highlevel flooding hits
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High-level flooding hits head Qadirabad in the Chenab River

ByJustpaste.in

Following flooding at Head Marala and Khanki, a high-level flood has also occurred at Head Qadirabad in the Chenab River. According to the Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore, the water inflow at Head Qadirabad has risen to 236,000 cusecs.

Meanwhile, Head Balloki on the Ravi River is experiencing moderate flooding as water flow has increased to 73,635 cusecs. Low-level flooding continues at Nowshera along the Kabul River, as well as at Kalabagh and Chashma Barrage on the Indus River. In Balochistan’s Sibi Division, high-level flooding was recorded at Hedgogi in the Lehri River, with water flow reaching 95,913 cusecs.

The flood situation escalated after India released a large volume of water towards Pakistan following heavy rainfall in occupied Kashmir. The water release has created a risk of major flooding, prompting authorities to issue a high alert for regions including Sialkot and Wazirabad.

In a related incident, rescue officials successfully saved five individuals who became stranded in the Chenab River in Sialkot. The workers were returning from work when their boat broke down mid-transit.

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    Kamal: Karachi deserves Rs800bn NFC share

    ByJustpaste.in

    Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has said that he entered politics as an IT minister 23 years ago and became Karachi’s mayor 21 years ago, claiming that he played a role in ending the politics of violence in the city. Speaking in Karachi, Kamal said he had spoken out against a system in which people could be killed simply for expressing disagreement. He said Karachi’s political and administrative problems could not be resolved without addressing the structural issues facing the city. Kamal claimed that Karachi had not been properly counted in the population census. He said the city’s share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award would amount to around Rs800 billion this year. He argued that the existing system was damaging not only Karachi but the entire country. According to him, the city continues to face serious problems despite massive spending and a lack of effective administrative arrangements. The federal minister said drinking water was not reaching many parts of Karachi, while the city’s sewage system was also unable to properly dispose of wastewater. He said there was no effective mechanism to transfer sufficient powers and resources to the grassroots level. Kamal further claimed that despite around Rs22,000 billion being spent in the city, Karachi had reached the third position on a global list of cities with poor living conditions. He stressed that the city needed stronger local governance, adequate resources and greater administrative powers at the grassroots level to address its longstanding problems. Commenting on the political debate over administrative units, Kamal said that if the old Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) were still in its previous form, the responsibility for incidents such as the Gul Plaza tragedy would have been placed on the party. He said he had advocated the creation of an administrative unit for better governance and claimed that the proposal was now receiving support from different quarters. Kamal added that under the old political environment, such a proposal would have been dismissed as a foreign conspiracy. He maintained that Karachi’s governance problems required practical administrative reforms rather than political accusations.

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    Dr. Samina Haq’s claim about female hostel residents sparks online debate

