High taxes and energy costs push businesses out of Pakistan

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has unanimously rejected any reported move to separate Haripur and Abbottabad from the province and place them under the administrative control of Islamabad, warning that any such attempt would undermine provincial autonomy and constitutional rights. The resolution was adopted during Friday’s session after Provincial Minister Akbar Ayub presented a strongly worded motion opposing any proposal by the federal government to alter the status of K-P districts, particularly Haripur and Abbottabad. The House declared that all districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are an integral part of the province and cannot be separated under any circumstances. It maintained that changing provincial boundaries for administrative, political or economic purposes, or to gain control over natural resources, would violate the constitutional rights of the province and its people. The resolution specifically highlighted K-P’s water resources, hydropower facilities, mineral wealth, forests and other natural assets, stating that these resources belong constitutionally to the province and its people. Any attempt, directly or indirectly, to take control of these resources was described as unacceptable. The provincial legislature called on the federal government to immediately drop any proposal concerning the separation of the districts and respect the existing constitutional, geographical and administrative status of K-P. The House also urged political parties, lawmakers, constitutional bodies, lawyers, civil society, young people and the media to maintain a united position in protecting the province’s territorial integrity, autonomy and public interests. During the same session, PPP lawmaker Mehr Sultana raised concerns over the lack of effective rules requiring doctors to prescribe medicines using generic names rather than specific brands. She also called for computerized prescriptions to become mandatory, pointing out that unclear handwritten prescriptions can create difficulties for patients and increase the risk of errors. She urged the provincial government to introduce legislation or regulations addressing both issues, with the aim of improving prescription practices and protecting patients.

  Lahore: Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari has said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is fully aware of why the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) harbors resentment toward Punjab, adding that the province’s rapid development has become difficult for its political opponents to accept. Responding to recent statements made by PPP spokespersons in Lahore, Bukhari said that the Punjab government is utilizing public funds for the welfare and development of the people of Punjab, which, according to her, is the real source of the PPP’s criticism. She remarked that the “Nawabs of Larkana” are unable to digest the fact that Punjab’s resources are being spent on improving the lives of its citizens. The Punjab information minister also addressed PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urging him to refrain from promoting what she described as politics of hatred and division. She said that as the chairman of a major political party, Bilawal should be mindful of the responsibilities associated with his position and avoid making statements that could deepen political polarization. Bukhari questioned why PPP representatives from Sindh rarely highlight the performance of their own provincial government. Instead of criticizing Punjab, she suggested, they should focus on informing the public about the achievements and governance record of the Sindh administration, which has remained under PPP leadership for several years. Highlighting the performance of the Punjab government, Bukhari said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ensured that development projects and public resources are distributed across the province without discrimination. According to her, the government has extended development initiatives from Attock in northern Punjab to Rahim Yar Khan in the south, and from Rawalpindi to Vehari, ensuring that all regions benefit equally from provincial resources. She stated that the current administration is committed to improving public services, infrastructure, and the overall quality of life for people across Punjab. Bukhari added that those who are envious of Punjab’s progress and prosperity would continue to criticize, but such criticism would not hinder the government’s commitment to development.   Referring to the PPP’s political standing in Punjab, Bukhari claimed that the party currently ranks fourth in terms of public support in the province. She said this was not the fault of the PML-N but rather a reflection of the people’s confidence in the performance of the provincial government. According to her, Punjab’s residents continue to express satisfaction with the governance and development initiatives undertaken by the PML-N administration. In her remarks, Bukhari also referred to Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, saying that when he visited Lahore to learn from the city’s governance and development model, the Punjab government welcomed him openly. She added that the same level of development, progress, and prosperity witnessed in Punjab should also be achieved in Sindh for the benefit of its people. The minister concluded by reaffirming that the Punjab government remains focused on serving the public through transparent governance and equitable development. She maintained that political criticism would not distract the administration from its objective of ensuring sustained progress and improving living standards throughout the province.

  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.

