National

FAISALABAD: In a landmark decision expected to reshape the service structure of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Punjab Governor and UAF Chancellor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has ordered the upgradation of the post of Research Officer with retrospective effect from April 25, 2007, bringing an end to what many describe as nearly two decades of discrimination against the university’s research cadre. The decision came after the Chancellor accepted a representation filed by Muzaffar Hussain Salik, a Research Officer at the Office of University Books and Magazines (OUBM). Besides approving the upgradation, the Chancellor declared the post of Research Officer a “Teacher of the University,” making its holders eligible for all related service, financial, seniority and pensionary benefits in accordance with the law. The dispute dates back to the implementation of the UAF Amended Service Statutes, 2007, introduced after the federal government’s policy to upgrade university teachers and teaching-equivalent positions with the concurrence of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). While several teaching and equivalent posts received the approved benefits, Research Officers and Senior Research Officers were allegedly left out despite performing comparable academic and research responsibilities. According to the representation, the exclusion created a longstanding disparity, depriving the affected employees of promotions, financial benefits, and equal treatment under the approved statutory framework. It argued that the selective implementation of the service statutes resulted in years of professional and financial disadvantage for members of the research cadre. After reviewing the legal and administrative record, the Chancellor ruled that the benefit of upgradation should be extended to Research Officers from the same effective date as Lecturers — April 25, 2007. The order effectively places the research cadre on par with other teaching-equivalent positions that had already been upgraded under the 2007 amendments. University officials and academic observers believe the decision will benefit around 66 Research Officers, Senior Research Officers and other teaching-equivalent employees, providing them with long-awaited financial relief, revised seniority, pensionary benefits and formal recognition within the university’s teaching community. The ruling has been widely welcomed by researchers, academics and legal experts, who describe it as one of the most significant service-related decisions in UAF’s recent history. They say the order reinforces the principles of equality, transparency and uniform implementation of statutory rights while setting an important precedent for public sector universities across Pakistan. For petitioner Muzaffar Hussain Salik, the decision marks the successful conclusion of a long legal and constitutional struggle. Beneficiaries have hailed the ruling as a collective victory for justice, merit and the rule of law, expressing hope that similar disparities in higher education institutions will now be addressed through fair and consistent implementation of service statutes.

LAHORE: The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a fresh warning about possible flooding in several parts of the province as the fourth spell of monsoon rains is expected to continue until August 5. The authority said that water levels in most of Punjab’s major rivers remain within the normal range. However, low and moderate flooding has been reported at a few locations, prompting authorities to remain on high alert. According to the latest monitoring report, the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej rivers are flowing normally. In contrast, the Indus River is experiencing low-level flooding at the Kalabagh and Chashma stations due to an increase in water discharge. Officials also reported moderate flooding at Nala Palkhu near Wazirabad, while low-level flooding has been observed in Nala Basantar and Nala Bein in Narowal district. Water flow in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, however, remains within safe limits. The PDMA warned that continued rainfall in the upper catchment areas could raise water levels in eastern rivers and seasonal streams over the next few days. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have directed district administrations to stay prepared for any emergency. PDMA Director General Saif Anwar said there is a possibility of urban flooding in major cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Multan, if heavy rainfall continues. He also cautioned that hilly areas such as Murree and the Galiyat region could face landslides because of persistent rain. Residents living near riverbanks, seasonal streams and other flood-prone areas have been advised to relocate to safer places without delay. Rescue and emergency teams have been instructed to remain on standby to respond to any developing situation. The Punjab government has established flood relief camps in vulnerable areas to provide shelter and assistance to affected families if required. Authorities have also urged the public to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Aamir Muqam has extended an offer of dialogue to protesters staging a sit-in in Rawalakot, urging demonstrators to engage in peaceful negotiations while distancing the federal government from recent controversial remarks about the region. Speaking during a televised interview, Muqam said the people of Rawalakot have always been, and will continue to remain, Kashmiris, emphasizing their historical identity and longstanding contributions to Pakistan. “The people of Rawalakot are Kashmiris, have always been Kashmiris, and will remain Kashmiris,” the minister said, stressing that the government values the sacrifices made by the residents of Poonch and other parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks came amid growing political tensions following comments attributed to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, which sparked criticism and prompted strong reactions from political leaders and residents in the region. Muqam clarified that Khawaja Asif’s statement reflected his personal opinion and should not be interpreted as the official position of either the federal government or the ruling party. “The statement does not represent government policy,” he said, adding that the people of Rawalakot had rendered immense sacrifices for Pakistan during critical periods of history and deserved respect and recognition. Addressing the ongoing sit-in, the minister appealed to protesters to choose dialogue over confrontation. He said the government believes the majority of those participating in the demonstration are patriotic citizens with genuine concerns rather than individuals pursuing unlawful objectives. “I do not consider everyone at the sit-in to be terrorists,” Muqam said. “Most participants are loyal Pakistanis. They should distance themselves from elements with negative agendas and come forward for meaningful talks.” The minister reiterated the government’s willingness to resolve issues through negotiations, saying constructive engagement remained the most effective path toward restoring calm and addressing public grievances. His appeal comes as authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation in Rawalakot, where demonstrations have drawn national attention amid heightened political debate and security concerns. Political observers believe Muqam’s conciliatory tone signals an effort by the federal government to ease tensions and prevent further escalation through dialogue rather than confrontation. His reassurance regarding the identity and sacrifices of the people of Rawalakot is also being viewed as an attempt to rebuild trust following the controversy surrounding recent public statements. The government’s next steps, including any formal negotiations with protest representatives, are expected to shape developments in the coming days as officials seek a peaceful resolution to the standoff.