    ByJustpaste.in

    Dr. Samina Haq, a Pakistani gynecologist and fertility specialist with more than 30 years of experience, has sparked a heated debate on social media following remarks about young women living in hostels away from their hometowns. Haq, who is known for discussing women’s health as well as social issues on digital platforms, made the controversial comments during a recent podcast with Main Arsalan. Her remarks focused on young women who move from smaller cities to larger urban areas for higher education or employment. (Reviewit.pk⁠) According to the report, Haq claimed that a “majority” of young women living in hostels while studying or working are involved in earning money through unspecified “other means” at night, while attending university or working regular jobs during the day. The sweeping nature of the statement quickly drew attention online. (Reviewit.pk⁠) The comments have divided social media users. Some people supported Haq and argued that parents should remain involved in their daughters’ lives when they move away for education or employment. Others said that families should be aware of their children’s surroundings and that hostel management and wardens also have an important responsibility. However, many users strongly criticized the statement. Some argued that making such a broad claim unfairly associates female hostel residents with immoral behavior and could damage the reputation of thousands of young women who move to major cities simply to pursue their education or careers. One concern repeatedly raised online was the possible effect on families. Critics argued that statements like these could discourage parents from allowing their daughters to study in other cities, potentially limiting their educational and professional opportunities. (Reviewit.pk⁠) The debate also raises a larger question about how society discusses young women living independently. Moving away from home for university or employment can bring genuine challenges, including loneliness, safety concerns, financial pressure and adjusting to an unfamiliar environment. However, those challenges should not automatically be connected to assumptions about a woman’s character. Haq’s professional background has also contributed to the discussion. Medical profiles identify her as an MBBS and FCPS-qualified gynecologist, with certifications in IVF/ICSI as well as laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery. She has been practicing for roughly three decades. (www.marham.pk⁠) Her remarks have therefore attracted attention not only because of their controversial subject matter but also because they came from a respected medical professional and public speaker. Ultimately, the online reaction demonstrates how sensitive conversations surrounding women, education, independence and morality remain in Pakistani society. While concerns about young people’s safety and wellbeing deserve serious discussion, broad claims about an entire group can easily create stigma. The controversy surrounding Dr. Samina Haq’s comments is likely to continue, particularly as social media users debate where parental responsibility, personal freedom and social judgment should intersect. Dr. Samina Haq, a Pakistani gynecologist and fertility specialist with more than 30 years of experience, has sparked a heated debate on social media following remarks about young women living in hostels away from their hometowns. Haq, who is known for discussing women’s health as well as social issues on digital platforms, made the controversial comments during a recent podcast with Main Arsalan. Her remarks focused on young women who move from smaller cities to larger urban areas for higher education or employment. (Reviewit.pk⁠) According to the report, Haq claimed that a “majority” of young women living in hostels while studying or working are involved in earning money through unspecified “other means” at night, while attending university or working regular jobs during the day. The sweeping nature of the statement quickly drew attention online. (Reviewit.pk⁠) The comments have divided social media users. Some people supported Haq and argued that parents should remain involved in their daughters’ lives when they move away for education or employment. Others said that families should be aware of their children’s surroundings and that hostel management and wardens also have an important responsibility. However, many users strongly criticized the statement. Some argued that making such a broad claim unfairly associates female hostel residents with immoral behavior and could damage the reputation of thousands of young women who move to major cities simply to pursue their education or careers. One concern repeatedly raised online was the possible effect on families. Critics argued that statements like these could discourage parents from allowing their daughters to study in other cities, potentially limiting their educational and professional opportunities. (Reviewit.pk⁠) The debate also raises a larger question about how society discusses young women living independently. Moving away from home for university or employment can bring genuine challenges, including loneliness, safety concerns, financial pressure and adjusting to an unfamiliar environment. However, those challenges should not automatically be connected to assumptions about a woman’s character. Haq’s professional background has also contributed to the discussion. Medical profiles identify her as an MBBS and FCPS-qualified gynecologist, with certifications in IVF/ICSI as well as laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery. She has been practicing for roughly three decades. (www.marham.pk⁠) Her remarks have therefore attracted attention not only because of their controversial subject matter but also because they came from a respected medical professional and public speaker. Ultimately, the online reaction demonstrates how sensitive conversations surrounding women, education, independence and morality remain in Pakistani society. While concerns about young people’s safety and wellbeing deserve serious discussion, broad claims about an entire group can easily create stigma. The controversy surrounding Dr. Samina Haq’s comments is likely to continue, particularly as social media users debate where parental responsibility, personal freedom and social judgment should intersect.

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    Aurangzeb, Baker discuss stronger Pak-US economic …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker on Monday to discuss ways to strengthen Pakistan-US economic relations, trade and investment cooperation. According to the Finance Ministry, Aurangzeb briefed the US diplomat on his recent visit to Washington and meetings with senior American officials, including the US Treasury secretary. He also shared details of discussions with officials from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and US Export-Import Bank. The meeting focused on increasing US investment and financing for commercially viable projects in Pakistan. Both sides also discussed improving Pakistan’s access to US markets and expanding Pakistani exports. The two sides agreed to advance a framework aimed at increasing bilateral trade and investment. They also discussed Pakistan’s participation in international capital markets and efforts to diversify the country’s sources of financing. According to the ministry, discussions also covered measures to strengthen foreign exchange reserves and improve Pakistan’s credit profile. Opportunities for greater investment by US financial institutions in Pakistan were reviewed. Cooperation in key sectors, including ports, logistics, energy and telecommunications, also came under discussion. The two sides explored potential collaboration in digital technology and artificial intelligence. Aurangzeb said significant progress had been made in negotiations on a bilateral trade framework between Pakistan and the United States. He said the government was working to create a more favourable environment for private-sector investment. The finance minister welcomed the interest of US companies and investors in Pakistan. He said the government was continuing reforms aimed at improving the business and investment climate. Aurangzeb also briefed the US chargé d’affaires on Pakistan’s new system for daily adjustments in petroleum product prices. He explained that the mechanism was designed to align domestic prices more closely with developments in the international market. He said the government’s priorities included maintaining fiscal discipline, strengthening foreign exchange reserves and increasing exports. He added that reforms were underway to improve economic stability and attract investment. Natalie Baker appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to manage its economic situation during a period of regional tensions. She also praised the country for maintaining economic and financial stability despite rising energy prices.

