Indian activist held over shocking protest comments

  The Sindh provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has approved the imposition of a toll tax on heavy commercial vehicles using the Mehran Highway. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting as part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to establish a sustainable financial system for the maintenance and development of road infrastructure across Sindh. According to the cabinet’s decision, the toll tax will apply exclusively to heavy and commercial vehicles traveling on the 135-kilometer-long Mehran Highway. Private passenger vehicles will not be subject to the new toll under the current policy. Officials stated that commercial transport vehicles place greater pressure on road infrastructure due to their size and weight, making it appropriate for them to contribute to the highway’s maintenance through toll payments. During the meeting, cabinet members received a detailed briefing on the ongoing development of the Mehran Highway. Officials informed the cabinet that the project to expand the highway into a dual carriageway is currently underway at an estimated cost of Rs41 billion. The project is intended to improve road safety, increase transportation efficiency, reduce travel time, and accommodate the growing volume of traffic, particularly heavy commercial vehicles that regularly use the route for the movement of goods. The briefing also highlighted the expected financial benefits of the toll collection system. It was estimated that the toll tax would generate approximately Rs2.14 billion in annual gross revenue. After deducting operational and administrative expenses associated with collecting the toll, the government expects a net annual income of around Rs1.48 billion. These funds are intended to support the regular maintenance, repair, and future upgrading of the highway, ensuring that it remains in good condition for years to come. The cabinet further approved a schedule of toll charges based on different categories of vehicles. Under this system, toll rates will vary according to the type, size, and classification of each vehicle. Heavy trucks, trailers, buses, and other commercial transport vehicles will be charged according to predetermined rates. Officials explained that this category-based approach is designed to make the toll system fair and proportionate, with larger vehicles contributing more because of the greater wear and tear they cause to road infrastructure. In another significant administrative decision, the Sindh cabinet approved the restoration of the traditional name of the provincial department responsible for road construction and public infrastructure. The department, which had previously been renamed the Works and Services Department will once again be known as the Communication and Works Department. The government stated that the name change is intended to align Sindh’s administrative structure with that of the federal government and other provinces, where the department is commonly known by the same title. Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized that the Sindh government is committed to introducing a self-sustaining financial model for the long-term maintenance of highways and road networks. He said that relying solely on government budget allocations is not sufficient to meet the increasing costs of maintaining modern transportation jobs infrastructure. According to him, the introduction of toll collection on major highways will provide a stable source of revenue that can be reinvested directly into road maintenance and improvement projects. The Chief Minister added that better roads are essential for economic growth, trade, and public safety. By ensuring a reliable funding mechanism for highway upkeep, the government aims to enhance transportation services, reduce infrastructure deterioration, and improve connectivity throughout the province. The approval of the toll tax and the continuation of the Mehran Highway expansion project represent important steps toward achieving these long-term development objectives while promoting a more efficient and financially sustainable road network in Sindh.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken strict notice of the participation of several former Pakistani cricketers in the Asian Legends League 2026 being held in Zambia, warning that players who take part in unapproved overseas events without obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) will face disciplinary action. According to the PCB, the tournament has not received official approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Reports also indicate that the Zambia Cricket Union has not formally sanctioned the event. Under ICC regulations, current and former players are required to obtain permission from their home cricket board before participating in overseas cricket competitions. The board emphasized that compliance with ICC rules is mandatory and that any violation could result in serious consequences. The PCB stated that individuals who participated in the unapproved league without prior approval would be subject to disciplinary measures in accordance with existing regulations. As part of the announced penalties, those found in violation may be denied an NOC for participation in any overseas cricket league for up to two years. In addition, they may become ineligible for assignments associated with the Pakistan Cricket Board and the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) during the same period. The restrictions could extend beyond playing opportunities and also apply to coaching, mentoring, commentary, administrative roles, and other official responsibilities offered by the PCB. The board said these measures are intended to protect the integrity of cricket administration and ensure compliance with international governance standards. The ICC has also reportedly advised its member cricket boards to take appropriate action against players who participate in unauthorized cricket events. Such guidance aims to maintain uniform enforcement of regulations governing international and domestic cricket activities. Reaffirming its commitment to global cricket regulations, the PCB urged all current and former Pakistani cricketers to obtain the necessary NOC before accepting invitations to participate in overseas tournaments. The board stressed that prior approval is essential regardless of the format or location of the competition. The PCB further stated that it will continue working closely with the ICC and other member boards to ensure consistent implementation of international cricket regulations. Officials believe that adherence to these rules is necessary to preserve the credibility of the sport and maintain professional standards across all levels of cricket. The latest warning serves as a reminder that participation in overseas leagues must follow established approval procedures. The PCB has encouraged players to verify the official status of tournaments and secure the required permissions before committing to any international cricket event to avoid disciplinary action.