Four Suspects in Five-Body Murder Case Remanded into Formal Custody; One Apologizes to Victims’ Families, Claims He Was Forced, Bail Opposed, Families Want Death Penalty

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to ensure the immediate and complete implementation of the Gaza ceasefire and the UN-backed peace framework, warning that continued delays could jeopardise hopes for lasting peace and the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Speaking during a UN Security Council debate on the Middle East, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said the current situation presented a critical opportunity to advance peace but stressed that urgent action was needed to prevent further deterioration. He said the ceasefire and the internationally endorsed peace initiative offered a pathway to reduce humanitarian suffering and support Palestinian self-determination. However, he cautioned that failure to fully implement the agreement and Security Council Resolution 2803 would seriously undermine efforts to achieve a just and durable settlement. The Pakistani envoy voiced concern over developments in the occupied West Bank, accusing Israel of expanding settlements, establishing new outposts and allowing increased settler violence, which he said was changing the demographic and geographic landscape of the occupied territories. He also criticised the proposed “Crimson Thread” project, describing it as a network of military infrastructure that would isolate Palestinian communities, divide the Jordan Valley from the rest of the West Bank and weaken the prospects of a contiguous Palestinian state. Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Ahmad said conditions remained extremely fragile despite the ceasefire. He noted that millions of Palestinians continued to face severe hardship, with widespread food insecurity, continued civilian casualties and large-scale displacement raising concerns over the full implementation of the peace plan. Pakistan urged the Security Council to take immediate action by ensuring the ceasefire agreement is fully enforced, demanding an end to Israeli settlement expansion, rejecting annexation and forced displacement, providing international protection for Palestinian civilians and ensuring the release of withheld Palestinian revenues to support essential public services. Reaffirming Islamabad’s longstanding position, Ahmad said the only sustainable solution remained the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (East Jerusalem) as its capital. The ambassador also expressed concern over wider instability across the Middle East, urging all parties to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue to prevent further escalation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional states and backed diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. Highlighting concerns over attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping routes, Ahmad said such actions threatened regional stability and global trade, while reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty. Concluding his address, the Pakistani envoy said lasting peace in the Middle East would remain impossible as long as occupation continued and the Palestinian people were denied their right to self-determination. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace based on UN resolutions and international law.

ISLAMABAD: At least 14 newborns have died after a fire erupted in the nursery of the gynaecology ward at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on Wednesday, according to rescue officials. Initial information suggests that the blaze broke out after an air-conditioning compressor reportedly exploded inside the nursery, rapidly spreading fire and smoke through the facility. Emergency response teams rushed to the hospital and launched an operation to bring the fire under control. Rescue personnel also worked to evacuate patients and secure the affected area. The incident has caused deep concern at the major public-sector hospital, while authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and determine whether safety measures and emergency protocols were adequately followed. Further details regarding the victims, the extent of the damage and the official findings are awaited.

The Government of Pakistan has announced another reduction in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel, marking the second consecutive day of relief for consumers. The revised fuel prices will come into effect from August 5, 2026, according to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Energy’s Petroleum Division. The notification stated that the latest revision has been made under the petroleum pricing mechanism recommended by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). The adjustment reflects the government’s ongoing review of petroleum product prices in line with market conditions and regulatory recommendations. Under the new rates, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been reduced by Rs4.07 per litre, bringing the new price down from Rs389.93 to Rs385.86 per litre. Diesel is widely used in Pakistan’s transportation, agriculture, and industrial sectors, making the reduction significant for businesses and consumers alike. Petrol prices have also been lowered by Rs3.39 per litre. Following the latest cut, petrol will now cost Rs328.56 per litre, compared to the previous price of Rs331.95 per litre. The reduction is expected to provide some financial relief to motorists and households dealing with high transportation costs. This announcement comes just a day after the government had already reduced fuel prices. On the previous day, petrol prices were cut by Rs4.08 per litre, while diesel prices were lowered by Rs2.45 per litre. The back-to-back reductions indicate a continued effort to pass on the benefit of changing petroleum market trends to consumers. Fuel prices play a vital role in Pakistan’s economy because they directly influence transportation expenses, production costs, and inflation. Lower fuel prices can help reduce operating costs for businesses, improve supply chain efficiency, and ease the financial burden on consumers. However, the overall economic impact will depend on global oil prices, exchange rate movements, and future government pricing decisions. The Ministry of Energy emphasized that the revised prices are based on the pricing mechanism established by OGRA and approved by the federal government. The new rates will officially take effect on August 5, 2026, and will remain applicable until the next scheduled review. The latest reduction in petrol and diesel prices is expected to be welcomed by consumers, transport operators, and businesses, offering short-term relief amid ongoing economic challenges and fluctuating international oil markets.