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    IMF-backed move to End EPZ local sales Quota sparks concerns over textile recycling, jobs

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: A proposed move to withdraw the permission allowing factories operating in Pakistan’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs) to sell up to 20% of their output in the domestic market has triggered concerns among exporters, investors and international textile-recycling organisations, who fear the policy could disrupt investment, employment and a wider global circular-economy supply chain. The controversy has emerged after Pakistan committed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that it would amend the existing rules governing EPZs and prohibit sales from these zones into the domestic tariff area. According to the IMF’s latest programme review, Pakistan has committed to introduce amendments aimed at ending domestic sales by EPZ-based manufacturers. The report states that the amendments were to be placed before the federal cabinet for approval by September 2026. However, exporters and industry representatives have challenged the move, arguing that the existing 80:20 arrangement was part of the investment and regulatory framework under which many businesses established operations in the zones. Under the existing system, EPZ manufacturers can export 80% of their production while selling up to 20% in Pakistan after payment of applicable duties and taxes. Industry stakeholders say the domestic-sale provision is particularly important for products that have limited commercial demand in overseas markets. The proposed abolition has also attracted attention in the United States because American companies supply raw materials and used textiles to Pakistani businesses operating in the EPZs. The US-based Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART) has approached IMF Mission Chief to Pakistan Iva Petrova, warning that eliminating the domestic-sales provision could have consequences extending beyond Pakistan’s industrial sector. The association has argued that Pakistan occupies an important position in the global textile circular economy, particularly in the sorting, grading, reuse and recycling of used textiles collected in North America and Europe. According to SMART, used clothing and textile materials collected in the United States, Canada and European countries are sent to Pakistan, where they are sorted and graded before being channelled into reuse, recycling, manufacturing and affordable consumer markets. The association has warned that ending the 80:20 mechanism could reduce demand for recovered textiles and place downward pressure on their prices. Such a development, it said, could weaken textile-collection programmes in North America and reduce the income generated by charitable organisations from donated clothing. Organisations including Goodwill, the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul depend partly on revenues generated from donated goods to finance a range of social programmes, including workforce training, employment assistance, food support, recovery services, youth programmes and housing assistance. SMART has therefore cautioned that a major disruption in Pakistan’s used-textile market could have financial consequences for charitable organisations in North America, with potential losses running into tens of millions of dollars. The association also warned that reduced demand for used textiles could ultimately result in a greater volume of reusable material being sent to landfills or incinerators rather than being recycled or reused. US exporters raise objections US exporters have also expressed concern over the proposed withdrawal of the 20% domestic-sale allowance. Their concerns are significant because American suppliers form part of the upstream supply chain that feeds Pakistani recycling and manufacturing units located in EPZs. Abid Iqbal, representing Nashmia Industries, said during Express News programme The Review that US exporters had communicated their concerns to Pakistani counterparts. According to Iqbal, US exporters had also been told informally that the IMF itself had not initiated the proposal to remove the 20% quota. The development has consequently raised questions within the industry about how the condition was incorporated into Pakistan’s commitments under the IMF programme and whether sufficient consultation took place with affected stakeholders. Industry representatives have also warned of possible legal and contractual disputes, maintaining that the 20% domestic-sales provision was part of the regulatory and investment framework under which businesses made their investment decisions. They argue that companies entered the zones with an understanding that they would be able to export the bulk of their production while disposing of a limited portion in the domestic market after meeting applicable tax and customs obligations. EPZ rules and proposed amendment The Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) operates under the legal framework established through the EPZ Act of 1980. The law enables the establishment of export processing zones with approval from the federal government. Under Rule 228(5) of the Customs Rules, EPZ-based factories have historically been allowed to sell up to 20% of their production in the domestic tariff area, subject to applicable duties and taxes. A higher limit of 30% had been applicable to the Resalpur area. EPZA has reportedly forwarded a proposal to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to eliminate the 20% quota from October 1 in line with the IMF-related commitment. The proposal, however, has exposed differences within the government over the scope and interpretation of the IMF condition. Proceedings of the Senate Standing Committee on Industries held last month indicate that the Ministry of Industries and Production maintained that abolition of the 20% domestic-sales quota was not included in the original IMF agreement. According to the ministry’s position, the initial IMF requirement was restricted to preventing the introduction of new fiscal incentives, including tax concessions and subsidies, rather than immediately eliminating the existing domestic-sales mechanism. The ministry has reportedly argued that the later addition of the quota-related condition requires further clarification. Assessment of EPZs The issue is also linked to an assessment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and EPZs that Pakistan was required to undertake under the IMF programme. The government engaged consultancy firm AT Kearney to assess the zones and determine whether their operations were creating distortions in the domestic market. According to records presented before the Senate Standing Committee on Industries, the assessment completed last year concluded that EPZs were not creating significant market distortions. The report, according to the parliamentary proceedings, did not recommend withdrawing existing fiscal incentives. The issue has therefore become a point of discussion between government officials and the IMF as authorities seek to reconcile the lender’s programme requirements with

