National

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    PSX soars as KSE-100 Index jumps over 5,000 points…

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) wrapped up the trading week on a bullish note, with investors driving the benchmark KSE-100 Index sharply higher amid sustained buying interest and renewed market optimism. According to the PSX’s weekly market update, the KSE-100 Index gained 5,072 points during the week, closing at 176,094 points. The strong performance reflected growing investor confidence as the market continued its upward momentum. Throughout the week, the benchmark index traded within a 4,510-point range, touching a weekly high of 179,123 points while falling to a low of 174,612 points. Analysts said the wide trading range highlighted active investor participation and healthy market activity. The rally capped off a positive week in which the stock market maintained strong momentum. On the final trading day of July, the KSE-100 Index had already climbed 546 points, setting the stage for an impressive weekly finish. Trading activity also remained robust. During the five trading sessions, investors exchanged approximately 4.15 billion shares, with the total value of transactions reaching Rs158 billion, indicating strong liquidity and continued interest from market participants. Meanwhile, the market’s overall capitalization increased by Rs477 billion over the week, reaching Rs19.755 trillion. The significant rise in market value underscores improving sentiment among investors despite ongoing economic challenges. Market experts say the latest gains reflect confidence in Pakistan’s financial markets, supported by sustained institutional buying and expectations of improving macroeconomic conditions. However, they caution that investors will continue to monitor economic indicators, corporate earnings and policy developments that could influence market direction in the coming weeks. The latest weekly performance reinforces the Pakistan Stock Exchange’s position as one of the region’s best-performing markets this year, with investors hoping the bullish trend will continue if economic stability and positive business sentiment remain intact.

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    Bilawal urges Kashmiris to shape their own future

    ByJustpaste.in

    MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reiterated that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) alone should have the authority to determine their government and future, as political campaigning intensifies ahead of the second phase of the AJK elections. In a video message focusing on the Kashmiri people’s right to self-governance, Bilawal said his party was committed to ensuring that the residents of Azad Kashmir enjoy the same democratic rights as every citizen of Pakistan. “I want the people of Kashmir to receive the same rights that every Pakistani citizen enjoys,” Bilawal said, adding that the most fundamental of these rights is the right to sovereignty through the power of the vote. Explaining his vision, the PPP chairman said the true meaning of sovereignty is that every vote should be respected and accurately reflected in the election results. According to him, the public mandate must remain free from outside influence so that the will of the people prevails. Bilawal also stressed the need for greater representation of Azad Kashmir in national decision-making institutions. He argued that whenever key decisions are made regarding the region’s water resources, electricity or budgetary matters, Kashmir should have its own seat and an effective voice at the table. He maintained that stronger institutional representation would ensure that the interests of the people of Azad Kashmir are protected while promoting more inclusive governance. As part of his election campaign, Bilawal urged voters to support the PPP in the upcoming polls, asking them to stamp the party’s traditional arrow symbol on August 2. He said the election represented an opportunity for the people to safeguard their democratic rights and send a clear message that the future of Kashmir should be determined by its own citizens. The PPP chairman’s remarks come as political parties intensify their campaigns across Azad Kashmir ahead of polling, with issues of governance, development, constitutional rights and public representation dominating election debates. The second phase of the Azad Kashmir elections is expected to draw significant voter participation, with major political parties competing for crucial seats. Political analysts believe voter turnout and public confidence in the electoral process will play a decisive role in shaping the region’s next government and its political direction in the years ahead.

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    Upper Dir battles massive cholera outbreak as case…