Police have arrested three transgender persons after registering a case over an alleged attack on the Boat Basin police station in Karachi. The case was lodged by the state following an incident that took place a few days ago. According to police officials, a large group of transgender persons allegedly entered the police station in an agitated state and created unrest inside the premises. They are accused of pelting stones, damaging government property and disrupting official work. Police said the protesters allegedly smashed the windows of vehicles parked at the police station. They also damaged the glass panels of a police mobile and vandalized equipment linked to the Safe City surveillance system. Authorities said the doors of the Safe City monitoring room were also broken during the incident. Officials stated that police personnel tried to calm the protesters and asked them to remain peaceful. However, they claimed that the group continued its protest and refused to leave the premises. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the protesters also allegedly assaulted members of the public who were present at the police station despite repeated warnings from police officers. Eight transgender persons have been nominated in the case, while investigations are continuing to identify and arrest the remaining suspects. Police said the protest erupted after officials detained several beggars under the Beggary Act on the instructions of the assistant commissioner. During the operation, one transgender person reportedly suffered a nosebleed while being taken into custody. According to police, the injury occurred during the detention process. They alleged that the protesters later presented the incident as a case of police torture, which triggered the protest outside and inside the police station. Authorities said an investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events. Police are also reviewing available evidence, including surveillance footage, to identify everyone involved in the alleged vandalism and attacks on government property.

PESHAWAR: Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Adviser Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif has called for the creation of additional administrative provinces, saying Pakistan needs major structural reforms to improve governance and public service delivery. In a statement issued on Sunday, Saif said the proposal to establish new provinces should be taken seriously, arguing that the existing administrative framework is no longer capable of addressing the growing needs of the population efficiently. He said discussions alone would not bring meaningful change and urged the federal government to move beyond proposals by initiating practical measures for administrative restructuring. According to him, governance can only improve if reforms are implemented instead of remaining limited to public debate. Saif maintained that decision-making authority is concentrated within a small section of the bureaucracy, which limits administrative efficiency and delays the resolution of public issues. He stressed that a more balanced distribution of powers would strengthen governance and improve accountability. He said Pakistan requires comprehensive administrative reforms that would transfer greater authority to lower levels of government. Establishing new provinces, he added, would bring the government closer to the people, improve access to public services and ensure faster responses to local challenges. The former adviser also highlighted the importance of an effective local government system, saying empowered local bodies are essential for addressing citizens’ problems at the grassroots level. He argued that decentralisation and stronger local institutions would enhance transparency, improve service delivery and promote sustainable development across the country.

Another group of 110 Pakistani students has safely returned from Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing following efforts to facilitate the repatriation of citizens affected by tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to border security officials, the students were brought back as part of ongoing arrangements to ensure the safe return of Pakistanis who had remained stranded across the border. Earlier, around 70 Pakistani students were also repatriated through the same crossing about a month ago. Authorities said the latest return reflects continued coordination between officials on both sides of the border to ease the movement of stranded individuals. The repatriation process was carried out smoothly under agreed arrangements aimed at addressing humanitarian concerns. In addition to the return of students, authorities also permitted 592 Pakistani cargo trucks to re-enter the country through the Torkham border. The move is expected to provide relief to transporters and traders whose commercial activities had been disrupted due to restrictions at the border. Border officials said the phased return of students and commercial vehicles was made possible through coordinated efforts involving diplomatic representatives, border security authorities from both countries and local facilitators working to improve cross-border movement.

Former Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Sadia Sohail Rana remained safe after unidentified individuals allegedly attacked her vehicle in Lahore, police said. According to police officials, the incident occurred when unknown suspects targeted her vehicle and pelted it with stones. The attack caused damage to the vehicle, but the former lawmaker was not injured. Police said Sadia Sohail Rana safely escaped the incident and immediately informed the authorities. Officers reached the scene soon after receiving the report and began collecting evidence. The former MPA has submitted an application requesting the registration of a criminal case against the unidentified attackers. Police said legal proceedings are being initiated in light of her complaint. Investigators have launched an inquiry to determine the motive behind the attack. Officials are examining all available evidence and questioning witnesses who may have seen the incident. Police are also reviewing CCTV footage from cameras installed in the surrounding area to identify the suspects and trace their movements before and after the attack. Authorities said efforts are underway to arrest those responsible. They added that action will be taken in accordance with the law once the attackers are identified.

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has imposed a ban on the transportation of nitrogen-based fertilizers across the province for 15 days over concerns that such materials could be misused for sabotage and terrorist activities. According to an official notification issued by the Directorate General of Agriculture Balochistan, the decision was taken in view of the prevailing law and order situation and to ensure the safety of lives and property across the province. The order states that the sale, purchase, supply and distribution of nitrogen-based fertilizers have been suspended with immediate effect. Authorities said the restriction aims to prevent the possible use of these fertilizers in the manufacture of explosive materials and other unlawful activities. The banned products include urea, calcium ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate and potassium nitrate. Officials said the restrictions will remain in force until further orders. The notification also directs all dealers, distributors and suppliers to maintain a complete record and inventory of their existing fertilizer stocks. Authorities warned that compliance with the order would be closely monitored and that legal action could be taken against those found violating the restrictions. The provincial government said the temporary measure is part of broader efforts to strengthen security and prevent the misuse of materials that could pose a threat to public safety.