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

  Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, in Manila, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation under the Pakistan-European Union Strategic Engagement Plan. According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations and expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The two leaders discussed ways to deepen political dialogue, economic cooperation, and strategic engagement while emphasizing the importance of maintaining close coordination on regional and global issues. During the meeting, Ishaq Dar and Kaja Kallas also exchanged views on the evolving situation involving the United States and Iran. Both sides discussed recent regional developments and stressed the importance of preventing further escalation that could threaten peace and stability in the wider region. They agreed that continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement remain essential in addressing international challenges and resolving disputes through peaceful means. The Foreign Office stated that both leaders recognized diplomacy as the only effective and sustainable path to ensuring lasting peace and stability. They emphasized that constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and international cooperation are critical to reducing tensions and promoting regional security. The discussion reflected a shared understanding of the need for peaceful conflict resolution in an increasingly complex global environment. A key area of discussion was the Pakistan-European Union Strategic Engagement Plan, which serves as the framework for cooperation across a broad range of sectors, including trade, governance, climate action, human rights, education, and sustainable development. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to continue working together under this framework and to further strengthen institutional ties between Pakistan and the European Union. The meeting also highlighted the importance of expanding economic cooperation. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations with the European Union, which remains one of the country’s largest trading partners. Both sides acknowledged the value of continued economic engagement in supporting sustainable growth, job creation, and long-term prosperity. According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the effective implementation of all international conventions linked to the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) programme. The GSP+ status provides Pakistan with preferential access to European markets, benefiting several export sectors, particularly textiles and garments. Islamabad emphasized that it remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the programme by implementing the relevant international conventions related to human rights, labour standards, environmental protection, and good governance. The two sides also discussed the importance of maintaining regular dialogue to address shared challenges and explore new opportunities for cooperation. They expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan-European Union relations and agreed to continue working closely to achieve common objectives. The meeting in Manila reflects the ongoing efforts by both Pakistan and the European Union to further strengthen their partnership through constructive engagement, expanded economic cooperation, and coordinated diplomatic efforts. As global and regional challenges continue to evolve, both sides reaffirmed that sustained dialogue and collaboration remain essential for promoting peace, stability, and mutually beneficial relations. The discussions concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing bilateral ties, reinforcing strategic cooperation, and building a stronger partnership that supports shared interests and contributes to regional and international stability.

  The authorities have established an inquiry committee to investigate the recent HIV cases reported at the Social Security Hospital in Landhi, Karachi. The decision comes after concerns were raised following the confirmation of 10 HIV cases at the hospital, prompting officials to initiate a detailed investigation into the matter. According to an official notification, a five-member inquiry committee has been constituted under the leadership of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Naila Zaheer. The committee has been assigned the responsibility of conducting a comprehensive investigation into the reported HIV cases and identifying any possible shortcomings in hospital practices that may have contributed to the situation. As part of its mandate, the committee will verify the total number of HIV cases reported at the hospital. It will also confirm the identities of the affected patients and examine laboratory reports to ensure the accuracy of the diagnoses. This verification process is considered essential to establish the exact scope of the issue before any conclusions are drawn. The inquiry will also focus on identifying the possible sources of HIV transmission. Investigators will carefully review medical procedures carried out at the hospital, particularly the use of injections and disposable syringes. The committee will examine whether proper infection prevention and control protocols were followed and whether single-use syringes and other disposable medical equipment were used appropriately. Any evidence of negligence or unsafe medical practices will be documented as part of the investigation. In addition, the committee has been directed to investigate the procurement, availability, and utilization of medicines and disposable medical supplies within the hospital. This includes reviewing purchasing procedures, stock management, and the distribution of medical equipment to determine whether any irregularities or shortages may have affected patient safety. The notification further states that the committee will compile complete records of the affected children and their parents. This data collection aims to provide a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding each reported case and assist in determining whether there are any common factors linking the infections. The information gathered will also help health authorities provide appropriate medical care and follow-up support to the affected families. Another important responsibility assigned to the committee is identifying any individuals or departments found responsible for lapses in hospital procedures, if such lapses are confirmed during the inquiry. The final report will include recommendations aimed at improving hospital management, strengthening infection control measures, enhancing patient safety, and preventing similar incidents in the future. The formation of the inquiry committee reflects the authorities’ effort to thoroughly investigate the reported HIV cases and ensure transparency in the process. Health officials are expected to review the committee’s findings once the investigation is completed and take tappropriate action based on its recommendations. It is worth noting that 10 HIV cases have been reported at the Social Security Hospital in Landhi, leading to growing public concern and the launch of this formal investigation. The outcome of the inquiry will play an important role in determining the cause of the reported infections and in reinforcing public confidence in healthcare services by ensuring accountability and improved safety standards.