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: A major cholera outbreak has struck several areas of Upper Dir in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, infecting more than 3,000 people and placing severe pressure on local healthcare facilities, officials said on Saturday. The outbreak has affected multiple localities, including Ashirai Dara, Sharingal, Barawal and Dir Khas, where a large number of residents have reported symptoms associated with the waterborne disease. According to Dr. Sahibzada Imtiaz, Medical Superintendent of the District Headquarters Hospital in Upper Dir, the number of cholera patients has risen rapidly over the past few days. He said more than 3,000 people, including women and children, have been infected since the outbreak began. Hospital authorities revealed that 600 patients were admitted in a single day, highlighting the alarming pace at which the disease is spreading. The influx of patients has overwhelmed the District Headquarters Hospital, leaving medical staff under immense pressure. Doctors said several patients remain in critical condition and are being shifted to other healthcare facilities for specialized treatment because the main hospital has reached full capacity. In response to the health emergency, teams from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department have been dispatched to the affected districts. Public health officials are conducting field inspections, monitoring the spread of the disease and working to improve access to safe drinking water. Authorities are also testing local water sources to identify possible contamination, as cholera is commonly spread through polluted water and poor sanitation. Health experts have urged residents to drink only boiled or purified water, maintain proper hygiene and seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe diarrhea, vomiting or dehydration. They stressed that early treatment can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications. The outbreak has raised concerns about public health infrastructure in remote areas, where limited access to clean water and medical services can accelerate the spread of infectious diseases. Officials say emergency response efforts will continue until the situation is brought under control and further infections are prevented.

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    Naqvi’s remarks backed administrative reforms, s…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s recent remarks about Pakistan’s governance system reflected ongoing discussions on improving administrative efficiency through the creation of new provinces or administrative units, according to informed sources. Naqvi made the comments while addressing the Pakistan Economic Summit 2026 on Thursday. During his speech, he described the country’s governance system as “broken” and urged political parties to develop a consensus on the issue of creating new provinces. His remarks triggered widespread debate among political leaders, analysts and journalists, with many questioning the message behind his statement. According to sources familiar with the matter, the minister’s comments should not be viewed as criticism of the federal government or as a sign of differences within the state institutions. Instead, they said the remarks were aimed at highlighting the need for administrative reforms to improve governance and ensure better delivery of public services. Speaking at the summit, Naqvi said the existing governance structure was no longer capable of addressing Pakistan’s growing challenges. He warned that unless major reforms were introduced, the country would continue discussing the same problems even after another 10 years. The interior minister stressed that Pakistan needed a long-term solution rather than temporary measures. He said the issue of creating new administrative units should be placed before the people so that a national consensus could be developed through public debate. Naqvi also referred to the prime minister’s reported long working hours, saying that working 18 to 20 hours a day reflected commitment but could not permanently solve structural governance problems. He said such efforts were similar to dealing with emergencies instead of addressing the root causes of the country’s administrative challenges. His remarks immediately sparked political speculation in Islamabad. Some observers interpreted the statement as an acknowledgment that the current governance model was not delivering the desired results. Others suggested the comments reflected dissatisfaction with the existing administrative structure. Some political analysts also linked the statement to speculation about differences between the civil government and the military establishment. However, informed sources firmly rejected that interpretation. A source with knowledge of the matter said there was no disagreement between Islamabad and Rawalpindi regarding the issue. The source emphasized that Naqvi’s speech was focused solely on promoting the idea of administrative reforms through the establishment of additional administrative units. According to the source, the purpose of the remarks was to encourage discussion among policymakers, political parties and the public about whether Pakistan should adopt a new administrative framework to improve governance across the country. Observers believe supporters of the proposal argue that Pakistan’s existing provincial structure has become too large and complex to effectively manage the country’s administrative and development needs. They maintain that smaller provinces or administrative units could bring government institutions closer to the people, improve service delivery, strengthen local administration and make governance more efficient.

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    Fatima Jinnah remembered for inspiring legacy on b…

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    SIALKOT: Government College Women University Sialkot (GCWUS) commemorated the birth anniversary of Madar-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah, honouring her remarkable role in Pakistan’s independence movement, her commitment to women’s empowerment, and her lasting contributions to nation-building. In a statement issued on Friday, the university described Fatima Jinnah as one of the country’s most influential national figures. Born in Karachi on July 31, 1893, she remained a steadfast supporter of her brother, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and played a pivotal role in encouraging Muslim women to actively participate in the struggle for an independent homeland. The university also highlighted her leadership in establishing the All India Muslim League Women’s Committee in 1937, an initiative that helped spread the message of the Pakistan Movement among women across the subcontinent and strengthened their political participation. Paying tribute to her humanitarian efforts, GCWUS noted that Fatima Jinnah also devoted herself to the rehabilitation of refugees and the provision of medical assistance following the creation of Pakistan. The university said her vision, courage, and dedication continue to inspire generations, reaffirming her enduring place in the country’s history as a symbol of patriotism, resilience, and public service.

