Chonburi Governor Orders Strict Safety Crackdown on Pattaya Entertainment Venues, Threatens License Non-Renewal for Violators

  Karachi: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced that the Sindh Cabinet has approved an increase in the conveyance allowance for provincial government employees. The revised allowance will apply to employees in Grades 1 to 16, providing financial relief in light of rising transportation costs. Addressing a press conference following the Sindh Cabinet meeting, Memon said the cabinet had taken several important decisions covering governance, public welfare, economic development, and disaster preparedness. He stated that the meeting approved a six-month extension of the health insurance program for employees working at the Governor House and Chief Minister House to ensure continued access to medical facilities. The provincial minister further announced the establishment of multiple task forces to strengthen governance in key sectors. According to him, specialized task forces have been formed to focus on the economy, investment, finance, and water resources. In addition, the cabinet approved the creation of dedicated task forces on climate change and artificial intelligence to address emerging challenges and explore opportunities for technological and environmental development in the province. Memon also revealed that the Sindh Cabinet has approved a strict crackdown against the production, sale, and distribution of gutka and mainpuri, both of which are widely consumed forms of smokeless tobacco. He said the Department of Narcotics Control would be responsible for taking legal action against those involved in the illegal trade of these products. He added that the provincial government is also working on new legislation to further strengthen enforcement and curb the menace of hazardous tobacco products. Speaking about the agriculture sector, Memon emphasized that the Sindh government does not want farmers to suffer losses. He claimed that existing laws prohibit restrictions on the transportation of wheat, but alleged that Punjab has blocked the movement of wheat by sealing border points. He condemned the restrictions, arguing that they were negatively affecting the free movement of agricultural produce. He further stated that this year’s wheat harvest had been exceptionally good but acknowledged that some individuals in Sindh had engaged in wheat hoarding. To stabilize wheat supplies and discourage hoarding, Memon announced that the Sindh government plans to import 500,000 metric tons of wheat. He added that the province would also purchase wheat from the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO). According to him, these measures would ensure sufficient wheat availability in the market while causing significant financial losses to those involved in hoarding. The minister also announced plans to establish a 400-acre truck terminal on Karachi’s Northern Bypass. He said the project would improve transport infrastructure, facilitate logistics operations, and help reduce traffic congestion within the city.   Highlighting preparations for the ongoing monsoon season, Memon said that all relevant provincial departments and emergency response agencies had been placed on high alert. Referring to recent heavy rains across the country, he expressed concern over the loss of lives in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, claiming that these incidents had not received adequate attention in sections of the media. He stated that both urban and rural areas of Punjab had been severely affected by heavy rainfall and that widespread destruction had occurred across the country due to the ongoing monsoon. According to Memon, 17 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Punjab, while 20 people were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Commenting on the ongoing elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Memon alleged that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was violating the election code of conduct during the electoral process. He urged all political parties to respect democratic principles and ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.

West Indies were dismissed for 344 runs in their first innings against Pakistan in the second Test match being played in Port of Spain. Pakistan’s off-spinner Sajid Khan delivered an impressive bowling performance, taking four crucial wickets to help restrict the home side. West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first, looking to take advantage of favorable conditions. Their innings was built around important contributions from Justin Greaves and captain Roston Chase, who played responsible knocks to strengthen the team’s total. Greaves scored 73 runs, while Roston Chase added 70 runs to lead the West Indies batting effort. Brandon King contributed 46 runs, while Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo scored 29 and 26 runs respectively as the hosts attempted to build a competitive first-innings score. Pakistan’s bowling attack responded strongly, with Sajid Khan emerging as the standout performer. The experienced off-spinner troubled the West Indies batters with his accuracy and variations, finishing with four wickets. His spell played a key role in preventing the hosts from gaining further momentum. Fast bowlers and other bowling options also supported Sajid Khan effectively. Ubaid Shah, Mohammad Ali, and Ali Usman claimed two wickets each, ensuring that West Indies were unable to extend their innings beyond 344 runs. At the toss, Pakistan captain Babar Azam said that his team would also have preferred to bat first if they had won the toss. He expressed confidence in the squad and said Pakistan aimed to play positive and attacking cricket throughout the match. West Indies captain Roston Chase said his team wanted to make their home conditions a strength and decided to maintain the same playing XI for the second Test. The hosts entered the match with confidence after taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Pakistan now face the challenge of responding strongly with the bat as they look to level the series. A victory in the second Test is essential for Pakistan to avoid a series defeat, while West Indies will aim to maintain their advantage and secure a historic series win. With both teams fighting for crucial championship points and momentum, the second Test is expected to produce an exciting contest as the match progresses.