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar district administration has imposed restrictions on several Independence Day activities, banning baajas, firecrackers, toy pistols, aerial firing and one-wheeling under Section 144. According to an official notification, the restrictions will remain in effect until August 15 as authorities prepare for Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations on August 14. The administration has prohibited the sale and purchase of toy horns, toy pistols and firecrackers, while fireworks and aerial firing have also been restricted to prevent accidents and maintain public order. Authorities have particularly warned young people against one-wheeling, describing the stunt as a serious threat to public safety that can endanger both riders and other road users. Officials said the measures are intended to protect lives and property and prevent festive gatherings from turning into incidents involving reckless driving, injuries or public disorder. Residents have been urged to celebrate Independence Day responsibly and comply with the restrictions, with authorities warning that violations could result in legal action.

  Chairman of the Pakistan Ulema Council, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, has said that the Muslim world has the potential to unite and cooperate in a manner similar to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi emphasized the importance of unity and collective efforts among Muslim countries. He said that the Islamic world could work together more effectively if countries focused on common interests and strengthened cooperation among themselves. Ashrafi said that religious scholars have an important role to play in safeguarding Pakistan and promoting peace, stability and unity within society. According to him, the role of the ulema is particularly important at a time when the country faces various social, political and security challenges. He stressed that religious scholars should contribute to strengthening harmony among people and discouraging divisions based on sectarian, political or social differences. He said that unity and consensus were essential for the stability and progress of Pakistan. The Pakistan Ulema Council chairman also spoke about the registration of religious seminaries across the country. He said that around 22,000 seminaries had already completed their registration. He described the development as an important step toward bringing religious institutions into a more organized framework. Ashrafi maintained that cooperation between the government, religious scholars and religious institutions could help address several challenges facing the country. He said that seminaries and their scholars could play a constructive role in promoting education, social responsibility and national cohesion. Referring to the wider Muslim world, Ashrafi suggested that Islamic countries could establish stronger mechanisms for collective cooperation. He pointed to NATO as an example of countries working together for shared security and strategic interests. In his view, Muslim-majority countries also have the potential to develop stronger cooperation if they demonstrate unity and mutual understanding. He said that the Muslim world possesses significant human, economic and strategic resources, but greater coordination is needed to make these strengths more effective. Cooperation among Muslim countries, he added, could help them address common challenges and protect their collective interests. Ashrafi further emphasized that Pakistan’s stability depends not only on government institutions but also on the positive contribution of religious scholars and other segments of society. He called on the ulema to continue playing their role in promoting peace, tolerance and national unity. He reiterated that the Pakistan Ulema Council believes in unity and consensus rather than division. According to him, differences of opinion can exist, but they should not become a source of conflict or weaken the country. The remarks come amid continuing discussions about the role of religious institutions and scholars in Pakistan’s social and national affairs. The registration of seminaries has remained an important issue, particularly in relation to regulation, documentation and the integration of religious education with broader national objectives. Ashrafi’s comments also highlight the importance of cooperation among Muslim countries at a time when the Islamic world faces a range of political, economic and security challenges. He argued that greater unity could provide Muslim countries with a stronger collective voice in international affairs. Concluding his remarks, Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi reaffirmed his belief in unity, cooperation and consensus. He said that religious scholars, educational institutions and ordinary citizens all have a role to play in strengthening Pakistan and promoting harmony across society.