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    Chinese Ambassador vows expanded collaboration wit…

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    FAISALABAD : Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Jiang Zaidong, has reaffirmed China’s steadfast commitment to broadening cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in the critical sectors of poverty alleviation, agriculture, education, and vocational training. The Ambassador made these remarks during an interactive session at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), where he met with Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, senior university officials, Chinese alumni, and representatives from academia and government. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Jiang emphasized that as an agrarian economy, Pakistan holds immense potential to combat poverty through the revitalization and modernization of its agricultural sector. He announced that China intends to deepen collaboration in agricultural education, training, and technology transfer. Drawing on his country’s developmental journey, he underlined that strong leadership, consistent long-term policies, and a people-centered approach are fundamental to national progress. Praising UAF’s role in fostering bilateral ties, the envoy lauded the university and its Confucius Institute for significantly strengthening educational and cultural linkages between the two nations. He stressed that academic collaboration and scientific innovation remain vital pillars of the enduring strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. He remarked that Pakistan and China enjoy an exemplary friendship, built on a foundation of mutual trust, respect, and shared prosperity. In his response, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali expressed pride in the university’s role as a bridge between the two countries, facilitating academic partnerships, joint research, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. He noted that 100 UAF faculty members are graduates of Chinese universities, and that several joint laboratories have already yielded patented technologies. The Confucius Institute at UAF, recognized as a top-model institute globally, has trained over 35,000 students in Chinese language and culture and operates branches across 13 Pakistani universities. As a founding member of the Confucius Institute Global Agriculture Alliance, UAF continues to serve as a primary gateway for Sino-Pak collaboration, offering its diverse climates and fields for testing Chinese technology. Following the meeting, the Ambassador toured the UAF Exhibition Centre for a briefing on the university’s key research milestones and technological innovations. He then visited the Confucius Institute, where he explored the Pakistan-China 75th Anniversary Art and Cultural Exhibition, inspected smart classrooms and cultural activity facilities, and enjoyed vibrant performances presented by the institute’s students. The visit concluded with a tree plantation ceremony, during which Ambassador Jiang and Vice Chancellor Prof. Ali jointly planted a sapling—a tribute to their mutual commitment to sustainable cooperation and a greener future. Earlier, the envoy received a warm welcome at the Administration Block from the Vice Chancellor and Dr. Saddam Hussain, Dean of the Confucius Institute. The high-profile engagement further cemented the longstanding partnership between UAF and Chinese institutions, reflecting both countries’ shared resolve to promote excellence in education, research, innovation, agriculture, and cross-cultural understanding.

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    Search teams recover body of American climber following fatal avalanche on Broad Peak

    ByJustpaste.in

    Search and rescue teams in northern Pakistan have recovered the body of 39-year-old American mountaineer Mallory Geis following a massive avalanche on Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain. The disaster struck a 10-member international expedition led by renowned British-Nepali climber Nirmal “Nims Dai” Purja at an altitude of approximately 7,000 metres in the Karakoram range. Pakistani military helicopters and ground units deployed to the site have secured the remains of three victims so far, including Geis, Omani climber Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, and Nepali guide Pur Bahadur Gurung. The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed that bad weather and hazardous high-altitude conditions have severely complicated ongoing search efforts for the remaining missing team members. Aerial drone footage spotted several other expedition members swept nearly 1,000 metres downhill by the slide, though ground teams have yet to reach them due to the extreme terrain. Local authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan stated that recovered victims were transported to regional medical facilities for official identification procedures, while military helicopters remain on standby for further retrieval operations as weather permits.

