performance and Maryam Nawaz’s governance model. The remaining phases of the AJK elections are expected to keep the political competition intense. Both parties are likely to continue highlighting their respective performance records as campaigning moves forward.

  • | |

    NCCIA summons Asad Toor over ‘false information?…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has summoned journalist Asad Ali Toor for questioning over allegations of spreading false or misleading information online. According to the notice issued by the agency, the state has been named as the complainant in the case. The inquiry relates to allegations of the dissemination, transmission or public display of information described as false or fake. The proceedings have been initiated under Section 26A of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016, which deals with the dissemination of false and fake information. The NCCIA has directed Toor to appear before its Cybercrime Reporting Centre in Islamabad at 11am on July 31. The notice warned that failure to appear without a lawful reason could result in the inquiry continuing in his absence. The agency said non-compliance could also lead to action under Section 174 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which concerns failure to attend when ordered by a public servant. Toor confirmed receiving the summons through a post on X. He shared an image of the notice and accompanied it with verses by revolutionary poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz. The development has also raised concerns among journalist organisations over press freedom and the treatment of journalists facing legal proceedings. The National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad criticised the notice and expressed concern over what it described as growing pressure on the media. The press club said freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution. It argued that journalists should not face legal pressure or retaliation simply for carrying out their professional responsibilities or expressing critical views. The NPC called on relevant institutions to perform their duties within the framework of the law, the Constitution and fundamental rights. It also stressed that free, responsible and safe journalism is essential for a healthy democratic system. The press body urged authorities to withdraw the notice and ensure that journalists’ constitutional and legal rights are protected. It also warned that measures restricting press freedom could create further insecurity among members of the journalist community. This is not the first time Toor has faced legal action under cybercrime laws. He was arrested in 2024 in a case registered under Peca over allegations of running a campaign against state institutions. His arrest at the time prompted criticism from sections of the journalist community. He was subsequently released.

  • | |

    26 personnel killed: AJK police blame JAAC

    ByJustpaste.in

    Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police have accused the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of deliberately targeting law enforcement agencies during recent unrest in the region. AJK Police spokesperson and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Riaz Mughal made the allegations during a press conference on Wednesday. He said 26 police and other law enforcement personnel had been killed in incidents of unrest across AJK during 2026. He claimed that another 157 personnel had suffered serious injuries, while 629 others sustained minor injuries. Mughal did not provide details of each incident linked to the reported casualties. He questioned how the JAAC protests could be described as peaceful if law enforcement personnel were being killed and injured. The police spokesperson said state institutions did not target people without reason. He claimed that security personnel took action against individuals who attacked law enforcement agencies. His comments came after clashes between protesters and security personnel in Rawalakot and Mirpur earlier this week. The incidents reportedly resulted in several casualties. The JAAC has been protesting for several weeks over various public demands. One of its key demands is the abolition of 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir. Mughal alleged that protesters had attacked police and Rangers personnel during the unrest. He also claimed that some people had been held captive and that their identity documents had been taken. The SSP urged people to visit AJK and observe the situation independently. He said the nature of the protests and the activities of those participating should be assessed impartially. Mughal further alleged that some protesters were equipped with firearms and claimed that police and other law enforcement personnel had been targeted by snipers. During the briefing, police officials displayed weapons they said had been recovered during operations against protesters. Mughal claimed the weapons had been used against law enforcement personnel. He also referred to previous clashes involving the JAAC. According to Mughal, a confrontation on May 11, 2024, occurred when police attempted to stop protesters travelling towards Muzaffarabad. He said one police officer was killed and around 60 personnel suffered serious injuries. He added that 174 other policemen sustained minor injuries. The SSP also cited unrest in October 2025. He claimed that three police officers were killed, 52 personnel suffered serious injuries and another 357 were injured in the incidents. Mughal described the protesters involved in violent incidents as anti-state elements. He alleged that some were involved in activities that amounted to terrorism. He further claimed that around 70 per cent of the protesters were criminals, including alleged drug dealers who had joined the protests under the JAAC banner. The allegations were made by the police official and were not independently verified. The police spokesperson’s remarks came amid heightened tensions in AJK following several days of protests and clashes. The government has also alleged that militant elements linked to a foreign agenda and allegedly backed by Indian funding were attempting to fuel unrest in the region.

  • | | |

    Pakistan Hockey federation replaces Imad Butt with…

    ByJustpaste.in

      The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has made a major leadership change ahead of the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup by removing Imad Shakil Butt as captain of the national hockey team and appointing Abu Bakr as the new skipper. The decision was announced by PHF President Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani following the recommendation of the federation’s Professional Development Committee. According to the PHF, the change in captaincy is part of its strategy to strengthen the team before the prestigious international tournament and prepare it for future challenges. Abu Bakr will officially begin his captaincy during Pakistan’s home series against South Korea, which starts on July 30. The federation believes the series will provide the newly appointed captain with an ideal opportunity to lead the team before the World Cup begins. While Imad Shakil Butt has been relieved of his captaincy duties, the PHF confirmed that he will remain an important member of the national squad. As one of the team’s most experienced players, Imad is expected to continue contributing through his leadership on the field and by mentoring younger teammates. In its official statement, the Pakistan Hockey Federation expressed confidence that the combination of Abu Bakr’s leadership, the experience of senior players, and the energy of emerging talent would help build a united and competitive team. The federation emphasized that the decision was made in the best interest of Pakistan hockey and is aimed at improving the team’s overall performance in major international competitions. The captaincy change comes at a crucial time, with the FIH Hockey World Cup scheduled to begin on August 15. The tournament will be jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium and will feature 16 of the world’s top hockey nations competing for the coveted title. The participating teams have been divided into four groups of four. Pakistan has been placed in Group D alongside England, Wales, and its traditional rival, India. The group is expected to be highly competitive, with every match carrying significant importance for qualification to the knockout stage. One of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament will be the Pakistan-India clash, which is scheduled to take place on August 19. Matches between the two neighboring nations always attract worldwide attention due to their historic rivalry and passionate fan base. Supporters from both countries will be eagerly waiting for another exciting chapter in one of hockey’s greatest rivalries. Pakistan will enter the World Cup with renewed hopes under Abu Bakr’s leadership. The federation expects the new captain to inspire confidence within the squad and help create a positive environment as the team aims to make a strong impression on the global stage. The upcoming home series against South Korea will also serve as an important test, allowing the coaching staff to assess the team’s preparations before the World Cup. With a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young players, Pakistan will be looking to deliver improved performances and restore its status among the world’s leading hockey nations during the upcoming tournament.