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    PTI to file contempt plea over Imran Khan hospital…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced that it will approach the Supreme Court over what it describes as the government’s failure to implement its order regarding Imran Khan’s transfer to Shifa International Hospital. PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja said the party would file a contempt petition on Saturday. He alleged that the authorities did not comply with the court’s directions and failed to constitute the medical board ordered by the Supreme Court. The development follows the government’s decision to take Imran Khan to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a medical examination instead of Shifa International Hospital. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Imran was taken to PIMS during the night between August 20 and 21 because of security concerns around Shifa Hospital. According to Tarar, doctors from Shifa were present during the examination, while a team comprising specialists examined Imran and declared him medically fit. He said Imran was later taken back to Adiala jail at around 5am. Raja rejected the government’s explanation, saying there was no unusual rush on the roads leading to Shifa. He also claimed that Imran’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, was taken to the hospital in a police-escorted vehicle. The PTI leader said the party’s political and parliamentary committees were meeting to determine its next course of action. He also reiterated that PTI had already announced plans for street protests over the issue. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan separately criticised the government’s handling of the matter. He questioned how political negotiations could continue when, according to him, a clear Supreme Court order had not been implemented. Gohar said the party had been assured that the court’s directions would be followed. He argued that the order clearly required Imran to be shifted to a hospital for treatment and undergo medical tests. He also questioned why the PTI leadership and Imran’s family were not properly informed about the transfer and medical examination. “You do not shake hands like this. Negotiations do not happen like this,” Gohar said while responding to the government’s offer for political dialogue. Speaking in the National Assembly, he warned that PTI could reconsider its participation in Parliament. He said the party would decide within a few days whether it would continue attending the assembly. Opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai also raised questions over the overnight transfer. He said people had expected Imran to be taken to Shifa after the Supreme Court order, but later learned that he had been taken to another hospital. Achakzai expressed concern that elements within the government could be attempting to damage prospects for political dialogue between PTI and the government. The controversy stems from a Supreme Court order issued earlier this week directing that Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for treatment for several days. The court also ordered weekly meetings between Imran and his family and allowed access to his personal physician. The court directed that a medical board comprising an ophthalmologist, general physician and cardiologist be formed, with Dr Faisal Sultan and Imran’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, associated with the process. The Supreme Court also ordered that Imran’s medical reports remain confidential and should not be used for political purposes. It instructed PTI supporters and lawyers not to hold political activities or press conferences outside the hospital.

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    Cabinet clears Rs1.8bn bureaucrats’ allowanc…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The federal cabinet has approved a new Rs1.8 billion special allowance for senior bureaucrats despite continuing austerity measures and limiting the salary increase for government employees to 7% in the 2026-27 federal budget. The decision was taken during the cabinet meeting that approved the federal budget in June. The new benefit is the second special allowance granted to top civil servants in the past four years. It comes at a time when the government is urging public institutions to reduce spending and maintain fiscal discipline. The newly approved incentive has been named the All Pakistan Services Provincial Governments’ Cadre Posts’ Parity Allowance. It will be effective from July 1, 2026. The approved allocation of Rs1.8 billion indicates that the allowance could be close to 100% of an officer’s basic salary, although the government has yet to announce the final rate and eligibility criteria. Officials have not publicly explained why the allowance was introduced or whether any formal study was conducted before approving it. Government departments also did not clarify the exact structure of the benefit. According to officials familiar with the matter, the allowance is intended to reduce differences in salaries and benefits between officers serving in the federal government and those working in provincial governments. Authorities believe many senior officers prefer provincial postings because they receive better financial incentives and additional privileges. The government also wants to encourage members of the Pakistan Administrative Service and the Police Service of Pakistan to continue serving in federal institutions by offering competitive compensation. However, the decision has drawn criticism from observers who argue that the move increases inequality within the public sector. While senior bureaucrats continue to receive additional financial benefits, the majority of government employees have received only a modest salary increase despite rising inflation and increasing living costs. Analysts believe the decision could encourage other civil service groups to demand similar allowances, putting additional pressure on the government’s finances and complicating future pay reforms. The cabinet also approved a major revision to the 150% executive allowance introduced in 2022. Instead of calculating the allowance on the 2017 basic pay scale, it will now be based on officers’ current basic salary as of June 30, 2026. This change will substantially increase payments for officers serving in grades 17 to 22 across key federal institutions. At the same meeting, the government extended austerity measures for another fiscal year. The restrictions include a ban on purchasing new vehicles and non-essential equipment, creating new posts, unnecessary foreign visits, and other non-priority expenditures. Government meetings and official events will continue to follow a simple catering policy.

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