  LAHORE: Former caretaker federal minister and prominent industrialist Dr. Gohar Ijaz has raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s economic direction, warning that growing bank deposits alongside declining industrial activity indicate that capital is moving away from productive sectors.   Speaking to *Minute Mirror*, Ijaz said bank deposits had increased from around Rs. 21 trillion three years ago to Rs. 38 trillion, describing the trend as evidence that people were increasingly choosing to keep their money in banks rather than invest in businesses. He argued that excessive taxation was making industrial activity increasingly difficult. According to Ijaz, an effective tax burden of around 45 percent has discouraged investors and forced several businesses to reduce operations or shut down. “Three years ago, Rs. 21 trillion was lying in banks. Today, it has increased to Rs. 38 trillion,” Ijaz said, arguing that the country needed to encourage investment in manufacturing, exports and employment instead of allowing capital to remain parked in financial institutions. He also claimed that Pakistan could address a significant portion of its external debt if the textile industry received appropriate policy support. Ijaz said the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) had been offering for years to help generate enough foreign exchange for Pakistan to repay $10 billion in debt within one year. According to him, the proposal would require measures such as competitive energy prices, rational taxation, export incentives and a stable policy environment. He maintained that Pakistan’s industrial sector had the capacity to significantly strengthen the country’s foreign exchange position if its competitiveness was restored. Ijaz also criticised what he described as policy distortions in the sugar sector. He alleged that sugar mill-owning families had benefited from additional profits of approximately Rs. 30 billion per month due to pricing mechanisms, subsidies and regulatory decisions. He did not present documentary evidence for the figure during the interview but argued that government policies should prioritize consumers, industrial growth and the national economy rather than benefiting a limited number of influential groups. The former minister further commented on the current political and civil-military leadership, saying the Army and Prime Minister were receiving unprecedented recognition. He expressed optimism that stronger economic policies could enable Pakistan to overcome its financial challenges. Economists and business leaders have similarly pointed to high interest rates, expensive energy, inflation, taxation and policy uncertainty as major factors behind weak private investment. When bank returns appear more attractive and less risky than establishing or expanding businesses, capital can increasingly shift toward financial assets. Industry leaders have therefore called for lower and more predictable taxes, competitive electricity and gas tariffs, faster refunds, fewer ad-hoc duties and incentives for export-oriented manufacturing. Ijaz’s remarks highlight a broader challenge facing Pakistan: having substantial liquidity does not necessarily translate into economic productivity. For the country to generate employment, increase exports and strengthen its ability to repay external debt, more capital needs to flow into productive businesses. The central question, therefore, is whether future economic policies will encourage investment, manufacturing and exports or continue to make bank deposits more attractive than business expansion.

A joint flag rally and patrol were held in Swat to demonstrate solidarity with the Pakistan Army and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police amid the prevailing security situation in the region. The event brought together security personnel and local residents in a show of unity aimed at reinforcing public confidence and promoting peace. According to official information, the rally featured participation from Pakistan Army personnel, KP Police officers, civilians, and children. Participants carried the national flag and expressed support for the country’s security forces while emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies. During the event, large crowds chanted patriotic slogans, including “Long Live Pakistan” and “Long Live Pakistan Army,” as the joint procession moved through key roads and public areas of Swat. The rally was accompanied by a coordinated patrol involving security vehicles and motorcycles, highlighting the continued presence of security forces across the district. The joint patrol was organized as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security, reassure local communities, and enhance coordination between the Pakistan Army and the provincial police. Officials said such activities are intended to improve the public’s sense of safety while maintaining vigilance against potential security threats. Authorities stated that the initiative also aimed to send a clear message that the people of Swat stand united with the country’s security institutions against elements seeking to disrupt peace and stability. The visible participation of residents reflected community engagement in efforts to support law enforcement and contribute to a secure environment. Residents from different segments of society, including families and young people, took part in the event, underlining a shared commitment to peace and national unity. Organizers described the rally as a symbol of cooperation between citizens and security forces, stressing that maintaining peace requires collective responsibility and mutual trust. The flag rally comes as security agencies continue to monitor the situation in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and carry out measures aimed at ensuring public safety. Joint patrols and community outreach initiatives have become an important part of broader efforts to strengthen coordination between security institutions and local communities. Officials expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the Pakistan Army, KP Police, and the people of Swat would help preserve lasting peace and stability in the region. They emphasized that unity, vigilance, and public cooperation remain essential in addressing security challenges and safeguarding the progress made toward maintaining law and order.