  Skardu: Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of eight climbers who went missing after a massive avalanche struck Broad Peak, one of the world’s highest mountains, in northern Pakistan. The tragic incident has shocked the international mountaineering community and prompted an extensive search-and-rescue operation in the Karakoram mountain range. According to officials, four additional bodies were located during the latest phase of the rescue mission, bringing the total number of recovered victims to eight. Earlier in the day, rescue teams had already found four bodies in the avalanche-hit area. Of the four bodies recovered most recently, three have been airlifted by helicopter to Skardu for identification and further legal formalities. Rescue authorities are continuing efforts to locate the remaining two missing climbers, despite extremely challenging weather conditions, difficult terrain, and the constant risk of further avalanches. The search operation remains active on Broad Peak, with rescue personnel working around the clock to find the missing mountaineers. Helicopters, local rescue teams, and experienced high-altitude climbers are taking part in the mission, while authorities continue to monitor weather conditions that could affect ongoing operations. Provincial Minister for Tourism Nek Nam Karim said the government is making every possible effort to locate the remaining climbers. He stated that the Tourism Department is providing full logistical support to rescue teams, including transportation, coordination, and essential equipment required for high-altitude search operations. The group of missing climbers represents several countries, highlighting the international nature of mountaineering expeditions in Pakistan. The team includes climbers from the United States, China, Nepal, Oman, and Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, who remains among those unaccounted for. Authorities are maintaining close contact with the embassies of the affected countries and are keeping the families of the climbers informed about developments in the rescue operation. Broad Peak, located in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, is the 12th-highest mountain in the world, standing at ,8047 metres (26,401 feet)above sea level. It lies within the Karakoram mountain range, close to K2, and is regarded as one of the world’s most demanding climbing destinations. Every year, experienced mountaineers from across the globe travel to Pakistan in an attempt to summit the towering peak. However, climbing Broad Peak is extremely hazardous. Mountaineers face unpredictable weather, heavy snowfall, strong winds, crevasses, and the constant threat of avalanches. Even highly skilled climbers can find themselves in life-threatening situations due to rapidly changing mountain conditions. The latest tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the dangers associated with high-altitude mountaineering. Rescue officials have acknowledged that operations at such elevations are exceptionally difficult because of thin air, freezing temperatures, and limited access to the affected areas. As the search for the remaining missing climbers continues, hopes remain that rescue teams may still locate them. At the same time, condolences continue to pour in for the victims and their families. The incident has once again highlighted both the breathtaking beauty and the unforgiving dangers of Pakistan’s towering Karakoram mountains, where adventure and risk often go hand in hand.

  Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has urged the federal government to address the ongoing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) through dialogue, stressing that reconciliation is the only path to a lasting solution. In a video message shared on the party’s X account on Saturday, Fazlur Rehman called on the government and state institutions to recognise the seriousness of the situation instead of responding with force. He said authorities should work to restore peace and stability rather than allowing further bloodshed. “The government and state institutions must understand the gravity of the crisis. Instead of turning our homeland into a place of violence, they should focus on healing divisions through meaningful dialogue,” he said. His remarks came after violent clashes were reported in Rawalakot between law enforcement personnel and protesters affiliated with the banned Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Reports circulating on social media claimed multiple casualties and injuries, with both security officials and the JAAC alleging loss of lives. Fazlur Rehman said the JAAC’s sit-in had continued for more than two months. He recalled that after tensions intensified on June 5, the committee had formally requested him to mediate between the protesters and the government. According to him, he accepted the role and remained in contact with both sides through JUI-F AJK chief Maulana Saeed Yousaf Khan and Sardar Kamran Azam Khan. The JUI-F chief expressed concern over the situation faced by residents of AJK, saying people expect their government to protect them rather than leave them living in fear. He alleged that women, children and families had endured months of insecurity while the authorities failed to address their concerns. He further claimed that force had been used against unarmed protesters and alleged that, according to the information available to him, the death toll had reached around 80 people. However, no official confirmation has been issued regarding that figure. Despite the violence, Fazlur Rehman appealed to the JAAC leadership and protesters to remain peaceful and avoid any action that could worsen the situation. He urged them to allow more time for mediation efforts, expressing hope that a fair and lasting political settlement could still be achieved. He also criticised the government’s approach, claiming that although the protesters had shown confidence in his mediation efforts, the authorities had not taken the initiative seriously and had instead relied on force rather than negotiations. Warning of wider implications, Fazlur Rehman said the movement had gained support across Kashmir as well as among Pakistanis and the Kashmiri diaspora, particularly in Europe. The recent violence has drawn condemnation from political parties and human rights organisations. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed deep concern over reports of deaths and injuries, stressing that maintaining law and order should never come at the expense of the right to life or the freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression. The commission called for a prompt, impartial and independent investigation into the incidents. Opposition parties, including PTI, also demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the clashes, while other political groups criticised what they described as the excessive use of force against protesters. The current dispute is linked to long-standing demands by the JAAC, which has been seeking constitutional and governance reforms in AJK. Among its key demands are the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly allocated to Kashmiri refugees and the removal of the existing quota system. Although the government and the JAAC reached an agreement after protests last year to establish a high-level committee to review the issue of refugee seats, negotiations have since stalled. The JAAC continues to insist on abolishing the reserved seats, while the government remains opposed to the proposal.