Lahore: A joint platform representing teachers, officers, employees, and other stakeholders at the University of the Punjab has accused the university administration of driving the country’s oldest and largest public university into a deep financial, administrative, academic, and research crisis, while warning of a protest movement if their demands remain unaddressed within two weeks. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) said its purpose was not to target individuals but to present what it described as documented concerns regarding the university’s governance, financial management, academic standards, and research environment. The committee appealed to the Chancellor of the University, the Governor of Punjab, and the provincial government to intervene immediately to safeguard the institution.   The committee alleged that reserve funds worth approximately Rs4.88 billion, accumulated over many years, had been utilized within just 14 months without approval from the Finance and Planning Committee. It claimed that the university’s 2025–26 budget reflected a deficit of Rs2.57 billion and argued that, when combined with the depletion of reserves, the institution was effectively facing a financial shortfall of nearly Rs8 billion. It also questioned expenditures allegedly made beyond approved budget limits and called for greater transparency in financial decision-making. JAC further claimed that around Rs786 million belonging to various academic departments and institutes had been transferred to a central account under the One-Account Policy and later utilized, raising questions about whether the expenditures had received approval from the relevant statutory bodies. It also expressed concern over what it described as the first-ever financial deficit of nearly Rs350 million in the university’s self-supporting programmes. The committee also pointed to an apparent discrepancy in financial reporting, claiming that while the Finance and Planning Committee was informed of a Rs2.57 billion budget deficit at the end of the financial year, a subsequent Syndicate meeting was told the deficit stood at Rs1.6 billion. According to the committee, the variation requires a transparent explanation. Expressing concern over campus security, the committee referred to the killing of a student and the son of a university employee near the Vice Chancellor’s residence despite the presence of armed security personnel, arguing that the incident had raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the university’s security arrangements. On governance, the committee alleged that key statutory bodies, including the Senate, Deans’ Committee, Chairpersons’ Committee, Syndicate, and Selection Boards, had met only infrequently during the current administration, resulting in delays in appointments, promotions, and major policy decisions. It further criticized what it described as an excessive concentration of administrative authority in the office of the Director General (Students, Estate and Security), saying such an arrangement was inconsistent with principles of transparency, institutional balance, and accountability. The committee also referred to pending complaints and inquiries involving the office-holder, questioning the wisdom of assigning additional responsibilities while such matters remain unresolved. Highlighting academic concerns, JAC said the university had slipped from 542nd to 588th position in the QS World University Rankings and had also experienced a decline in the Higher Education Commission’s Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) rankings. It alleged that faculty members were facing an atmosphere of insecurity and harassment, while research grants, travel support, and publication funding had effectively come to a halt. The committee claimed that although research grants of up to Rs1 million had been announced, no faculty member had yet received financial assistance under the initiative. It further alleged that several researchers had been forced to abandon nationally and internationally funded projects because of inadequate institutional support, damaging both research output and the university’s reputation with funding agencies. According to the committee, hostel accommodation remains unavailable for many students, including research scholars, while an increasing number of inquiry committees against faculty members and officers has created an atmosphere of fear and professional uncertainty. It also expressed concern over delays in permanent appointments to several senior administrative positions, saying the lack of regular appointments had weakened institutional efficiency. The Joint Action Committee demanded an independent forensic audit of the university’s financial affairs, including the use of reserve funds, deficit budgets, the One-Account Policy, and the finances of self-supporting programmes. It also called for the immediate removal of the Director General (Students, Estate and Security) under the principle of “one person, one post,” an end to what it described as retaliatory inquiries, restoration of a secure and professional working environment, immediate advertisement and transparent appointment of a permanent Registrar, payment of outstanding financial dues and benefits to teachers and employees, and the restoration of regular meetings of all statutory bodies in accordance with the University Act. The committee warned that if its demands are not addressed within two weeks, it will launch a phased protest campaign, including demonstrations outside the university, a sit-in outside the Punjab Assembly, publication of a white paper containing documentary evidence, and a boycott of classes that could ultimately disrupt academic activities at the historic institution. The university administration had not issued an official response to the allegations at the time this report was filed.