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    Punjab CM engages PML-N legislators to improve pro…

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    LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has intensified her engagement with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) legislators by holding regular meetings aimed at addressing their concerns and improving coordination between elected representatives and the provincial administration. As part of the initiative, the chief minister met PML-N members of the Punjab Assembly from Bahawalnagar on Friday to discuss the political situation, ongoing development projects, and issues affecting local communities. The meeting followed a similar interaction with lawmakers from Mandi Bahauddin held last week, reflecting a broader effort to strengthen communication within the party. The renewed outreach comes amid concerns voiced by several lawmakers, particularly those representing rural constituencies, who believe government officials and police are not responding adequately when they raise public issues on behalf of their constituents. Since assuming office in February 2024, Maryam Nawaz has maintained a policy of keeping political influence out of administrative and police appointments, insisting that postings and transfers should be based solely on merit. While the move has been praised as an effort to promote transparency and professionalism, some legislators have argued that it has reduced their ability to effectively advocate for their voters. Party sources said most lawmakers are not seeking authority over appointments but expect district officials and law enforcement agencies to respond respectfully and seriously when they present genuine public grievances. They believe stronger coordination between elected representatives and the administration is essential for resolving local issues and maintaining public confidence. According to senior party figures, the chief minister has been encouraged to hold regular consultations with lawmakers to ensure their concerns are heard directly while preserving her commitment to merit-based governance. The Punjab government has reiterated that its policy of transparent appointments remains unchanged. Officials maintain that the administration is committed to eliminating political interference in the bureaucracy while ensuring that public service delivery continues to improve across the province. The latest meetings are being viewed as an effort to strengthen internal party coordination, enhance communication with legislators, and ensure that public concerns are addressed more effectively without compromising administrative reforms.

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    PML-N MNA Malik Iqbal Channar dies after prolonged…

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    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member of the National Assembly Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar passed away after battling a prolonged illness, his family confirmed on Saturday. His death has been met with grief across political circles, with leaders and supporters paying tribute to his decades of public and political service. According to his family, Malik Iqbal Channar had been ill for several weeks. During his illness, he suffered a brain haemorrhage and was admitted to hospital, where doctors performed surgery in an effort to save his life. Despite medical treatment, he could not recover and passed away. Malik Iqbal Channar was serving as a member of the National Assembly from the NA-168 Bahawalpur constituency. He was considered a senior politician in the region and remained closely associated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz for many years. Throughout his political career, Channar actively participated in public welfare initiatives and maintained close contact with his constituents. He was known within the party as a loyal worker and a committed representative who remained dedicated to serving the people. Following the news of his death, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. In his condolence message, the prime minister praised the late lawmaker’s political, social and public contributions. He said Malik Iqbal Channar devoted his life to serving the people and strengthening the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz through his commitment and hard work. Shehbaz Sharif said the country had lost a sincere public representative whose services would be remembered with respect. He described Channar as a loyal and ideological worker of the PML-N and a trusted companion of party president Nawaz Sharif. The prime minister also recalled his personal association with the late parliamentarian. He said he had the opportunity to know Malik Iqbal Channar personally and work alongside him on several occasions during his tenure in the Punjab government. He added that Channar’s loyalty, dedication and commitment to both the party and the people would always be remembered. The prime minister prayed for the departed soul and asked Allah Almighty to grant patience and strength to his family during this difficult time. The passing of Malik Iqbal Channar marks the end of a long political career spent in public service. His death has created a sense of loss among party workers, political colleagues and residents of Bahawalpur, many of whom remembered him as a dedicated leader who remained connected to his constituency throughout his time in office.

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    Islamabad district courts begin summer break

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    The summer vacation in Islamabad’s district and sessions courts began on Saturday and will continue until August 31, according to the official schedule issued by the judicial authorities. The district judiciary announced that regular court proceedings will remain suspended during the vacation period. However, essential judicial work will continue through designated duty judges to ensure that urgent legal matters are addressed without delay. The Sessions Judges of both the East and West divisions issued separate duty rosters for the summer break. Under the schedule, one additional sessions judge and one judicial magistrate will remain on duty in each division throughout the vacation period. The duty judges will hear urgent cases requiring immediate judicial intervention. These include matters related to physical remand, judicial remand, bail applications and other emergency cases that cannot be postponed until the courts reopen after the holidays. The arrangement has been made to ensure that litigants continue to have access to the courts for urgent legal relief despite the suspension of regular proceedings. Judicial officials said the vacation roster has been prepared to maintain the smooth functioning of the district judiciary while allowing judges and court staff to observe the annual summer recess. The district and sessions courts are expected to resume their normal schedule after the summer vacation concludes on August 31. Until then, only cases of an urgent nature will be taken up by the designated duty judges in both the East and West judicial divisions of Islamabad.